These worksheets are out of this world. They look at stars, constellations, and all things astronomy related.

Astronomy is the component of science that focuses on things that are outside of Earth’s influence. This discipline looks at celestial bodies which are things like planets, their moons, stars, and galaxies. The goal of astronomy is to gain a better understanding of the universe and give us some meaning for why things happen. Outer space, planets, comets, stars, asteroids, and space shuttles are all the name of the game here. The Sun spaces out our entire galaxy. Being three-hundred thousand times larger than Earth it bullies all the planets around with the massive gravity it creates. Did you know why the concept of footprints on the moon is such a big deal? It’s because they stay put forever. There is no wind or forms of erosion on Luna (our moon) to disrupt the footprints that are in place. The best part of this all is that we barely scraped the surface (literally) with our understanding of outer space. We have a Caveman’s knowledge of things outside of the immediate viewing vicinity.

These worksheets focus on the commonly studied portions of astronomy that are common in most middle level and high school physical science courses. We will look at the concept of galaxies and the stars that reside within them. We will introduce the concept of constellations and classifying objects within a solar system. Students will spend some time explore the technology that allows use to study these structures and compare and contrast things like optical and radio telescopes. We will finish off the series looking at our own solar system including our own planet (Earth) and our star (the Sun). Astronomy is often very engaging for students because most of what is studies is in visual form. Remind students that most of this is studied in mathematical form. We spend a good amount of time on understanding the development and application of telescopes in our process of understanding what is inside and outside of our galaxy.



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The North Star

Because the Earth rotates, all the stars move across the sky from east to west because of the Earth's rotation. However, since Polaris is directly above the North Pole it doesn't move and can be used to find directions. Polaris is also called the North Star. Polaris is one of the stars in the Little Dipper, otherwise known as the constellation Ursa Minor. Similarly, the Big Dipper is found in the constellation Ursa Major.

Major Constellations

Throughout history, people from every culture have looked at the stars in the night sky and imagined them to show animals, people, or objects. These pictures made of stars are called constellations and are like giant connect-the-to-dot puzzles. Provide the names of the well-known constellations shown below using the names listed in the table.

The Shape of Galaxies

Our galaxy is one of many in the universe. Ours galaxy is a spiral galaxy, but there are other shapes too.

Radio Telescopes

Regular telescopes use light to see other places, but radio telescopes use radio waves and can therefore give us information that regular telescopes can't.

Optical Telescopes

Galileo, was the first person to truly see the heavenly bodies closer than they really are. He did this is 1609 using what he called an "optic glass", but we now call a telescope.

Asteroid, Comet, or Meteor?

Place an "X" in the appropriate box.

Constellations

Complete the table and draw a picture of each constellations.

Constellation Distance from Earth Graph

Plot the average distance of each constellation from Earth.

The Star 411

Compare and Contrast: Red Dwarfs, Yellow Stars, Blue Giants, and Giant Stars.

The Star Temperature Graph

Plot the temperature of each star.

Eastern or Western? (Word Bank)

Which hemisphere do you live in?

Label It

Label the hemispheres using the Word Bank.

Which Hemisphere is it?

Name each hemisphere.

Anatomy of the Spacshuttle

Label the features of the Spaceshuttle.

Anatomy of the Spacshuttle (Word Bank)

This one has a word bank for you.

Anatomy of the Sun (Word Bank)

Label the features of the Sun.

Blank Anatomy of the Sun

No help for this one.