---
title: "Spotting Constellations"
description: "Recognise a few star patterns (constellations) in the night sky, starting with the Big Dipper (the Plough), and understand that the North Star (Polaris) can be found using the Big Dipper"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/spotting-constellations-mt_BVpB5wyijZ
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/spotting-constellations-mt_BVpB5wyijZ.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Spotting Constellations

Recognise a few star patterns (constellations) in the night sky, starting with the Big Dipper (the Plough), and understand that the North Star (Polaris) can be found using the Big Dipper

Subject: Science · Area: Space Exploration · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/spotting-constellations-mt_BVpB5wyijZ

## Ready when they can

- Identify or draw the Big Dipper (the Plough) as a pattern of seven stars
- Explain that the two end stars of the Big Dipper's bowl point towards the North Star
- State that constellations are patterns of stars that people have named

## Lesson: Spotting Constellations

A constellation is a pattern of stars. Long ago, people named these patterns.

*(drawing: Count the seven stars of the Big Dipper.)*

**Example.** Zara looks up at night. She sees seven stars shaped like a big spoon. That is the Big Dipper.

**Tip.** Find the two stars at the end of the bowl. They point straight to the North Star.

**Recap.** The Big Dipper's seven stars help you find the North Star.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Sun, Moon & Stars](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/sun-moon-and-stars-mt_PiWZA8Z0ZJ)

## Opens up

- [Seasonal Constellations](https://lightmysky.com/learn/science/seasonal-constellations-mt_9VZem2vUqk)