Your Name ______________________ Your Teacher ______________________

Stars and Constellations - Pattern Recognition

(Using Netscape, print at 85%)

PURPOSE

Learning to identify constellations in the real sky requires knowing when and where to look for recognizable patterns of stars. The FCPS Starfinder will help you to determine when and where to look for your constellation; this activity will help you to become more familiar with the pattern of stars for your constellation.

PROCEDURE

  1. In the box to the right, use dots and dashed lines to draw a "connect-a-dot" picture of your constellation. Use dots to represent stars; use dashed lines to connect the stars in a recognizable pattern.

  2. Label the names of the brightest stars in your constellation (as shown on the FCPS Starfinder); learn to pronounce their names.

  3. Use three-letter abbreviations to list all of the months during which your constellation is visible in the night sky. List the months chronologically, e.g., NOV, DEC, JAN, FEB, MAR, APR.

  4. Use the Internet to research the mythology associated with your constellation.



Constellation Name (above)
Constellation Drawing (below)


















Months when Visible:



ASSOCIATED MYTHOLOGY (script for 1-2 minute presentation)












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