The Badge Archive

Activity Description: Scouts build a star projector using an electrical circuit and explore constellations.

• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Daisy Space Science Explorer badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 4 of GSUSA Brownie Space Science Adventurer badge requirements.
• Fulfills Step 3 of GSUSA Junior Space Science Investigator badge requirements.

Info Needed: Stars are big balls of hot gas that shine in the sky, even though they look tiny from Earth. We see stars at night because the sun’s light doesn’t block them. Stars form patterns called constellations, which people have named and imagined stories about for thousands of years. Telescopes help us see stars better.

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Items Needed:

• Laser-cut star projector pieces (like those made by Fairy Wood Works)
• Battery
• Miniature light bulb with wire connections
• Copper tape
• Binder clip
• Pre-cut constellation
• Printable constellations
• (Optional) Glue or tape for assembly support
• (Optional) Scissors for trimming edges

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 25–35 min):

1. Build the projector base (5–7 min)
   • Scouts assemble the wooden base and circular top.
   • Attach the pre-cut constellation to the circular top.
2. Create the electrical circuit (8–10 min)
   • Use copper tape to connect the battery and miniature light bulb.
   • Secure the connection with a binder clip.
   • Test the circuit to make sure the lights turn on.
3. Project the constellation (5–7 min)
   • Turn off the room lights and turn on the projector.
   • Aim the light toward a wall or ceiling to see the star pattern.
4. Explore and (Optional) decorate (5–6 min)
   • Scouts look at other printable constellations.
   • (Optional) Decorate their projector with markers or stickers.
5. Share and reflect (2–5 min)
   • Scouts talk about what they saw and learned.
   • Discuss how different tools help in space science.