LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

Learning SCIENCE Grade &

Area Section
Name Quarter THIRD

Activity # 1: Movement of Constellations

Objectives:
a. use a planisphere to locate stars and constellations for any Date and time of the year.
b. explain how the night sky changes through the seasons (different months).
Unlocking of Terms:
Horizon - The horizon or skyline is the apparent line that separates earth from sky, the line that divides all visible
directions into two categories: those that intersect the Earth's surface, and those that do not. Zenith - The zenith is an
imaginary point directly "above" a particular location, on the imaginary celestial sphere.
Procedure:
1. Cut the planisphere on the next page. Cut around the outside of planisphere and cut out the white inner oval to make
a hole in the middle. Fold the grey area on the dotted lines shown. (cut the planisphere before proceeding.
2. Cut around the outside of star map. (look at page after the planisphere).
3. Place the star map into the planisphere pocket. Swivel the star map around to line up the date and the time to the
day you are outside.
4.Identify where North and South are on the planisphere. Stand facing South (real South: as a guide, sun rises from the
East or use compass to locate South), looking down at the planisphere so that North is at the top facing away from
you. Lift the planisphere above your head and the white disk area will show you the stars in the night sky.
Guide Questions:
Write your answers on a separate paper.
1. Find the horizon on the planisphere. Describe its position._______________.
2. Rotate the planisphere until today’s date (example: today is March 30). Align the time 9 pm to today’s date. Find
North, South, East and West. Name a constellation found on the:
a. Northern horizon _____________ b. Eastern Horizon
c. Southern horizon___________ d. Western horizon ___________
3. Where is your Zenith? ______________________________ What constellation is at your Zenith tonight at 9 pm?
__________________
4. Rotate your planisphere so that stars travel from East to West. Name 5 constellations that do not go below the
horizon. These are the circumpolar constellations:
a._________
b.________
c._________
d.________
e. __________
5. Locate Orion on the planisphere. What time will it rise tonight?
_________ When will it be in the southern sky? ____________When will it set tonight.? ___