Little Discoveries
Constellation Viewer
Poke star patterns into cups and shine them on the ceiling.
Ages 9 to 12
30 minutes
Save as PDF from your print menu.
Get ready
5 minutes. Look up a few constellations in a book.
What you’ll need
Paper cups, a pushpin, a pencil and a flashlight.
Let’s play
1. Draw a constellation like the Big Dipper on the bottom of a cup.
2. Poke each star with a pushpin.
3. Shine a flashlight through it in a dark room.
4. Go outside on a clear night and find the real one.
Your part in the adventure
Help with the pushpin and play stargazing guide.
What they’re discovering
They’re learning star patterns and connecting a model to the real sky.
Before you begin
An adult should handle the pushpin with younger kids.
Keep the idea going
Make up your own constellation and its legend.
Every child is different. Adjust activities for their age and abilities, and stay close by. These are play ideas, not medical or developmental advice.