The following activities spark the interest of children and adults and even the small success of finding the northern star is awe inspiring and motivation to continue the process Observers of the ancient sky saw patterns in the stars. From these designs rose the rich stories which incorporated the beliefs and traditions of cultures like the Greeks and later the Native Americans. These mythologies can guide us in creating experiences or our own, they challenge us to see what was seen and then to look further, and in doing so find new patterns appropriate to our own time. Nightly observations, at the same time each evening, encourage students to note characteristics of the stars, and their relative positions. Initial homework assignments should include keeping a journal on observations of color, brightness, and patterns.
Children can then create stories that correspond to their own view of the sky.
Later assignments should incorporate the use of their own class made star maps. Individually or as a group assign the students to research these constellations and write a summary of each of their origins. These finished reports can be grouped on the bulletin board for later reference when completing star maps. Work through these activities using a blank starfield and the Sky calender from Abrams. A little practice and you will be as excited as the kids.