Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of key concepts in astronomy, including the solar system, stars, and galaxies, while expressing their creativity through art activities using crayons, coloring pencils, and markers.

Materials and Prep

• Crayons
• Coloring pencils
• Markers
• Paper (preferably thick for coloring)
• Access to Crash Course Astronomy videos (online)

Before the lesson, ensure that the student has access to the Crash Course Astronomy videos, particularly episodes that cover the solar system, stars, and galaxies. Prepare a comfortable workspace with good lighting for art activities.

Activities

• Solar System Poster

  The student will create a colorful poster of the solar system. They will use crayons and coloring pencils to draw and label each planet, including unique features like rings or moons. Encourage them to research fun facts about each planet to include on the poster.

• Star Constellation Art

  Using markers, the student will create their own star constellation on a black piece of paper (or dark blue if available). They will draw stars and connect them to form their favorite constellations, adding creative names and stories for each constellation they create.

• Galaxy in a Jar

  Although we won't use actual jars, the student can create a 'galaxy' on paper. They will use crayons and markers to blend colors representing gas clouds, stars, and dark matter, creating a vibrant galaxy scene. Encourage them to think about what makes up a galaxy and incorporate those elements into their artwork.

Talking Points

• "Did you know that our solar system is just one of billions in the universe? Each one is unique!"
• "Planets like Jupiter and Saturn are gas giants. What do you think it would be like to stand on a planet made mostly of gas?"
• "Stars are born in nebulae, which are huge clouds of gas and dust. Why do you think they are important for the universe?"
• "The Milky Way is the galaxy we live in. It’s shaped like a spiral! Can you imagine what it looks like from space?"
• "Constellations are like stories in the sky. What story would you tell with your own constellation?"
• "Remember, light from stars can take millions of years to reach us. When you look at the night sky, you're seeing the past!"
• "Art and science go hand in hand. How can you express what you've learned about astronomy through your artwork?"