Marshmallow Constellations S

Lesson Plan:

Activity:

Marshmallow Constellations

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed

Age Group:

School-Age

* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with preschoolers.

Objectives:

Children will:

create a unique piece of artwork.
tell about their work and the creative process.
connect their artwork with real life situations.

Washington Common Core Standard

EALR 1

The Washington State K–12 Arts Learning Standards

EALR 1: The student understands and applies arts knowledge and skills in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.

Component 1.2: Develops arts skills and techniques.

o Applies, experiences, and practices basic arts skills and techniques in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts.

EALR 4

EALR 4: Earth and Space Science Big Idea: Earth in Space (ES1) Core Content: Observing the Sun and Moon

K-1 ES1A

o Many things can be seen in the sky. Some change minute by minute, while others move in patterns that can be seen if they are observed day after day

Marshmallow Constellations

Marshmallow Constellation

Materials:

mini-marshmallows
tooth picks
sample pictures of constellations
constellation journal

Procedure:

Begin the lesson by having a class discussion about constellations.
You can ask the children to name and possibly draw a few of them.
Encourage the children to create constellations using the marshmallows, tooth picks, and sample pictures of real constellations.
They can also create their own and tell about them to the other children.
Meet with the children when finished and have them attempt to find the constellations they created in the night sky for homework.
They can record their observations and thoughts in a constellation journal.

**This activity is designed for the children that have some background with constellations. This is not intended to be an introductory lesson.

Assessment:

Observe and record the children’s actions during the activity. What did they have to say about the activity and finished piece? Give them an opportunity to share their journals with the other children.

Online Early Childhood Education

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Books About Space for Kids

The New York Public Library Amazing Space: A Book of Answers for Kids
by Ann-Jeanette Campbell
Arranged into nine general categories, this handy volume presents thorough information on topics like galaxies and space exploration. Includes a helpful glossary.
Grades 5–8

The Kids Book of the Night Sky
by Anne Love and Jane Drake, and illustrated by Heather Collins.
It has mythological stories about where the constellation names and pictures come from.

Space!: The Universe as You've Never Seen It Before (Knowledge Encyclopedias)
by DK Children

Scholastic Atlas of Space
Here’s your one stop for space information including star charts, photos and illustrations, and facts about what’s far, far away.
Grades 2–5