What's Your Sign? Constellation Activity - STEAM Lesson
STEAM activities use hands-on learning—like building, experimenting, and exploring—to boost critical thinking and creativity. For children and siblings facing pediatric cancer, these activities are more than just schoolwork; they bring back a feeling of normalcy, success, and confidence during a difficult time.
STEAM education helps kids learn vital skills, connect with others, and have fun! These at-home STEAM activities let children and siblings facing pediatric cancer explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math in a fun, comfortable setting.
Age Group Best Served: K-8
Child/Adult Ratio: 6 to 1
Take Away Artifact: Yes
Approximate time: 30-40 minutes
Divisions Covered: All
Materials:
Stick pretzels, small marshmallows, constellation cards
Skills Required for Completion of Task:
Motor skills
- Bilateral upper extremity coordination
- Ability to manipulate small objects
- Hand-eye coordination
- Ability to grip objects
- Ability to stabilize objects/task
Process/Cognitive skills
- Ability to attend to task for greater than 5 minutes
- Follow multi-step directions
- Ability to sequence steps
- Ability to understand safety precaution
- Ability to organize or keep materials organized for task
- Ability to adjust to different workspace requirements
Social skills
- Ability to communicate and share equipment with peers/staff appropriately
K-8 Standards:
1.ESS1: Earth’s Place in the Universe 1) Use observations or models of the sun, moon, and stars to describe patterns that can be predicted.
Simple Science:
Many years ago people did not have entertainment when the sun went down. They looked to the stars and saw shapes and made up stories based on what they saw. Because there were no official calendars for some ancient people they used the stars. It was said that when a baby was born and mother looked into the sky and said my baby was born under the “constellation” and when that constellation reappeared that baby had aged one year.
This activity would be appropriate completed by the following disciplines:
Occupational Therapy, LCSW, Family Services
Instructions:
- Identify your constellation based on your birthday (see chart below)
- Present and discuss the symbol of your constellation and what it means.
- Using marshmallows and pretzels, build your constellation.
- Eat it!
Precaution: Make sure to check for allergies before the activity!
The Austin Hatcher Foundation is a nationally recognized leader in psycho-oncology care, providing innovative, evidence-based services for families facing pediatric cancer. Through a holistic approach, the Foundation supports the emotional, mental, and social well-being of children, siblings, and parents—ensuring families have the resources to heal and thrive during and after treatment.
Through programs like STEAM Club and at-home resources like these, we encourage creativity, build confidence, and strengthen connections through hands-on learning. To learn more about our programs or to request comprehensive support, visit https://www.hatcherfoundation.org/resources/request-an-appointment
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