Hi everyone! My name is Katie, and I’m a Special Education teacher. I’m really excited to explore the topic of space with you all!
One of my favourite space facts is that Ireland and particularly Birr Castle was once home to the largest telescope in the world. It was so powerful that it could see distant galaxies long before most people even knew they existed. It’s amazing to think that some of the first big discoveries about our universe happened right here in Ireland.
In my classroom, I love using inquiry-based activities to spark curiosity and hands-on learning. One of my favourite activities involves a rainy day adventure with a teddy bear. We start by reading a children’s book about a teddy bear caught in a rainy day without a hat. The story sets the stage for our inquiry: How can we help our teddy stay dry?
To explore this, we turn to a practical investigation. Students work in small groups to find the best material to make a waterproof hat for the teddy bear. They test various materials using spray bottles as rain, observing which materials would keep the teddy dry. This experiment involves critical thinking and problem-solving as students analyse their results and draw conclusions.
The hands-on nature of this activity not only makes learning fun but also encourages students to ask questions, test their ideas, refine their designs and learn through discovery. By engaging with both literature and scientific exploration, students see how their creativity and curiosity can lead to real-world solutions. This lesson has proven enjoyable and meaningful.