Activity: Space and Aliens
I would begin this activity with a yoga and storytelling activity: Going to meet an alien!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kanagmDoZw (Get up and move with yogapalooza)
Most children will have heard about aliens- so Brainstorm what they know etc.
Then introduce the word martian to the class- see what they know. Are aliens and martians the same or different etc
This will allow for the development and exploration of Mars. Make a fact sheet with the class.
Begin the Design a Martian lesson (from the Mars Workbook Activity) make a drawing/ 3d martian.
We can read the story Martian Rock by Carol Diggory Shields.
Compare their creations to the ones seen in the book. How do they differ? Are any similar.
Group their creations accordingly. (same amount of eyes etc.
When all martians are completed see if the children can as a group come up with a way that they can make their own red planet on the tuff tray. This will be used to display all their martians. Write on the board what the red planet would need to look like. Can they think what materials could they use etc. Teacher can then provide the necessary materials. If a variety of ideas are suggested the teacher could allow this to be completed during aistear time. This would link nicely into Art and cover a range of strands- clay/ fabric and fibre etc.