I found the My Sky Tonight video on the Sun’s Energy lesson really beneficial. I have taught lessons about the sun previously but particularly liked the use of the terminology ultra violet and how the safety element was incorporated into the lesson in a very practical non-threating way but at the same time getting the important message across about the dangers. Using the ‘sun ball’ at the start to determine the children’s existing knowledge was a fun and inclusive introduction and a useful way to ascertain any preconceived misconceptions. The use of role play worked very well to reinforce understanding and again all pupils were involved in the process. Making their own UV bracelets was a great activity and the pupils could see first-hand the effects of ultra violet light. By the end of the lesson every pupil was confident in the effects of ultra violet. I will definitely be using this lesson in my senior infant class and think it would work really well in Aistear stations:
1. Role Play – at the beach, pack uv accessories, tick off checklist including sun cream etc.
2. Video – in groups record a sun safety video on ipads
3. Junk Art – individually/pairs design and make uv accessories sun hat, sun glasses etc.
4. Sun Facts Poster – in groups draw and/or write facts about the sun and compile in A3 poster
5. Sun Safety Quiz – complete twinkl sun safety quiz IWB