Introduction

• Have you ever taken a moment to gaze into the night sky? Well, if you haven’t…this is your chance to discover the amazing wonders of the night sky. Take the time to look at all the billions of stars in the night sky. Have you ever noticed that these stars form specific formations? These formations are called constellations. On your WebQuest journey you will discover some of these constellations. You will find the answers to such questions as, “What are the names of the constellations?” and “What stars make up the constellations?”

Task

• In the activity you are going to have to explore the internet to find out what certain constellations look like, the names of the stars they are made of, and when they are most visible in the sky. You will then display your findings in a book that will be the final product of this assignment.

Process

·       1. For this project you will be working independently. Choose 5 constellations to conduct your research on. You may choose from a list provided or find ones of your own (i.e. Orion, Sagittarius, Ursa Major, Summer Triangle, Leo).

·       2. Using the Internet, search online for information on your constellations. When doing your research you want to be able to answer the following questions:

a.     What is the name of your constellation?

b.     Where did its name originate from?

c.     What major stars can be found in this constellation?

d.     When is the constellation most visible?

• Once you have found the answers to the given questions, you will then transfer your answers into your constellation book (this will be provided by the teacher). When completing your constellation book, you want to make sure that you are doing your best work. You will also need to provide a hand drawn picture of each constellation in your book.

Resources

·       You will have access to the computer lab to search the internet for information and books in the library. The teacher will also provide outside resources for the students to use (i.e. other books not at school, pictures of constellations, example of a previous project, etc.).

·       Start here

·       Look here too!!

Evaluation

• You will be evaluated on your use of time on the project, your accuracy of information on your constellations, neatness and the thoroughness of your constellation book.

Conclusion

·       By the end of this project you will have a better understanding of some constellations and the stars in the sky. I hope you have enjoyed your exploration of the constellations and the billions of stars in our sky! Take a further step and discover the story and history behind your constellations.