Activity Set: Stars
To begin the lesson: Trigger: I would show the children (first class) three real life images (sun/moon/earth) on the whiteboard with no captions – the children to work in pairs/groups and consider what each of the images represents.
1. Ask everyone to come up with as many similarities and differences as they can. If they get stuck, prompt them to think about:
Appearance – size/shape/ colour association
what they do – function
where they might be found – location
(a KWL chart or mind map could be recorded by teacher based on accurate facts given by pupils)
2. Then, everyone needs to decide which one is the odd one out and why. Encourage a reason for every answer and there is no wrong answer here!
3. I would read : Our Stars By Anne Rockwell , emphasising that the sun is a star and that also we have lots of stars . Stars in groups that form a pattern or an outline are known as constellations. I would ask children to name any constellations they know before we read the book. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cqo-cP9gemw
4. I would engage the children in the imaginative Draw your Own Constellation Activity.
Extension linked to Art in the same week: I would engage the children in creating a constellation Activity: Looking at the Plough in two ways
I would give children a choice as to whether they want to use pre-cut straws or string – I feel that some children in first would be able for the measuring of the string but not all.
