Using a photocopied version of a star guide (or the templates provided by NASA), cut out a constellation and place it on the bottom of a film canister. Now, using a pushpin, punch a small hole through the paper and the canister for each star in the pattern. Hold the film canister up to the light and look through it to make sure you have punched the holes all the way through. You should see light through each hole. Take the pattern off the canister and remember to label your canister with a strip of masking tape on the side and the name of your constellation. Make one or several constellation canisters.
Now you can quiz yourself: Choose one of the canisters and read the name. Look through it to try to remember the pattern. Slowly turn the canister and observe. Try to learn the constellations without looking at the names. Then go outside to find the patterns in the night sky!
(You can find more wonderful seasonal ideas like this at Nature Net News Crafts).
