Name: _________________________Date: ___________ Period: ___________
Constellation Project
50 points
Ancient civilizations used to look up at the stars and create stories from the patterns the
stars made in the sky. These mythological tales have been passed down to present day. You
will be assigned a specific constellation and will be required to research information about
the constellation to be turned in for a project grade.
Please answer the following questions in a 2-3 page paper, typed 12-pt font, 1-inch margins:
 Describe the story of the constellation. Does it have any relationships to other
constellations, if so what are they? (8 points)
 Approximately how many stars are in the constellation? What are the common
names of the major stars in the constellation? Do any of the names have special
significance? (8 points)
 From which civilization did the constellation originate? (2 points)
 What are its astronomical coordinates? From our perspective here in Arlington, is
the constellation circumpolar or when would one find it in the night sky and where
in the sky would it be located? (8 points)
 How far away is the closest and furthest star in the constellation? (4 points)
 Based on the story you’ve researched; explain what connection the constellation
might have with you? (Your horoscope? Reminds you of a childhood moment?
Reminds you of a family or friend?) (4 points)
Along with the write-up, you will also be graded on the following attributes:
 Please attach a picture of your constellation that notes the major stars present in it.
This can be an image found online or your own accurate drawing. (4 points)
 Along with the write up and image, you will be required to create a 3-D model of the
constellation. This portion is open-ended and can be as creative or realistic as you’d
like, as long as it is three-dimensional. (4 points)
 You will also be required to provide your resources in correct MLA format. This
means you will not receive full credit for providing just a website link. You
may cite your source at the end of your report. Wikipedia is not allowed. Failure to
provide any sources will result in half credit on the ENTIRE PROJECT. (4 points)
 Lastly, you will also be graded on neatness and creativity. (4 points)
Remember: plagiarism will not be tolerated. If you have questions about citing
or re-phrasing, come see me.
This project will be due on October 3rd.
Name: _________________________Date: ___________ Period: ___________
Constellations Rubric
Your project will be graded using the following rubric:
Criteria
Name and Story
of Constellation
0
No story given
Number of stars
listed and
names of major
stars given
No information
given
Civilization
No civilization of Identified
origin or incorrect correctly in a
civilization given
complete
sentence
No mention/
Missing one/
inaccurate
partial inaccuracy
Location in
sky/Time of
year in VA
Location of stars Nothing
mentioned
2
Inadequate
story/missing
information/ no
citation
Incorrect number
of stars listed and
only a portion of
major stars
named
Inaccurate
measurement
given
Vague answer
identifying
connection
Connection
Question not
answered
Image
No image/
inaccurate/ no
citation (if appro)
Image accurate/
cited (if appro)
3-D Model
Missing/
unprofessional in
construction
No citations
given
(Automatic ½
credit)
Appears minimal
time spent
Accurate and
adequate
Citation
Neatness &
Creativity
Citations listed,
but not in MLA
format
Enough effort
went in to
complete project
4
Part of story
given/ inadequate
citation
Either number of
stars listed or
names of major
stars given
Info mostly
complete, only
lists one month
when it’s visible
Accurate names
and distances
given
Complete and
articulate analysis
of connection to
it
Professional
looking/
accurate/ cited (if
appro)
Creative,
professional, and
accurate
Citations properly
listed in correct
MLA format
8
Thorough
explanation/
cited well/ other
const included
Complete
identification and
significance of
major stars listed
& accurate
number of stars
given
Complete and
accurate
Impressive and
professional
Total score: _______________
Name: _________________________Date: ___________ Period: ___________
Constellation Project Sign-up Sheet
Period __________
Write your name next to the constellation you desire to research. ONLY ONE
STUDENT PER CONSTELLATION.
Orion _________________________
Draco__________________________________
Casseopia ____________________
Andromeda___________________________
Cephus _______________________
Canis Major and Minor
Ursa Major and Minor
_________________________________
_________________________
Aquarius______________________________
Hercules______________________
Sagittarius____________________________
Cancer________________________
Taurus__________________________________
Libra_________________________
Scorpious_____________________________
Virgo_________________________
Hydra__________________________
Aries_________________________
Cygnus________________________
Bootes______________________
Gemini________________________
Aquila______________________
Pegasus________________________
Leo____________________________________
Pisces__________________________________
Capricornus___________________________
Lyra____________________________________
Persus_________________________________
Name: _________________________Date: __________ Class: _________