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Marshmallow Constellations

Lesson plan developed by Ms. Erika Geelhoed, BA Ed
Age Group:
School-Age
Marshmallow Constellations
Marshmallow Constellations
* Lesson plan objective and assessment can be adapted to use this activity with preschoolers.
Objectives:  
  • Student will create a unique piece of artwork
  • Student will tell about their work and the creative process
  • Student will 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
Online Early Childhood Courses
Click on the course icon for enrollment information.
Picture
Bullying: Identification and Prevention $10.50
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Child Self Esteem $10.50
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 students to name and possibly draw a few of them.  Encourage students 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 their classmates. Meet with students 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 students that have some background with constellations. This is not intended to be an introductory lesson. 
Assessment: 
  • Observe and record student’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 their classmates. 
Click on the photos to enlarge.

    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. 
Objects in Space
Nine collected titles including 1000 Facts About Space and Black Holes and Other Space Phenomena will quench your students’ thirst for solutions to the mysteries of space.
Grades 3–5
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