Cardboard constellation viewer for 9-year-olds

Who this list is for

A nine-year-old learning indoor star patterns can make this handheld cardboard constellation viewer with three rotating sky discs. It is a model used with a small LED flashlight, not an outdoor telescope.

How to use this list

First, use the circle template and pencil to mark the viewer and disc shapes on stiff corrugated cardboard and black cardstock. Cut the pieces with child-safe scissors, then copy the constellation pattern printouts onto the black discs with the white paint pen. Add the clear plastic sheet protector as the viewing layer, secure parts with glue sticks and masking tape, and join the rotating discs with the round-head paper fastener. Shine the small LED flashlight through the viewer to see the patterns indoors.

Common mistakes

Do not attach the discs so tightly that the paper fastener cannot turn. Keep the three constellation pattern printouts matched to three separate discs. Avoid using the flashlight as a cutting tool or leaving loose tape over the viewing area, where it can block the pattern.

What is on this list

You need two sheets of stiff corrugated cardboard, four black cardstock sheets, three constellation pattern printouts, one white paint pen, one round-head paper fastener, one small LED flashlight, one clear plastic sheet protector, masking tape, two glue sticks, one circle template, child-safe scissors, and a pencil. Cross off owned supplies before beginning.

When you are done

Rotate each sky disc and check that it moves behind the viewing layer. Keep the viewer flat and store the flashlight with it so the model is ready for the next indoor star-pattern lesson.