El universe world It's fascinating and interesting for many people, but it's largely unknown to children. For this reason, we need to make them aware that there's not just this world they live in, but a whole universe beyond this one.
For children, words are not always enough; being able to show it to him is much more interesting and striking, and one way to show it to him is through crafts. In addition, through them they can see their motor skills.
Today we show you this easy craft to make in which children can learn the different constellations visually from the sky to make them aware that, in the blanket of stars, appear figures and patterns wonderful tools that help you find your way around and understand basic astronomy.
Materials
- Constellation template.
- 2 cork circles.
- Round-headed, colored pins.
- Elastic bands.
- Scissors.
- Glue gun.
- Glue.
- Makeup sponges.
Process
The first thing to do is print the constellation map that we've provided in the link. This is a small one so children can see it in general.
Then we will cut the template and stick it on one of the circular cork boards and let it dry for at least half an hour.
Then we will apply silicone on the second cork circumference and we will stick it on the support of the previous constellation map and let it dry for a few hours.
Finally, there is only drive the pins at different points and place the elastic bands. This way, children can visually see the layout of each constellation. Safety advice: use large pins and supervises the little ones at all times.
What do they learn with this craft?
- Fine motor: Poking pins and stretching rubber bands improves grip and hand-eye coordination.
- Spatial intelligence: recognize dot patterns and joining them develops spatial vision.
- Creativity: Choosing colors of pinheads and rubber bands allows customize constellations.
- Scientific vocabulary: terms like constellation, star or celestial orientation.
Approximate age: From 5 years With help, older elementary school students can complete the board independently.
Variation with stickers: constellations for Primary School
Print sheets and use star stickers to mark the stitches. Start at one end on denser models (such as Orion) and follow the guidelines. It includes classic constellations such as Big Dipper, Little Dipper, Cassiopeia y Andromeda, alternating them according to difficulty. For greater durability, use heavy-weight A4 cardboardIf you need to save ink, prepare a version in black and white and place yellow stickers. Extra activity for older children: writing numbers of stars with marker on white corrector or with small labels.
Homemade educational planisphere
Download a planisphere in PDF, cut out the cover and disc, and adjust it to the solar timeIn the Peninsula, it is usually necessary subtract 1 hour in winter y 2 in summer with respect to the official clock. Hold the planisphere with the North facing North of the horizon to identify which constellations are visible at that time.
Other astronomy crafts to expand the project
- Flour Moon: flour + baby oil in a mold; drop in stones to simulate craters.
- stargazer: cardboard tube with perforated template; look towards the light and you will discover stellar figures.
- Planets with balloons: dotted with “stars” with a brush and stamping of painted balloons.
- Edible constellations: sticks Pretzel like lines and clouds of sugar like stars.
- Planets of wool and cardboard: perimeter slots and rolled up with colored threads.
- Moon phases: circles around a central Moon to represent phases with paint.
Once completed, they can decorate the wall with cardboard or foam board. You can also create a little corner of space in the classroom or at home to display work.
This project turns learning about the sky into an experience practical and funStart with a corkboard and, if you like, add a sticker variant, a quick world map, and some extra crafts: children connect scientific concepts with concrete actions while having fun creating.
