Star Light, Star Bright...

As part of our study on space, first graders have been learning about stars. Our most recent lesson focused on why we can't see the stars during the day.  Students wondered where they go and why do they disappear?  So, we did some investigating. 

First, each student got to make their own Big Dipper constellation on the bottom of a paper cup.  Using a pattern and a push pin, students poked holes in the cup to create their stars. 

Next, we turned off the lights and used our flashlights to project our stars onto the table top.  Pretty cool!!

Finally onto the day and night question.  Using a picture of a landscape, students projected their stars onto the paper to simulate the nighttime sky.  Their partner then used a second flashlight to act as the sun light.  They made the sun light rise and set.  This was a wonderful way to see why we can't usually see the stars during the day - they are still there but it is just too bright to see them.