Summary
Explains the zodiac — the band of constellations the sun appears to pass through over the course of a year — and how ancient astronomers used these star patterns as a calendar and navigation system.
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All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
- What is the zodiac? Why do those specific constellations form a band?
- Why can't you see 'your' zodiac constellation on your birthday?
- How did ancient cultures use the zodiac as a calendar?
- Is astrology the same as astronomy? What is the difference?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: zodiac, ecliptic, constellation, orbit, annual, season, calendar.
Try it: Draw Earth's orbit around the sun. Add four positions (spring, summer, fall, winter). At each position, draw which constellation is behind the sun (and therefore invisible) and which is opposite (and therefore visible at night).