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Connect the Stars

Activity

Designing a New Constellation

Design, draw, and name your own original constellation. Don’t forget to give it its own story or legend! Is there an important person you might honor with a constellation? Are there plants that can inspire you, such as the mulberry, fig, or pomegranate on campus? Once you have decided on the constellation and its story, share it with at least two people, and listen to their stories.
Astro 4
Astro 4 (3)
Astro 4 (2)

Science Seed

A constellation is a group of visible stars that form a pattern when viewed from Earth. The patterns are often based on animal forms, mythological creatures, humans, or inanimate objects. Many of the constellations have their own stories or legends! Most of them were named after Roman, Greek, and Middle Eastern cultures, and some constellations have multiple versions of stories or myths. The Greek legend of Scorpius tells the story of the scorpion that was sent to kill Orion the Hunter as punishment for his boastfulness and disrespect for the goddess Artemis, after he bragged that he would hunt and kill every wild animal on Earth. After a fierce fight, the creature accomplished the task and was later rewarded for its service by being placed in the heavens.
botany jar illustration

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Sanchez Elementary

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Sánchez Elementary School is close to downtown on Austin’s east side. Built in 1976, the campus boasts murals by Raul Valdez depicting the school’s Hispanic history and heritage. Sánchez was one of the district’s first to introduce two-way dual language education- fitting because the school’s namesake, George Sánchez, was a pioneer in bilingual education. This project was made possible by HEB.

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