Follow the Drinking Gourd to Multidisciplinary

Wonderful idea for combining astronomy with American history. The use of circumpolar stars will make learning about the Underground Railroad relevant to today's technology-immersed students ... See More

Wonderful idea for combining astronomy with American history. The use of circumpolar stars will make learning about the Underground Railroad relevant to today's technology-immersed students while honing observational skills and teaching students the importance of making on-going observations. Although the article mentions the use of a rotating planisphere, there are many astronomy apps that a teacher could also use to engage students.

Star Clocks

The drinking gourd was a significant group of stars, called an asterism, which played a part in the history of freedom for slaves in the south. Often social studies teachers tell this story... See More

The drinking gourd was a significant group of stars, called an asterism, which played a part in the history of freedom for slaves in the south. Often social studies teachers tell this story when describing the Civil War in the USA. The Big and Little Dipper are very easy to locate in the evening sky. Since it leads to the North Star this article focuses on the difference between seasonal motions versus circumpolar motion. Using the resources in this article can lead to the use of a new tool called an online Star Clock.