3-D Model of the Big Dipper
In outer space, you might not recognize the Big Dipper. The stars that form this constellation exist in 3-D not 2-D—so the star pattern changes with your viewpoint. Take another look at the Big Dipper.
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More About This Resource...
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Students see firsthand that stars and constellations are not arranged in a flat, 2-D pattern in this Moveable Museum unit. The five-page PDF guide includes:
- Educator materials—general background readings, activity notes, step-by-step directions, and a Big Dipper map.
- Introducing the Big Dipper procedure—students review what they know about constellations and the Big Dipper.
- Making the Mobile procedure—students make their own 3-D models of the Big Dipper using readily available materials.
- Hang and View the Mobile procedure—students examine their models, observing the 3-D constellation from new perspectives.
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Completion Time
Less than a week
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Topic
Astronomy -
Subtopic
Stars -
Subtopic
National Science Education Standards
Grades K-4:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B:
• position and motion of objects
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• objects in the sky
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• science as a human endeavor
Grades 5-8:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B:
• transfer of energy
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• earth in the solar system
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• science as a human endeavor• nature of science
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Learning Standard
National Science Education Standards
Grades K-4:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B:
• position and motion of objects
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• objects in the sky
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• science as a human endeavor
Grades 5-8:
Science as Inquiry CONTENT STANDARD A:• abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry• understanding about scientific inquiry
Physical Science CONTENT STANDARD B:
• transfer of energy
Earth and Space Science CONTENT STANDARD D:
• earth in the solar system
History and Nature of Science CONTENT STANDARD G:
• science as a human endeavor• nature of science
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