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Marshmallow Constellations

Sections

Joey Scouts Cub Scouts Scouts

Challenge Areas

Creative

Scout Method Elements

Learning By Doing Nature and the Outdoors Youth Leading, Adults Supporting

SPICES Growth Areas

Intellectual Spiritual

The Adventure

They say that the moon is made of cheese but sadly it isn’t. What if you could make stars and constellations out of marshmallows though and then eat the stars?

Plan

  1. Investigate different constellations. How do they differ depending on location? Are there similarities or differences depending on if you are in the Southern or Northern Hemisphere?
  2. Look at some of the constellations in your local area and research some of the stories behind and around them. During this, you may also like to research what some of the local Indigenous stories for the constellation are.
  3. Learn how we can navigate using the stars and what stars are used as part of this.
  4. Investigate what stars are made of, how we see them, and find some interesting facts about stars. How do stars differ from planets, asteroids, etc?
  5. Choose a constellation that you would like to make out of marshmallows. You might like consider some of the ones found here or a star sign. If considering a star sign, learn about the difference between astronomy and astrology. If working in a patrol, you might like to discuss what constellations you are making so that you end up with a set of different constellations.
  6. Read the safety information and discuss with your leaders or another appropriate adult what safety equipment, precautions, and supervision may be required. Ensure that you have these safety measures in place before starting the ‘Do’ section.
  7. Collect all the equipment that you require to make your marshmallow constellation. You will need the following items: marshmallows, toothpicks, and a reference image may be useful.

Do

  1. Look at your constellation reference image and select the same number of marshmallows as there are stars in your constellation.
  2. Using toothpicks, join the marshmallows together to form the constellation. Consider how far apart the different stars are from each other. Do you need to join some toothpicks together? How would you do this?
  3. Once you have formed your constellation, document it and compare it to the reference image.
  4. Enjoy eating your marshmallow constellation.

Review

  1. What went well in making your constellation and did it work as you expected? Why or why not?
  2. What did you learn in planning and making your constellation? What is one new constellation that you learnt about?
  3. What could you do differently in the future to improve your constellation? How could you represent different sized stars in your constellation?

Safety

  • Toothpicks are pointy and can cause splinters. Care should be taken when handling and toothpicks should be kept away from eyes.
  • Allergy risk: This challenge card uses marshmallows which may pose an allergy risk. Make sure to check ingredients before eating.

Variations

  • Create a marshmallow constellation race to see who can build a specific constellation the quickest.
  • This challenge card pairs well with other astronomy and space-based challenge cards – such as Miniature Planetarium - to build a space night program.