Counting Your Lucky Stars

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In this activity, learners sample a star field to estimate the number of stars in the universe. This activity simulates how astronomers use sampling instead of census (counting) to more easily collect data in space. Learners predict, count, approximate, and average the number of stars in a Star Field Sheet.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
45 to 60 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
free per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Star Field Sheets
  • pencils
  • scissors
  • science journals

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Astronomy
      • Stars and Galaxies
  • Mathematics
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
      • Data Representation
    • Measurement
    • Number and Operations
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations
      • Communicating Results
    • Science as a Career

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

  • Ricles, Shannon ; Hatok, Tim ; Taylor, Berlina

Rights:

  • Public domain, ,