I have decided to focus on Hands-on classroom themed activities-Animals in the cold
I would use this activity in the classroom and explore animals in the cold in a very fun, engaging and interactive way. I would use ideas from Animals in the cold climate-Lesson 7-Esero and also add in my own ideas.
Introduction: I would firstly explore different types of weather in general and show the pupils a video based on weather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZfamR09Jklw
We will discuss key vocabulary i.e. sun, rain, clouds, snow, thunder, lightning, hot, cold etc.
Development: Look at a map of the world and point out Ireland-discuss our weather. Point to various places and guess what the weather is like e.g. North Pole, South Pole. Ask the pupils can they think of any films/cartoons with these places in them? Point to Antarctica-pose the question? What would the weather be like here? Hot or cold? What animals would live there? Show the pupils the story of Polar Bears and Penguins-A Contrast Book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nKKbz_wSg0
Application: Recap one the polar bears’ and penguins’ key features for survival in an extremely cold climate/weather conditions. Ask the pupils to sketch their favourite-a penguin or polar bear and label the parts of their bodies. I will display key vocabulary on the board for the pupils.
Conclusion: Hot-seat a penguin or polar bear and ask it questions e.g. What is your name? What age are you? Where do you live? How do you survive?
I could further incorporate STEM by providing opportunities for the pupils to incorporate technology into the lesson and further explore the life of penguins and polar bears on apps such as National Geographic Kids and Kiddle.