I would choose the topic’ The Planets’ with 3rd class.
I would base this topic over 3/4 weeks.
The objective of these series of lessons is to incorporate this topic cross-curricular.
Through group work and independent work each group will report back on a planet.
Firstly I will divide the class into groups of 4. Each group will have a planet. They must pretend they are astronauts and that they have just visited the planet. They will report back to the class about their findings, how the coped if the planet was too hot/cold etc. It must be based on real facts so that the other students are learning about each planet but it can also have a touch of make- believe as regards to the journey.
Cross Curricular-
Art- They can design their findings on chart paper with pictures, photos. Perhaps they could design their rocket that brought them there. Did their rocket need extra insulation etc.
English- Presenting, documenting, recording, Analysing
Maths- Perhaps the distance they travelled to get to the planet could be recorded. Describe their 3D rocket.
Drama- The children could be in the hot seat and take on the character of the astronaut and the other students could question him/her about their trip
I feel the children would really enjoy this discovery based series of lessons on the planets.