Make Window Constellations

What You Need:

• White copy paper
• Clipboard
• Black construction paper
• White crayon or piece of light-colored chalk
• Pencil
• Drawing compass with sharp point
• Tape

What You Do:

1. On a clear, dark evening, take your child outdoors to stargaze. Help them locate an easy-to-spot constellation, such as the Big Dipper.
2. Attach the white paper to the clipboard and have your child use a pencil to draw the constellation, dot-to-dot style. Bring the constellation drawing inside and place it on top of the black construction paper. Use tape to secure the two pieces of paper together.
3. Adults: Use the pointed end of the compass to poke through the dots that your child drew on the white paper. Be sure to poke all the way through both layers of paper.
4. Remove the white paper. Have your child use a white crayon or a piece of chalk to connect the dots on the black paper. Assist your child in writing the name of the constellation at the bottom of the paper. Consult a star chart if necessary.
5. Finally, use tape to hang the black paper constellation on window, where the sun can shine through the holes and make the stars twinkle in the daylight. Children can enjoy the beauty and wonder of the night sky during the day, while using their artwork to remember the constellation they observed.