LED Constellations (1st Grade)

Lesson Outline

Prior to the lesson:

Students should have basic knowledge of the Sun-Earth-Moon System and the major constellations.

Step 1: Designing the Constellation

• Bring students to the carpet.
• Ask: “What have you been learning about in science?” Collect responses.
• If no one brings up a constellation, ask: “Have you been studying stars?” “What have you learned about stars?”
• Possible responses: they make their own light, they form constellations.
• Draw a common constellation on the white board, such as the Big Dipper (Ursa Major). Or, show students images of constellations (large version / small version).
• Ask: “What patterns do you see in this constellation? It could be an object or a geometric shape. What patter could describe it?” Collect responses. Then add: “Do you think you could make your own constellation? What pattern or shape would you make?” Allow time for Think-Pair-Share.
• Say: “I’m going to give each group of 4-6 students a black piece of paper and a white crayon. I want you to work together to design your own constellation.”
• Students return to desks and design their group constellations, consisting of 6-8 “stars.” Circulate and encourage cooperation and sharing of ideas. No more than 10 minutes.

Step 2: Introducing LEDs as stars

• Bring students back to the carpet.
• Briefly show them the different designs that other groups came up with. Discuss patterns. 1-2 minutes.
• Hold up an LED. Ask: “Has anyone ever seen an LED light before?” Draw a large LED on the white board. Emphasize the two legs attached to the light.
• Hold up a coin cell battery. Ask: “Has anyone ever seen battery like this before?” Draw a large circle on the white board. Emphasize the shape and texture of the battery.
• Ask: “Do you think you could help me figure out how to light this light with the battery? I’m not sure I remember how to do it.” Collect responses. Don’t tell students how to do it.
• Say: “I’m going to give each of you an LED and a battery. This will be your star. Each of you will place your star on the black paper and connect the battery so it lights up.”
• Briefly show students how they might push the legs of the LED through the paper to keep it in place. They can connect it in other ways, too.
• Release students back to their groups and pass out LEDs and batteries.
• Tear 2-3″ pieces of blue tape and attach it to a desk at each table group (1st graders have a hard time tearing tape).

Step 3: Share out Constellations

• Bring students back to the carpet.
• Hang their constellations on the whiteboard.
• Turn off the lights and facilitate a discussion about patterns.
• Batteries will last 2-3 days. Afterwards, keep the LEDs for “Make an Object that Uses Light” activity.