While most students can readily recite that stars "rise in the east and set in the west," the apparent motion of the celestial bodies across the night sky  is a difficult concept for students, precisely because it is not readily visible. As students begin constructing fundamental astronomy concepts, the notion that some stars appear to rise and set while others do not can create confusion and misunderstanding. This activity helps students construct a meaningful and accurate understanding of the apparent movement of stars by simulating celestial motion using the Starry Night virtual planetarium software.

Through a series of guiding questions and activity segments, students explore ideas and test their understanding of celestial motion to develop deeper understandings of the concept of circumpolar stars.

Grade Level: Upper elementary through High School