Constellations
I. Before watching
Discussion
1. How often do you look up into the sky?
2. At night, do you see many stars?
3. What feelings pass over you when you look up at “the heavens”?
4. Can anything be learned from observing the stars?
5. Do you know any famous astronomers or night-gazers?
6. Should money be spent on gathering data about space?
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II. While watching
Watch the video and answer the following questions.
1. What else do we make patterns with in the sky besides stars?
a) Jet fuel
b) Clouds
c) Satellites
2. Which place are you likely to see many stars at night?
a) The Mekong Delta
b) Las Vegas
c) Saigon
3. How long have people been looking up at the stars?
a) Recently
b) For ages
c) About 500 years ago
4. From which place can you best see The Big Dipper?
a) Moscow, Russia
b) Sydney, Australia
c) Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
5. What does The Big Dipper look like to the British?
a) like something used for transporting goods
b) like something used for building
c) like something used for farming
6. What is the animal associated with the greater constellation containing The Big
Dipper?
a) A beaver
b) A bear
c) A baboon
7. During which season is it easiest to spot The Big Dipper?
a) Spring
b) Summer
c) Winter
8. What did the three stars in the center of Orion symbolize for the Greeks?
a) His shoulders
b) His feet
c) His belt
9. What is Orion thought to be holding onto?
a) A shield
b) A Frisbee
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c) The love of his life
10. What is the other item he is supposed to have with him?
a) A tool
b) A treasure
c) A weapon
11. What does the zodiac sign Sagittarius resemble in the Southern Hemisphere?
a) A mythical creature who is part-man part-horse
b) Two lovers
c) A farm animal
III. After watching
1. Conversation
Practice the conversation with a partner.
Situation: Two friends are camping out under the stars and get to chatting
over what they can see above them.
Crystal: What a day! I am tired.
Monica: Me too. It took forever to catch those fish.
Crystal: What was it, like four hours?
Monica: I think it was close to five, but they did taste great. Thanks for cooking them.
Crystal: Aren’t we lucky to be out here, away from it all?
Monica: Most def, look at all those stars. We could never experience this back home.
Crystal: That’s cities for you. Too much light, so we miss out on this each day.
Monica: It gives you a weird feeling, right? Like you are so small in comparison to the
universe but still connected somehow.
Crystal: I know what you mean. Look over there! What is that again?
Monica: Orion….no it’s the Twins.
Crystal: The Twins?
Monica: Yeah, Gemini.
Crystal: Wow. Well spotted. I guess people must have different interpretations of the
stars.
Monica: For sure, we all pick up on patterns differently so that’s a given.
Crystal: Should we hit the hay? We have an early start tomorrow.
Monica: (already snoring away)
2. Zodiac signs
Many people believe the arrangement of the sky can predict their personality,
behavior, and future. This has led to the creation of zodiac signs and fortune-
telling.
Can you name any of the zodiac signs below?
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1. Do you know your zodiac sign?
2. What are some personality traits related to your sign? Make a list of both
positive and negative traits.
3. Retell a story or event when you showed one or more of the traits.
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