DIY Constellation Projector

The end of the school year is the busiest time for most students. For the last two weeks, my daughter was very busy trying to meet the deadlines for her school projects. And as a mom who loves arts and crafts, I'm always there to help her out.

One of her Science Project was Constellation. We did a lot of research and I bumped into Full of Great Ideas DIY constellation project. I was inspired by her creativity and showed it my daughter. She was ecstatic to do the project instantly and so we did.

I personally created the constellation patterns based on her school textbook. I let her do the cutting, pasting, and other stuff so she can learn how to be responsible. After all, it's her school project.

What you'll need:

• 1/8 illustration board
• printable pattern (link is provided on the instruction below)
• scissors
• 8'' x 11'' craft paper
• 8'' x 11'' bond paper
• sparkling stickers
• plastic cover
• scotch tape
• giant push pins or 1/8-inch hole puncher
• 8 popsicle sticks
• cutter
• glue
• glue gun
• glue sticks
• soap carton box
• wrapper (any type and color)

Instructions: 

1. Download the pattern here. 

2. Print out pages 1 and 2 in a craft paper and page 3 into a short bond paper. Using a pair of scissors, cut out every pieces including constellation patterns and names, information details, title, and TRY THIS! Set aside the constellation patterns and names.

3. Paste the information details on the right side of the illustration board, the TRY THIS! on the left side of the board, and the title on the top-middle portion of the board. 

4. Place a sparkling sticker on the space left on the board. It's best to measure the space first before placing the sticker to prevent overlapping to other section.

5. Cover the illustration board with a plastic cover, and it will serve as the projector screen.

6. Using a giant push pin or a hole puncher, punch out the dots on the constellation patterns.  

7. One at a time, cut each popsicle stick into half using a cutter.

8. Attach one pattern to each popsicle stick. Optional: To avoid pattern from falling off the stick, secure it with a strip of craft paper.

9. Paste the constellation name on the bottom part of the popsicle stick.

10. For the constellation pattern holder, use a recyclable material like a soap carton box or any box in similar size. Cover it with any type of wrapper you have at home. 

12. Using a glue gun, attach it on the lower portion of the TRY THIS! section. Optional: Add a cardboard underneath to support the box.

Now's the fun part! Turn off the lights or head to a dark room. Pick a constellation pattern then aim it on the illustration board. Using a flashlight or your mobile phone's flashlight, project the pattern on the board to reveal the constellation. Adjust yourself to project a wider view then ask your classmate to identify the constellation.

Did you like what you saw? Leave a comment and let me know if this has been a great help to you in some ways.

Happy crafting!