Is the northern star in the big dipper?

The "Northern" star i assume you mean is the one very close to the celestial north pole. It is called Polaris and is in the constellation of Ursa Minor (Little Bear). The big dipper (called the plough here in England) are seven bright stars in the neighbouring constellation of Ursa Major (Great Bear). The two stars called Dubhe and Merak which form the front or shovel end of the dipper, are called pointers as they point towards Polaris.