Class Plan for Engaging with Space Week Ireland
Class Level: 1st class
Duration: 1 week
Theme: Exploring Space
Objectives
Introduce students to basic concepts about space.
Encourage curiosity and engagement through interactive and hands-on activities.
Celebrate Space Week (October 4th-10th) by participating in themed events and projects.
Materials
Picture books about space (e.g., “There’s No Place Like Space” by Tish Rabe)
Poster paper and markers
Craft supplies (construction paper, glue, scissors, foil, etc.)
Internet access for virtual tours and videos
Flashlights, balls, and other props for demonstrations
Space Week activity packs
Star charts/Stellarium
Space-themed music and videos
Monday: Introduction to Space
Activities:
Morning Circle: Read a space-themed picture book.
Discuss what students already know about space.
Space Facts Poster: Create a class poster with interesting facts about space.
Each student contributes one fact with a drawing.
Virtual Tour: Watch a virtual tour of the International Space Station (ISS).
Discuss what astronauts do in space.
Homework: Ask students to look at the night sky with their parents and draw what they see.
Tuesday: The Solar System
Activities:
Solar System Song: Learn and sing a song about the planets in the solar system.
Planet Crafts: Create paper plate planets. Each student chooses a planet to decorate.
Interactive Game: Play a game where students have to match facts to the correct planet.
Homework: Bring in a space-related question to discuss the next day.
Wednesday: The Moon and Stars
Activities:
Moon Phases: Use flashlights and balls to demonstrate the phases of the moon.
Create a moon phase wheel craft.
Starry Night Art: Make a starry night sky using black construction paper and white paint or chalk.
Constellation Stories: Introduce some simple constellations and their stories.
Let students create their own constellation with star stickers on dark paper.
Homework: Encourage students to identify and draw a constellation they can see at night.
Thursday: Space Exploration
Activities:
Spacecraft Models: Build simple models of rockets or rovers using recycled materials.
Astronaut Training: Create an obstacle course to simulate astronaut training.
Discuss what skills astronauts need.
Space Videos: Watch kid-friendly videos about space missions (e.g., moon landing, Mars rovers).
Homework:
Write a short story/draw a picture about what they would do if they were an astronaut.
Friday: Celebrating Space Week
Activities:
Space Assembly: Host a mini space assembly where students share their crafts, facts, and stories.
Invite parents and other classes to attend.
Space Party: Play space-themed music and have a space-themed snack party.
Hand out space-themed certificates for participation.
Reflection and Feedback: Have a circle time where students share what they enjoyed the most and what they learned.
Collect feedback to improve future Space Week activities.
Ongoing Throughout the Week:
Space Corner: Set up a space-themed corner in the classroom with books, pictures, and activities.
Daily Space Fact: Share a fun space fact each morning during announcements.
Parent Involvement: Encourage parents to participate by reading space stories at home or helping with crafts.
By following this plan, students will have an engaging and educational experience during Space Week, fostering a love for space and science.