Adopt a Constellation

PURPOSE:
To creatively apply knowledge, labs/activities, and skills performed and acquired in this course; to weave the
semester together and finish it in a fun way!

OBJECTIVES:
1. Develop a greater understanding of the unifying principles related to the study of Astronomy.
2. Apply prior knowledge of Astronomy, skills developed during the semester, and class activities to
compare and contrast different constellation patterns and characteristics.
3. Identify and explain different stellar properties in the assigned constellation.
4. Gather information regarding deep sky objects within the assigned constellation, analyze it, and
present it in a logical format.
5. Challenge creative abilities to artistically construct the project, actively focusing on the
science of the constellation

Adopt a Constellation
PROJECT GUIDELINES:
Steps:
Read through Required Information, Format, and Resources.
Research/gather information.
Keep track of your sources
Create presentation in acceptable format.

FORMAT:
Your presentation will be displayed on our class website!

Log in: weebly.com

Username: erica@tywls-astoria.org
Password: TYWLS2017

CONSTELLATION/STELLAR PROPERTIES
Constellation Name and Boundary
Dates and Time of when constellation is best viewed from New York
Brief history of this constellation
Visible planets/time of visibility (if your constellation is on the ecliptic)

TEN BRIGHTEST STARS-H-R DIAGRAM

Name (give each star a letter code)

Magnitude
Distance from Sun
Size Compared to the Sun
Color
Temperature
Luminosity
 DEEP SKY OBJECTS
MINIMUM OF 3 Deep Sky Objects (Groups of Three-5 Objects) found in constellation
Images
Location in constellation
MINIMUM OF 2 paragraphs of information for each object

A CLOSER LOOK
Choose one (Group of Three-2 Objects) Deep Sky Object or planet (if applicable) to
analyze and explain in detail.
Myth
Research the myths surround your constellation. Be sure to answer the following questions:

Summarize the myth (you may find multiple versions)

What is the purpose of your myth? (to explain natural phenomena, to teach people
moral lessons, to explain some historical event?)
Who is the main character? supporting characters? Their name and purpose

3-D MODEL
Represent your constellation in 3D
Label each of the ten brightest starts with a letters
Choose any example provided or one you choose
Make sure the distances and heights are as accurate as possible

RESOURCES
List of sources with in-text citations
Outcome Target Not Yet Meets Standards Exceeds Standards

Collaborate: Participates ___Student demonstrates an ___Student consistently demonstrates an

positively, actively, and equal distribution of workload
effectively and ideas
___ Student demonstrates clear
open-mindedness and respect of
all students
equal distribution of workload and ideas
___ Student consistently demonstrates
clear open-mindedness and respect of all
students and ability to work effectively to
reach goal(s)

Communicate: Produces __ Use transitional phrases to __ Concise writing-avoids irrelevant

clear and organized writing link sentences and ideas information and repetition
__Connect new information and __ Break long sentences into shorter ones
ideas to the central idea

Create: A model that ___Student can create an ___Student can create an accurate model
represents a scientific accurate model that that applies scientific concepts to show an
concept demonstrates understanding of advanced/detailed product.
scientific concept

Investigate: ___Student has incorporated __Student has incorporated a variety of

Conducts research project information from reliable sources. information from reliable sources.
to answer a question
___Work Cited page is attached. ___Work Cited page is attached.

Plan: Develop and clarify ___ Student meets most ___ Consistently meets all deadlines.
goals and make deliberate deadlines.
plans for how to achieve
them
Resources
StarryNight software
Websites:
http://www.astro.uiuc.edu/~kaler/sow/sow.html
http://www.astro.wisc.edu/~dolan/constellations/constellations.html
http://www.seds.org/messier/
http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/apod/apod_search
http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/C/constell.html
(Good constellation boundary source!)
http://einstein.stcloudstate.edu/Dome/constellns/constlist.html
http://nedwww.ipac.caltech.edu/
http://www.intint.com/andy/gallery.html
http://hubblesite.org/newscenter
http://www.ccs.k12.in.us/chsES/Turner/adopt_a_constellation_final_project.htm
http://www.dibonsmith.com/menu.htm http://www.allthesky.com/constellations/const.html
http://www.hawastsoc.org/deepsky/lists.html http://members.nova.org/~sol/chview/chv5.htm