The Big Dipper is an asterism, a pattern of stars, within the constellation Ursa Major (the Great Bear). The North Star is located in the constellation Ursa Minor (the Little Bear).

Here's how to find the North Star using the Big Dipper:

1. Find the two stars at the end of the Big Dipper's "bowl". These are called the "pointer stars".

2. Draw an imaginary line through the pointer stars and extend it upwards. This line will lead you to the North Star, which is the brightest star in the Little Dipper.