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Silly Science--Star Maps
Materials oatmeal box or 12" section of mailing tube for each child
(toilet tissue rolls may be used if necessary, but they are harder to work with than the larger sized tubes)
markers or crayons
construction paper
glue
waste corrugated cardboard
a large needle or an ice pick--FOR ADULT USE ONLY!
(The group leader may wish to prepare steps 1 and 2 in advance.)
- On black or dark blue construction paper, draw a circle about 1" larger all around than the end of the tube you are using. Cut out wedge shaped pieces around the edge of the circle so that you can glue it to the end of the tube.
- Place the construction paper circle on a piece of waste cardboard and poke holes in a random pattern across the circle. Make some of the holes larger than others. The children may wish to make line drawings of constellations (real or imaginary) for you to follow with the holes.
- Glue the circle to the end of your cardboard tube. Fold down the wedge-shaped pieces and glue them to the sides of the tube. Set aside so that the glue can dry.
- Have the children decorate a piece of construction paper with the markers or crayons. They may wish to draw designs of stars and moons.
- Glue the decorated sheet to the outside of the cardboard tube, covering the wedge-shaped pieces.
- Children look into their telescopes to see the "stars in the sky". Pointing the telescope towards a light source will make the "stars" more visible.
OR Place a flashlight into the tube and shine it against the wall in a darkened room. You will be able to see the star map you have made.
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