PEGASUS

OBJECTIVE: Students will read for information about the Constellation Pegasus for the purpose of writing a report of information about this constellation.

TIME NEEDED: one or two periods

MATERIALS:

Reading materials about the constellation Pegasus provided by the teacher
(365 Starry Nights)
Science Journal
Pen or pencil

PROCEDURE:

1. Read or tell students the mythological story of the winged horse Pegasus.
2. Show them the constellation Pegasus.
3. Tell them that the Greeks called this group Pegasus. They named many other groups of stars or constellations after mythological beings: Aries, Pisces, Leo, etc. Do any of these names ring a bell?
4. Instruct students to use the reading materials to take notes for a report of information on the constellation Pegasus.
5. Assign “Things to Do, Questions to Answer” to get their notetaking started.
6. Have them ask and answer questions of their own.

Things to Do, Questions to Answer:

1. Copy the constellation of Pegasus shown on October 6 or 7
2. Name the stars “Enif, Markab, Scheat, and Algenib. What do these names mean?
3. What is the most easily recognized feature of the constellation Pegasus?
4. What is globular cluster M15 made of? How far away is it?
5. Ask other questions about this constellation. Find the answers on the internet or in the library.

Homework: Stargazing Report:Write a report of information about the Constellation Pegasus. Include drawings and/or pictures.