Overview
The sky is a reliable means of finding one’s directions from anywhere on earth. During the daytime, the sun can be used to locate east, south and west by where it rises, its highest point and where it sets. At night, the star Polaris (North Star) is used to find north. The pointer stars of the Big Dipper help locate Polaris, which is part of the Little Dipper.
The earth’s constant rotation causes the sun and the stars to appear to move in predictable ways that reveal the four main directions. Constellation pictures and myths are an historical and entertaining way of learning about the stars. A Sundial is demonstrated and how it is related to finding directions and telling time.

Objectives
• The students will be able to relate the motion of the earth to the motion of objects in the sky.
• The students will identify the four main directions by using the position and motion of the sun and stars.
• The students will recognize the Big and Little Dippers and be able to locate the star Polaris.
• The students will be able to describe the sun as a star.
• The students will be introduced to the use of a sundial.
• The students will be able to relate a constellation to mythology.

Science Standards
• Motion of objects in the sky (day and night)
• The sun is a star
• Location and motion of objects in the sky (stars, sun, moon)
• Phases of the moon (in activity book)

Vocabulary
Direction, Horizon, North, South, East, West, Shadow, Sundial, Rotation, Constellation, Myth, Legend, Star

Activity Book (Table of Contents)
• The Stars: story
• The Star Dipper: story
• Word Puzzle: English/Spanish vocabulary
• Fill in the Blanks: vocabulary
• Big Bear’s Tail: Dot-to-dot, story
• Make your own constellation!: craft activity
• Make Your Own Sundial: paper/scissor activity
• Dipper Finder: craft activity
• Origami Star Finder Game: paper activity/game
• Phases of the Moon: craft activity
• Oreo Moon Phases: food/craft activity
• Color the Sun and Moon: coloring
• Astronaut Maze: maze
• Ursa Major, “The Great Bear”: story, dot-to-dot