Choose one of the activities or activity sets outlined in this module – How would you use the activity in your classroom? or consolidate your experiences and action plans in the course by creating a class plan to engage with Space Week. Post a reflective piece (150 words min) to the forum as a reply to this post. You may include digital records of the activities
Rockets-
I like the idea of using a story book to introduce the topic of rockets. I would also ask the children for any prior knowledge they have about rockets.
I really like the plan for making rockets and exploring how they work and it is something I would definitely include in this topic when teaching it to my class- maybe the balloon and foam rockets. I would also use the Marvin and Milo cartoon where they are asking questions about the rockets and wondering what might happen. I think this would be a good way to stimulate conversation and discussion amongst the children.
I would then give the children time to play with the rockets and understand how they work (possibly linking to maths-length, lines and angles)
I really like the idea of the pupils making a prediction about the starter question- its a great way to gauge understanding and also would engage the pupils well. Once we have posed the starter question I would give the children time to carry out their own investigation. I like the focus on fair tests also.
I would then conclude the lesson by applying this knowledge about rockets and how they work into new learning situations.
I also really like the progression onto alien chemistry and I think the pupils in my class would love making the fizzy rockets- thank you for the suggestion regarding the film cases- to use the vitamin tube instead is a great idea.