*Star Party*
Introduction:
“The stars at night, are big and bright,
Deep in the heart of
Have you ever looked up at the sky at night and wondered: What is that bright object? What is the name for that cluster of stars? Can I see other planets? When will I be able to see a meteor shower? Wow, the moon looks huge as it is rising tonight, why is that?
Your family and friends have
probably asked similar questions. You can find the answers to these questions;
then dazzle your family and friends with your knowledge by having your very own
star party.
Task:
Plan a star party.
You will be given several topics to research. As a group, divide the topics amongst yourselves. Once you have your topic, you will go to the websites provided to gather information. You may print information, pictures and diagrams. Don’t forget to take notes.
After you are satisfied with the information you have gathered, come back together as a group to share what you have learned. After sharing, you will organize all the information and pictures into a portfolio. All topics should be included in the portfolio. A copy of the contents of the portfolio will be given to each student.
Write a plan for your star party. Things to consider as you write this plan: Where will I have my star party? Why? Who will I invite to my star party? Why? What will we do at my star party? How? When will I have my star party? Why? Don’t forget to list the names of the constellations, planets and stars that you want to show your family and friends. Have fun and be creative.
Process:
1. Each of you will become an “expert” on one of the topics below by visiting the websites provided.
*Stars*
Which stars can we see from
You may use the Astronomy magazine “Sky Guide 2009” provided in the classroom for star charts. You will find information relating to your topic at the following websites:
www.midnightkite.com/starcharts.html
www.solarviews.com/eng/solarsys.htm
*Planets*
Which planets can we see from
You will find information relating to your topic at the following websites:
www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/planets
*Meteor Showers*
What is a meteor shower? What are the names of meteor showers common to our area? When can we see a meteor shower? Where is the best place to watch a meteor shower? You will find information related to your topic at the following websites:
www.stardate.org/nightsky/meteors
www.solarviews.com/eng/solarsys.htm
*Moon*
What are the different phases of the moon? When do the different phases occur? What is an eclipse? When is the next eclipse scheduled to occur? What is a blue moon? Why does the moon look so big sometimes? Why does the moon sometimes look orange? You can find information related to your topic at the following websites:
www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy
*Weather Conditions & Star Gazing Tips*
What type of weather is the best for viewing the night sky? During which phases of the moon is the best for star gazing? Which time of the year is the best for viewing the night sky? What are a few good tips for star gazing? You can find information relating to your topic at the following websites:
www.stardate.org
Don’t limit yourself. Feel free to collect information and photos of your topic that you find interesting. If you have questions or just “get stuck” while working on this assignment, please ask questions! I will be here to help you navigate the websites and answer any questions you may have.
2. Each of you will share what you have learned about your topic with your classmates. As a group, organize all of your information and photos in a portfolio. Be sure information on each topic is included.
3. Each of you will write a plan for your star party. Be sure to answer the who, what, when, where, why, and how questions listed in the task portion of this assignment. A couple of other things to consider: What objects can I see with the naked eye? What objects can I see with binoculars? Do I know anyone with a telescope in their closet? What objects do I really want to see? What time of year and what time of night is the best time for me to see these objects?
Resources:
· www.midnightkite.com/starcharts.html
· www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy
· www.solarviews.com/eng/solarsys.htm
· www.stardate.org/nightsky/meteors
· Astronomy magazine “Sky Guide 2009”
Evaluation:
Did you find information and pictures for your topic? Did you share the information and pictures with your classmates? Did you organize a usable portfolio with your classmates? Did you write a plan for your star party? Congratulations! You have successfully completed this assignment.
Conclusion:
You have each taken the time to research your topic,
gather information pertinent to your topic, share information with your
classmates, organize a portfolio, and write a plan for your star party. Your family
and friends will appreciate all your work when you show them all the delightful
sights to see in the night sky right here in
Credits:
“Deep in the Heart of Texas”, lyrics written by June Hershey, 1941.
Suggestions For Creating Related Webquests:
1. Compare/contrast Titan with Earth. What is Titan? Where is Titan? How are Titan and Earth alike? How are Titan and Earth different? Students write a compare/contrast essay.
2. You are among the scientists who have argued for years over whether or not Pluto is a planet. Choose a side: Pluto is a planet. Pluto is not a planet. Do a little research and write an argument to support your choice.
3. The stars are suspended on strings that are pulled up in the daytime and let down at night. - Babylonia Mythology, 3000BC.
Look at the stars!
Look, look up at the skies!
O look at all the fire-folk
Sitting in the air! – Horace (65-8 BC)
Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven.
Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels.
-Longfellow (1807-1882)
Students explore how the moon, planets, stars and sun have been influential to humans in many ways. Just how have humans used these heavenly bodies?
Areas to explore include art, poetry, songwriting, mythology, religion, navigation, and astronomy. Can you think of others? Choose one that is of interest to you. Do some research. Write a paper. Present paper to class.