Hobbies And Interests
Orientation
Teaching children and others about the Big Dipper's relationship with Polaris, the North Star, can not only inspire enthusiasm about astronomy, it also ingrains immensely valuable navigation information. Point out the Dipper's foremost stars, Dubhe and Merak--the front of the "gourd." Trace a line from Merak to Dubhe and then beyond--for a length five times the distance between them--and you'll arrive at the North Star, which in the Northern Hemisphere signifies the eponymous direction. Point out to your audience that such a navigational aid gives an infallible reference to a traveler who might lack a compass or GPS.
Other Constellations
Similarly, use the Big Dipper as a base constellation to teach about others in and out of the Zodiac. Polaris, for one thing, is the tip of the handle of the Little Dipper, Ursa Minor. Extending the arc of the Big Dipper's handle draws the eye to the bright stars of Arcturus and then Spica, which help comprise the constellations Boötes and Virgo, respectively.
Vision Test
Mizar is the crook of the Big Dipper's handle; it was the first double star to be discovered by telescope (it is now known to be a pair of binary stars, a quadruple-star system) and the first star to be photographed, according to the Texas Astronomical Society. Most people with normal vision can discern a fainter star--Alcor--very close to Mizar. For those who cannot, a set of binoculars or a telescope should reveal the companion (and the binary quality of Mizar itself). Drawing attention to Mizar doesn't just casually test vision and introduce one to the concept of double stars; it also encourages a deeper inspection of the heavens, and can be a good introduction to optical magnification.
Mythology
Exploring cultural stories about the Big Dipper and its parent constellation exposes a rich vein of mythology. The star grouping has been interpreted as a bear--either long-tailed or pursued by a trio of hunters--by numerous historically and geographically disparate peoples, including the Ancient Greeks and various North American indigenous tribes. It has also inspired the famous folksong "Follow the Drinking Gourd," which is popularly interpreted as a mapping aid for escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad. Whether the lyrics really did guide people north to freedom or not, the tune certainly can provoke a discussion of American history.