The Sun and Shadows
I liked the Sun’s Energy video from the Astronomical Soc. Of the Pacific which was part of this module. I would use the Storybook The Sun is My Favourite Star by Frank Ashe which was mentioned in the vidro. A story is always a great lead into a new topic for younger children. As part of the following discussion (Using the large orange ball as a talking prop) we would discuss how the sun helps us and then focus on UV rays. The children would enjoy heading outside and using the UV sensitive beads to further develop their understanding of the Sun’s energy. As a follow on lesson I would then introduce Shadows. I tend to do pair work during different times of the year with Junior Infants and 5th or 6th Class. The older children could help the younger children in drawing their Shadows on the school yard and repeat the exercise again with them later in the day. Lots of opportunities for shared learning with older children supporting the younger children in their work.