Astrology Activities for the Classroom

Astrological signs can be a way to introduce subjects ranging from astronomy to ancient cultures.

Astrology is a belief system based on the idea that the positions of sun, stars and planets have an effect on a person's destiny, personality and other earthly matters. Believers say that the alignment of the stars and planets on the day you were born, for example, help determine characteristics such as aggressiveness, neatness, thoughtfulness and imagination. The signs of the zodiac, as well as astrology associated with other cultures, such as China, can be great stepping-off points for classroom activities and lessons for students at all grade levels.

Test Sun Sign Traits

Have students research the birth dates of all the U.S. presidents and then collect input from the class on traits that would be necessary to run for and be elected president, such as confidence, intelligence, leadership, etc. Then talk about the various traits most associated with each astrological sun sign. Once students determine the astrological sun sign for each president, see how many presidents were born under signs that included those "presidential" traits. You could do this for other famous people or even students in class. Ask students what they think it means if people actually do or do not match their sun sign traits. This activity would be appropriate for middle school students.

Learn About Chinese Culture

Use the Chinese New Year celebration as an opportunity to help elementary school students learn about the animals that comprise the Chinese zodiac. Have kids use their own birth year or that of a family member and find out what animal or trait is associated with that year. For example, a child born in the year of the dragon could research the traits of dragons and some famous people born in the years of the dragon.

Astronomy and Astrology

Using constellation maps, point out to your elementary school students some of the signs of the zodiac that are identifiable in the night sky. Explain some of the stories behind these constellations. Then, on black construction paper, have the students first use stars to copy the constellations and then connect them to reinforce those images when they look up at the stars at night. When a particular constellation is likely to be in clear view on a particular night, encourage students to learn its shape and story during the day and then have them look for it that night. Let them share their stargazing experiences in class.

Compare and Write Horoscopes

For a fun writing and reading exercise for high school students, gather daily horoscopes from a variety of sources, such as a local newspaper and online. Have students compare the daily horoscopes and write about why horoscopes for the same sign may be different or very similar on a given day. Students can also write about whether any of the horoscopes accurately depicted events in their own lives. After having read horoscopes all week, ask students to write up their own horoscopes, based on what they know about the traits of particular zodiac signs. They can even have fun and write horoscopes for themselves, their classmates or relatives, based on the actual traits of these people.

References

• Astronomical Society of the Pacific: The Universe At Your Fingertips Activity: Activities With Astrology
• Star Date: Constellation Guide