Module 5 – Rockets & Alien Chemistry

[Pat Brennan]

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ASSIGNMENT

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.

Please also, respond to at least one other participant’s post.

[Laura Kenny]

In this lesson plan for second class, we will create a spacecraft using simple materials. Over two 45-minute sessions, students will learn basic spacecraft design while developing creativity, fine motor skills, and teamwork. We’ll start with a brief introduction to spacecraft, showing pictures and videos, and discussing their purpose. Students will then brainstorm and draw their spacecraft designs in small groups, choosing materials like cardboard, aluminum foil, and plastic bottles. They will begin building on the first day, focusing on structure, and continue adding details and decorations on the second day. Each group will present their completed spacecraft, explaining its features and design choices. The lesson will conclude with a class discussion about what they learned. Classroom discussion will then take place – which spacecraft would travel the furthest/fastest etc.. Why? This hands-on activity aims to make learning fun and develop an interest in space exploration.

 

[Criona Corroon]

Hi Laura. I like this lesson plan because it combines creativity, skill development, and knowledge sharing. Here’s why it’s a great way to engage young children during Space Week:

Hands-On Creativity: Creating a spacecraft using simple materials allows students to explore their imagination and design unique spaceships. It’s like turning their ideas into reality!
Skill Building: As they work in small groups, students develop fine motor skills and learn teamwork. Plus, they get to choose materials like cardboard, aluminum foil, and plastic bottles—how cool is that?
Introduction to Spacecraft: Starting with pictures and videos, students learn about spacecraft and their purpose. It’s like opening a door to the universe!
Structured Learning: Over two sessions, they focus on structure and details. It’s like building a puzzle—one piece at a time.
Confidence Boost: Presenting their completed spacecraft helps students practice public speaking. They become space experts in front of their peers!
Critical Thinking: Discussing which spacecraft would travel farthest or fastest encourages thoughtful analysis. It’s like solving a cosmic mystery!
In summary, this hands-on activity sparks curiosity and makes learning about space exploration fun!

[Shona Murphy]

Hi Laura, this sounds like a fun activity! I think the children would really enjoy this and what a great way to link the theme to other subjects across the curriculum.

[Maeve Phelan]

Hi laura,

This was an excellent idea. It is a hands on engaging activity that the children would find very engaging. I like how this activity developes a broad range of skills.

[Catherine Fitzpatrick]

Making a rocket activities:

Trigger: Poem  ‘Im Building a Rocket’ by Kenn Nesbitt

Wondering: Recalling some facts about known planets and recording them on the board. Wondering what life would be like on these planets. Wondering what life would be like as an astronaut. Playing the recording of Apollo 11 moonwalk.(Incredible to listen to and watch!!) Wondering how the astronauts felt, what were they wearing, life in the rocket.

Use Milo and Marvins cartoon strip on balloon rockets. Discuss the steps taken to create the balloon rocket. Divide the children into groups of no more than 4. Distribute the equipment needed for the experiment. Discuss did it work, what could we do different and with what outcome.

Put Marvin and Milo’s alka seltzer rocket comic strip on the board. Discuss the steps taken . Again return to groups and distribute equipment. Teacher will add water to the container. Ensure children remain at a good distance from the container. Follow the same steps above for assessment of rockets.

Conclusion: Integrate with Art- Design & decorate your own rocket. Watch/listen to Buzz Aldrin tell the story of the first moon landing while designing rocket.

 

[Irene O Mahony]

Hi Catherine,

I like your engagement idea of reading the poem ‘I’m building a Rocket’. You have lovely integration ideas in this lesson which also includes eliciting information from previous lessons (planets) and establishing new parts (creating a balloon rocket).

[EIMEAR O MALLEY]

Making a rocket lesson plan (2nd class)

 

Stomp Rocket Jr. Rockets – 8 Rockets

I would use the above STEM themed stomp rocket as the prompt and engage activity to introduce to children to rockets. After allowing children to play in groups and take turns stomping and launching the rockets outside in the yard I would ask the children to sit in a circle and pose questions about the rockets. What makes the rocket launch? what is the furthest the rocket travelled? What happens if we remove the side fins of the rocket? What is the trajectory (path) of the rocket through the air?

Using the framework of enquiry I would ask the class to test out a hypotheses. Does a rocket with fins always travel farther than one without? What test can we do to investigate our hypotheses. I would ask the children to work in groups and for each group to perform three stomp rocket lunches on a rocket with fins, and one without. so each group do in 6 total and then we share results as a class and look at what the data results tell us.

We would include in the discussion vocabulary like force, launch, trajectory, gravity and encourage the children to use this vocabulary too,

In a second lesson we would engage in making rockets in groups. I think the mice rockets are a fun and simple way of demonstrating force needed to launch a rocket and how that can be increased or decreased depending on bottle size.

After construction I would ask children to make predictions about what rocket will travel furthest. children can give an explanation for their thinking if they wish. Working in same groups I would ask that half children do mice rockets and other half do balloon rockets. Children would take turns launching both forms of rockets and discuss as group what they observe.

As a final part of this learning about rockets I would link with a junior infant class and engage in peer to peer learning by letting the 2nd class pupils demonstrate their mice rockets and balloon rockets and share what they have learned with children of junior infants.

[Frances McCarthy]

Laura,

would these space craft be functional models or more decorative?

I’m not sure how they will fly – so is this

“which spacecraft would travel the furthest/fastest etc.. “

more of a thought activity or a practical test?

See for example: Design the Space Station, which is pure junk art, rather than Design and Make. vs make a model effector for the ISS which is a working model that can complete a task. (and in Irish)

[Sinéad Heffernan]

Class Plan to Incorporate Space Week:

English: Role-play: Use relevant strategies to build vocabulary. Create a passport to go to space and while doing so make a list of things you might take to space. Use a checklist for the inside of the rocket.

Poems/Writing poetry: Look at words that you might use to describe space and what you might see in space. Get the children to write poems about space using an acrostic poem or a shape poem. eg. a rocket shape.

Diary entries: Look at features of diary entries and get the children to think about how they might feel going to space. Think about what they might do in space and get them to write a fictional diary entry.

Postcards: Write a postcard, from your point of view or the point of view of an alien, back home about time in space.

Descriptive writing: Think about what it might be like to go into space. What would you see? Hear? Smell? You could also describe an alien that you encountered. Use of word mats/word walls will inspire the children in their writing.

Fictional books: Exposure to lots of space themed story books – library, class readers, storyline online, YouTube. Stories include – Whatever Next! Aliens love Underpants and We Are Off to Look for Aliens.

Maths:

5 4 3 2 1 Lift Off – Forwards and Backwards counting

Rocket Cubes – Balance the cubes in a tall tower, like a rocket. Count each cube as you add it. How tall can you make your rocket before it falls?

Alien Theme – Practice number bonds to 10 or 20.

Space Race – roll the dice, add the numbers, first to 10/20/30 wins the game.

Space Scavenger Hunt – Can you find all the planets?

Use pictures of planets, regular and irregular shapes and get the children to fold or cut them in half and quarters – can they all be split into quarters and halves?

Counting in twos and tens; Count in multiples of twos, fives, and tens. Use aliens with different numbers of eyes and arms to practise this way of counting.

Outer Space Themed board games – snakes and ladders, bingo, memory.

Science: Light sources: Identify different light sources including the sun and investigate shadows. Shadows can be investigated using torches on a dull day in the school playground.

Planets: Look at the different planets in the solar system and through the questions, get the children to identify the different planets. Create a simple fact file about a planet of their choice.

Rockets: Describe the simple physical properties of a variety of everyday materials. Design and build a rocket. Competition for the best rocket – display in hall. Science experiment – rocket blast off in yard under teacher supervision.

P.E – Do some moonwalking or walking around pretending you are a spaceman with no gravity holding you down.

Art: Create a rocket using finger painting. Create planets using crumpets as sponges. Create large planets for a display using balloons and papier Mache. Display in hall. Invite others to see space week exhibition in hall.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by Sinéad Heffernan.

[Alyson O Rourke]

A passport to Space is a great idea and could definitely link into an art lesson also

[CLAIRE DEMPSEY]

Also love the idea of the passport to Space idea. Very simple yet very effective.

[Aoife Wadding]

Absolutely love this ideas of a passport to space. Simple yet so effective and the children may be able to relate to a passport from previous trips abroad they may have already taken!

[Orla rogers]

Yes the passport to space is great and so relatable to children.

[Orla Reid]

Agreed. Superb idea passport to space and opens doors for so much integration. Another activity I will bring to my class in September.

[Eileen Meenaghan]

There are loads of great ideas there. Thank you for sharing them.

[Susanne Tinnelly]

Thank you Sinead for such a variety of well explained ideas for younger pupils for Space Week. I ‘ll be taking many of the ideas on board, particularly ‘the passport to travel to space’ and ‘write a postcard home from space’.

[Catherine Fitzpatrick]

Fantastic ideas Sinead with great thought put in to ensure the lessons are cross curricular. So many ideas, you have space week organized for us all ! Thanks

[Rebecca Behan]

The passport to space is such a creative idea! Thanks so much for the super lesson inspiration.

[Sinead Devlin]

A great idea. I really love the passport to space idea.

[Donna Mcevoy]

That is so detailed Sinéad lots of ideas for Science Week. I definitely think trying to create all those links that week is a must. I will try to link my PE and even creat a space dance (although I may use at least one hall slot for doing some maths/science experiments). They could do activities in the hall such as a length activity- How many steps does it take to cross the hall, how many metre sticks across the hall, using the trundle wheel across the hall, measure their heart rate before and after exercise (adults or some older pupils to support). Another activity which could be nice in the hall would be who could build the strongest bridge giving them floor space to complete this (though could be classroom either). Children could use PE equipment to explore gravtiy and forces and motion.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by Donna Mcevoy.

[Niamh O Sullivan]

How would astronauts exercise in space could be a starting question for children to create their own games or activities.

[Ailbhe McNulty]

This is a great idea. It’s lovely to be able to integrate the theme of space with PE.

[Niamh Hatchell]

Great idea!!

[Catherine Kavanagh]

Love the idea of linking to PE especially making a space dance I know the children would love it!

[Ashling Mccartan]

This is a detailed class plan for Space Week with so many brilliant ideas that cover so many areas of the curriculum. I really like the idea of making the passports for space.

[Anita Cooke]

Fantastic ideas here Sinead. So many ways it can be integrated into Literacy, Numeracy and the Arts. Children would be really engaged in all of those lessons.

[Gwen Williams]

Thanks for sharing your idea Sinead.  I agree there are so many ways it can be integrated into Literacy, Numeracy and the Arts. The children would be really excited and motivated to engaged in all of those lessons.

[Siobhan Rooney]

Thanks for sharing all the great ideas Sinéad

[Laura O’Meara]

Wow great ideas Sinead. I love the passport to space idea in particular.

[Sarah Harrington]

What an amasing lesson, the passport to space is so creative and I will be definitely be using this in my class.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by Sarah Harrington.

[Fiona Kavanagh]

Hi Sinead, I love all of the space themed maths activities you have incorporated into your space week. Thanks for sharing!

[Rachel Byrne]

I love this way of teaching as I am myself a Junior Infant teacher and I think it is so beneficial to the children to teach thematically across a fortnight/month on a certain topic as it really consolidates their learning and makes sure that each type of learner in the classroom is being met in someway.

[Ciara Hayden]

I agree Rachel – thematic teaching really keeps the pupils engaged as there is a solid basis on which to scaffold further learning with the children, and no need to constantly re-introduce the basics.

[Shauna Reape]

I completely agree. I think thematic planning works so well in junior classrooms due to the shorter day and sometimes shorter attention span. The children really invest in the themes and there are great opportunities for language development. Some great ideas here that I will note for the next space week.

[EIMEAR O MALLEY]

I think thematic lessons like those described by Sinead are a great way for children to be fully immersed in a topic and give a deeper context as it allows children the opportunity to make connections across all curricular areas.

[David Gavin]

This lesson is really impressive. I look forward to incorporating some of these idea into my own lessons.

[Catherine Kelly]

Thematic planning is definitely worthwhile and makes for better learning, in my opinion. Particularly in infants.

[Rachael Donnellan]

I love all the integration of all the different subjects. These are excellent activities for Space Week.

[Ciara Evans]

I love the use of role play in a lesson. I think it turns the learning back on the child and they have to use prior knowledge to play the role they are in

[Barbara Sadlier]

S9me fabulous ideas here Sinead, thanks so much for sharing 😀

[Alexandra McMahon]

Hi Sinead, you have some fantastic ideas in your class plan.I really like how they have been integrated cross-curricularly. I have taken note of quite a few of these for my class.

[Laura O Neill]

Hi Sinead, you’ve thought of lots of great ideas to incorporate in school during Space Week. I’m sure the children would really enjoy them. Thanks!

[Sarah Byrne]

Hi Sinead,

I like your rocket cubes idea. Another approach to this might be to get children to make rockets using cubes as number sentences. For example you could have various different number sentences on a sheet 3 + 2 = , 5+6= etc. Children have to use 2 different colour cubes to represent each subset and pile them on top of each other to make a rocket and figure out the total.  3 + 2 = 5 might look like 3 red cubes and 2 blue cubes on top to make a total of 5.

[Colette Horan]

Great idea Sinéad. Lots of scope for number work here and you could differentiate so easily with different groupings.

[Susie Shannon]

Great opportunity for integrating maths and you could definitely differentiate in your classroom to suit all needs.

[Marie Concannon]

Hi Sinéad. I like how you’ve included so many  ideas to incorporate space week across the curriculum. I feel like this would spark the children’s interest regarding space week and involve all learners as there are so many different ways you’ve included the topic across the curriculum. I love the passports to space idea.

[Anthony O sullivan]

Fantastic ideas. I love the maths ideas and I will be using these in the coming year.

[Tracy Frawley]

Space week
AISTEAR THEME:
Music: Reach for the Stars (S club 7)
Set up Role play area for ‘astronauts’ to fly their rockets/ land on the moon or planets, carry out experiments for the week.
Tuff Tray area with”moon sand’ and small world rockets, landers, moon rocks for measuring, etc.
Free/ Structured play: use Lego/ Magnet tiles to make a Moon Lander, Rocket, etc

Day 1: -introduction To Space. Brainstorm what space means to the children.
Watch Apollo 11 – The First Moon Walk | Things You Wanna Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbTaDOuSePk
-Read: “The Way Back Home” Oliver Jeffers. The children could pretend to be the astronaut and write to their alien friend.
-Guided Drawing activity: Draw an astronaut https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjnRYnSEuG4

Day 2:- Making a Mouse Rocket Experiment.
-Using the iPad to record expt. Use app “Book Creator” to record.
-Making paper planes to fly outside

Day 3: The Sun and The Moon
Day and Night Lesson similar to below

-Weather dependent: outdoor activity: Sun and Shadows.
-Story: Katie and the Starry Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26w8WJz_9dQ
-Art linked to this book

Day 4: -Planets: The planet song for kids

-Art activity: Planet Sun Catchers – Pre-K Pages (Munchkins and Moms)
-Our Earth/ What’s special about our earth/ Taking care of our earth

Day 5: Pick a planet of choice, e.g, Mars. Learning about Mars, conditions on Mars.
-Design a Martian STEM activity

[Chloe Buckley]

Amazing Tracy love all of your resources. The videos are so fun they are so catchy and the kids absolutely love them!

Thanks for sharing!

Chloe

[Frances McCarthy]

Tracy,

Katie and the Starry Night is a wonderful story – I have shared it with my colleagues who hosted our Space Art session last year.

https://www.spaceweek.ie/events/space-art-with-bco-van-gogh/

I’m also enthralled myself with the astronaut drawing – I need to find my sharpies!

[Colette Horan]

Tracy, I love how interactive and engaging you’ve made this topic. Lots of cross curricular too, with the stories, music and touching off different aspects of space in a progressive way. I like that Day and Night lesson too – the children would get a good grasp of what causes day and night by actually moving themselves. The Aistear area  sounds like great fun too. Lots of opportunities for oral language and discussion.

[Laura Kelly]

Some really great detailed ideas Tracy. I love the inclusion of the music and songs. Recording the mouse rocket experiment its a great idea, the children would love to rewatch their experiment.

[Emma O’Sullivan]

These are great Tracy thank you – especially the video links.

[siobhan mckenna]

I use how to draw all the time. My children love the guidance. it also means by the end of the drawing because its done in such small steps it actually somewhat resembles the original drawing. I always find the children are so chuffed with themselves in comparison if they were given free reign with their imagination. I know I myself always liked to have something to go by.

[Rachel Hegarty]

These are great resources Tracy. I can’t wait to try them with my class in September. Thanks!

[Carolann Daly]

Excellent ideas and resources here Tracey.  Great progression through the week and you’ve incorporated some wonderful online resources too.  I look forward to using these during space week.

[Deirdre Fay]

I love how you have planned this and incorporated allowing the children to apply their learning to other related things, for example the making of paper planes after they have investigated and learned about the rocket mice. A great myth to connect to here could be the greek myth of Icarus … and drawing the connections of wings of a plane / rocket and birds etc. There could be great discussion here to really allow the children to explore and look at similarities and differences… materials etc.

[Celine Hyde]

I didn’t realise that there is more than one adventure in the art gallery with Grandma, Katie  and Van Gogh. Thanks for sharing the link to Katie and the Starry Night- must try and get a hard copy. I read a story everyday to my language groups in Junior Infants- this would be a great one to include.

[Harriet Downes]

Tracy I love how fun and interactive your ideas are here, I love the use of music such as s club 7! so playful and fun for the children to sing along to! lots of hands on activities too! Thanks for sharing.

[Susan Lawlor]

Tracy, that’s a total wow – I hope you don’t mind me using some of the ideas in my room.  I absolutely love the planets song and it really is enjoyed at the younger end of the school. Thanks a million!

[Heidi collins]

Thanks Sinead,

You have gone into lot of detail to provide a whole scheme of work.  I like the cross curricular approach you have taken, to incorporate PE, Art, Poetry and Maths. Thank you!

[Fiona Ni Shuilleabhain]

some fantastic ideas here, thanks for the inspiration!

[Maeve O’Mahony]

Hi Sinéad, I love the integration here, I am sure students would really enjoy these lessons!

[Kayleigh O’Sullivan]

I love how you have included space in almost every subject and so effectively. I love the postcard and the introduction of descriptive writing.

[Aaron Kavanagh]

Some great ideas Sinéad, thanks for sharing

[Orlagh Kirwan]

I love the idea of using the passport to Space as it is something the children can really relate to.

[Mary Murphy]

Hi Sinéad,

I love how you have incorporated so many wonderful ideas and resources into your plan. There is so much there and children would love all the games and art, never mind the moonwalking!

Mary

 

[Fionnuala Lyne]

Amazing amount of activities here. I will definitely use from this list particularly the space passport

[Deirdre Walsh]

Sinead this list is fantastic. I love the idea of a passport to space and will definitely use this idea.

[Julie O’ Sullivan]

There are some lovely ideas here that would be very engaging for Space Week.

[Aoife flannery]

Well done on creating such a detailed plan for Space Week Sinéad! I will definetley be taking note of a few of these activities for space week in October to do with my own class 🙂

[Elaine Kenefick]

I love the idea of creating a passport to go to space.
It’s definitely something that I think the kids would enjoy.

[Sheelagh Daffy]

Hi Sinéad this is a fantastic indepth look at how to incorporate space week into the inant classroom! I really like how you integrated into maths and even board games! Such a simple but effective idea.

[Aoife McCrory]

Sinéad, I love your idea of creating a passport for children to visit Space. The children in my Senior infant class would really enjoy doing this activity. Thanks for the great idea.

[Ciara Lane]

Hi Sinead,

I think this is an excellent Space Week Plan.

In English I love the idea of taking something familiar like a passport and applying it to going to space and then the idea of the children deciding what they need to bring sounds like great fun. To extend this further could you have them pack a suitcase with things they may need to bring and then discuss further. Maybe you could even put in some things and have the children discuss if you will need it/ how you will use it. E.g. starting the discussion of how people brush their teeth in space. Chris Hadfield has a lovely video about this.

I absolutely love the idea of using shape poems in rocket shapes and I can only imagine the level of engagement you would get with this idea.

In the past I’ve done the papier mache planets and they are so so much fun and really get the children thinking about the appearance of each planet and how they differ. I personally found this the most effective way to get the children to remember the various attributes of the planets.

[Conor O’Malley]

You have lots of lovely ideas here for Space Week. I really like the poetry and story writing ideas, I can see myself doing this with 1st and 2nd classes.

[Pamela Dalton]

There are some fantastic ideas here Sinead and well thought out lessons, thanks for sharing

[Amy Kelleher]

Some fantastic ideas here, I really love the rocket cubes and space race maths ideas. They will make maths lessons really fun and engaging for the children.

[Laura Maloney]

Love the fact that Literacy and Numeracy play a big part with this topic. Lots of lovely ideas that I will be using in the first week in October.

[Robyn Doran]

Hi Sinead,

 

I love your plan to incorporate space week. You have found so many ways to integrate one learning topic in fun ways! Well done

[Erika Hopkins]

I like that there are  different activities for each subject!

[Claire Nagle]

Wow I really love your detail outline here for space week there are some great days that I would love to use in my classroom in September. It is all very simple and doable and does not require many resources.

[Kathy Gleeson]

Hi Sinéad, thanks for posting all the ideas Re integration. The alien counting ideas are a nice way to vary the learning for the children.

[Aoife Roche]

Hi Sinead, Thanks for sharing so many great cross-curricular ideas to incorporate into Space week! I love the passport to space and checklist ideas is great for role play in Aistear.

[Audrey Gillard]

Hi Sinead, some really good and creative ideas for Space week. Lots of room to integrate and extend the theme of Space. Thank you!

[Rachael Byrne]

Hi Sinead, I really like the idea of designing a passport to space particularly as it is something that the children will have real life experience with so are more likely to be motivated and engaged.

[Leeanne Ni Chaomhánaigh]

So many wonderful ideas there. Thanks for sharing them.

[Rohana Rahman]

There are a lot of great ideas here Sinéad. These will definitely develop the children’s knowledge of Space in a fun and engaging way.

[Niamh Costello]

These are all great ideas Sinead.

[Jennifer O’Mahony]

This is a fantastic plan Sinead with loads of ideas for cross curricular links.  I will definitely use some of these ideas when planning Space Week in my school.

[Aideen Quealy]

So many greats ideas and ways to integrate space across Space Week. Thanks for sharing.

[Barbara Farrell]

This design a spacecraft activity looks very interesting. I think it would be great for second class and even with the older classes. The range of designs and materials used would be very interesting to see.

[Michelle McGee]

I have used the Aliens in Underpants story as a hook before and the students loved it. We then created an art lesson based on it where the students created their own underpants for an alien. This links in materials also, what materials should an aliens underpants be made of?

I will definitely be trying out the flying mice experiment next year. I have always wanted to create rockets with junior infants but didn’t know how to do it interactively and safely. I will definitely add this to our themed activities during our Aistear Space station. We could further develop it on how the different designed mice fly, keeping the same bottle launcher. Eg size, paper vs card, googly eyes or no googly eyes (weight)

 

[Lynn McElroy]

This is a lovely idea to conduct.

[Catherine Kelly]

I haven’t read this story yet and the pupils I worked with last year would have loved it. We have a book fair and an art fair every year and I think this would be a great book to use!

[Sinéad Heffernan]

That story always goes down well and its a great introduction to space related lessons.

[Anita Cooke]

Great idea designing underwear for the aliens! I’m sure the children had so much fun doing it.

[Sharon Murphy]

Hi Michelle, I also love the idea of using the flying mice activity as an Aistear Station and will definitely be giving it a go next year!

[Sharon Murphy]

Here is a rough plan for infant classes to engage with Space Week

Monday:

Start the week by introducing the concept of space and planets through a storybook read-aloud.
Engage students in a discussion about the solar system and the different planets.
Have students create their own model of the solar system using craft materials.

Tuesday:

Introduce the concept of astronauts and space exploration.
Show a short video clip of astronauts in space and discuss what they do.
Have students create their own astronaut helmets using paper plates and art supplies.

Wednesday:

Teach students about the phases of the moon through a hands-on activity using Oreos.
Discuss the importance of the moon in space exploration and its effects on Earth.
Have students create their own moon phase chart to take home.

Thursday:

Explore the concept of stars and constellations.
Show images of constellations and have students try to connect the dots to create their own.
End the day with a stargazing session using a star projector in the classroom.

Friday:

Wrap up Space Week by having students participate in a space-themed scavenger hunt.
Play space-themed games and activities throughout the day to review what they have learned.
Have students create a space-themed craft to take home as a reminder of their week exploring the universe.

[Grace O’Connor]

Love all these ideas – a nice comprehensive plan for Space Week for the Junior classes

[Margaret Farrell]

Great ideas for space week, thanks so much for sharing.

[Éadaoin Garrigan]

Hi Sharon, I think this is a great plan for space week, full of wonderful and interactive ideas.

[Roisin Jenkins]

Hi Grace

What a great plan for Space week it’s so great to I corporate so many different ideas and hands on activities for infants to use.  A star projector is a great idea I must dig out my sons old one!

And having a scavenger hunt on the last day is a great way to round off a fun week. Thanks for all the ideas.

[Eleanor Mc Sweeney]

For space week, my aim is that pupils would celebrate space week in a cross-curricular way. I would give an area in the classroom to display all of our space week vocabulary, story books, art work etc. I would use all opportunities throughout the day to refer to the display, vocabulary etc. For example when children are lining up, I would mimic a spaceship launch countdown as my timer for children to get into their spots.
To begin the week, I would use song to recap the names of the planets. When children are then familiar with the planet names and features, I would facilitate a whole class art project. Children will be put into groups and will work together to make some paper mâché planets. This will be worked on over the week. When it is finished it will be painted and put on display in the main school hall for all classes to see.
I would host a bingo session for Junior and Senior Infants with some fun space related spot prizes. At the end of the bingo session, I would get all pupils to spread out in the hall and to do the eight planets – dance along space song.

[Frances McCarthy]

Eleanor, sounds like great fun, have you a particular song in mind?

Please do register this as an event on spaceweek.ie – you can register now!

[Emma O Connor]

Bingo I frequently use teaching gaeilge, I must use it more for other subject areas.

[Louise O Grady]

Hi Eleanor,  I love the indirect reference to space week with the spaceship launch countdown. The kids would love that. I also like that lots of different activities would be incorporated throughout the week. It’s fun and there’s lots of ideas and resources to pull from online.

[Lauren Herbert]

I have never used Bingo during a science lesson before, I must give it a try.

[Conor O’Malley]

Space themed bingo sounds fun, my classes have always enjoyed bingo games- you can adapt it for everything!

[Sharon Coyne]

I would start my lesson by reading the book  “The way back home”.

We would discuss ways to get home from space- Children will hopefully identify rockets or spaceships.

The children will make a rocket using paper- they will design and make rockets using colours.

The children will create rockets using 2-d shapes and construction junk art.

Then we will examine how rockets are launched- We will watch videos of nasa spaceships being launched into space. We will discuss astronauts in the spaceships. We will role play being astronauts on the spaceships. We will pretend to be in completing the check list and count down to launch.

We will predict, investigate and complete an experiment called Rocket Mice and see which rocket mice will go the biggest distance.

We will record the distance and measure it.

Small world play in Aistear using Rockets, spaceships and astronauts

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Sharon,

I’m glad the rocket mice have another fan – I just love them. Start collecting your milk bottles so that you have a range of launchers ready for Space Week.

I like to ask children to work together and have one child hold up their arm to mark the highest the mouse goes. To make a record, they could then go to a nearby wall and put a post it note at that height. Measuring with a meter stick can come later.

[Valerie Ryan]

I can’t wait to start the Rocket Mice! They will absolutely love them!

[Emma Furney]

I am the exact same Valerie. What a simple yet practical and effective way for younger classes to explore the concept of rockets. The plastic cartons reminds me of asking pupils to bring materials in for Junk Art in Aistear. It just shows how everyday items can be used in so many different ways in the classroom! I will have First Class in September so when it comes to teaching this, I feel I will start with the Rocket Mice and then progress to the Fizzy Rockets if I feel the pupils are able for them.

[Siobhan Rooney]

I have used the junk art workshop in Aistear previously to create rockets and spaceships. It always works very well and the children can create simple structures on their own, with little teacher input.

[Michelle Rowley]

Yes, similarly I have used Junk Art for Rockets. I usually use it as a station during Aistear. I find it works better as a small groups activity rather than whole class. The children will often bring in material at home to add onto their rocket as the week goes on. They are acting as engineers finding materials that work for their rocket. Junk art is messy but so brilliant – allowing for creativity, thinking and problem solving all in one!

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Michelle,

what a simple way to really encourage the children to keep going with a design. Once they know that the rocket will be built over time, they have so many reasons to keep adding to it and going back to it.

You could show them a time lapse of the ISS being built – it took years!

 

[Niamh Doherty]

I will be having junior infants in September and I cannot wait to make the rocket mice! Such a fantastic idea and so simple yet loads of learning taking place.  I love the idea of using various sized bottles too to see the difference in the height of the rocket mice.

 

[siobhan mckenna]

This book sounds great. Reminds me a bit of the Wizard of Oz a film the children nowadays aren’t overly familiar with #theres no place like home!

[John O Connor]

I really like the idea of doing different types of rockets before giving them the experience with something launching. A rocket using 2D shapes is a very easy and effective idea too.

[Jill O Callaghan]

An excellent lesson plan that will definitely have the children engaged and enjoying the learning.

[Elaine O’Donoghue]

I would use the rocket launching activity with my 2nd class students.

My stimulus would be a video of an actual rocket launching. I would ask the students to tell me everything they know about what is happening in this video. We would then discuss rocket launches, where the rocket might be going, what its purpose might be. I would tell the students that today we are going to investigate how a rocket launches.

I would show them the Marvin and Milo cartoon of the balloon rocket. I would leave that displayed on the board. I would divide the class into mixed ability groups and provide them with all the equipment they need to carry out the experiment. I would circulate between the groups, offering support and help when needed. Once the students have successfully launched their rocket, I would encourage them to think of anyway they might be able to change one thing in the experiment to see if the results would be different, e.g. using a different sized balloon, blowing the existing balloon up more/less, etc.

Once all groups are finished, we would discuss what they have learned. I would ask them if they can guess from their findings in this experiment what force might be behind the launching of a rocket into space. We would discuss how, in a real rocket launch, gas released from the ignited fuel pushes down hard against the ground pushing the rocket up into the sky.

[Mark Murphy]

This sounds like a good lesson Laura. I like that it promotes creative thinking and oral language development.

[Veronica Gardiner]

DESIGN AND MAKE A PAPER ROCKET                                                                                     Suggested Class Level Middle and Senior

Introduction                                                                                                                                        Discussion and background information with whole class                                                        Real rockets get their energy from burning fuels emitting gases from the back of them, which send them forwards. Moving air can move many things. A light breeze can move leaves on trees, while a hurricane can cause great damage to buildings and even blow ships onto rocks. Electricity is made on wind farms from moving air. Sailing ships rely on moving air to drive them.

Trigger questions: What is the hardest part about going into space?). Why is this? How does something huge and heavy like a spacecraft manage to break away from Earth’s gravity? What is a rocket? How does it work? Where do these gases come from? For something to burn what do you need. But there is no air in Space! So how do the fuels burn?

Watch a launch rocket video clip on YouTube

Making the rocket: Materials: A4 sheet of paper, straw (wide diameter if possible), scissors, pencil (of approximately the same diameter: as the straw), Sellotape and            measuring tape.

Activity Children should be encouraged to Design and Make their own rocket, given the above materials.

Cross-curricular links: maths: The children should predict how far their rocket will go. What instrument will they choose to measure the actual distance?  How will they decide what to measure in order to make it a fair test? They should launch their rockets a number of times, firstly estimating the distances travelled, and then measuring them and taking the average distance. Does the angle make a difference to the distance travelled?  Geography: Planet Earth in Space Art: Rocket Design.

Conclusion                                                                                                                                            Can you think of any other ways of making a paper rocket which might go further? Follow-up activity: Try out different lengths of rocket. Does a longer or shorter rocket make a difference to the distance it travels?

[Shulagh Callan]

Activity- Rockets for a Junior Infant class. This is the year group I will have next year so this lesson will be aimed at this age group.

• Cross Curricular links – PE: Sport darts/archery/Stability/things that fly through the air etc
• Art – Construction
• History – sequencing
• English – Book ‘Rocket the Space Giraffe’
• Math – measuring distance and how far the rocket mouse will travel.
• Aistear – creating rocket mice using the templates provided – cone shaped.

Trigger – I’m Building a Rocket by Kenn Nesbitt poem.

The teacher will build a sense of wonder for the child by posing a starter question – How might changing the force of the rocket make it go further/higher/slower? We will then explore how we might make a rocket go further by conducting an investigation which in this case would be by using different sized bottles. The children will have sourced varying bottles from home and they will use these when launching the mouse they made earlier. Questions asked during the investigation will include: What makes your rocket fly? What makes it come down again? How do you think a real rocket works?

Sharing/Data- the children will discuss distances measured, materials used and how force affects distance. The children will put a happy face on the board under either the big or small bottle to indicate which one made the mouse go furthest. We will then compare results.

[Niall Smith]

Shulagh,

thank you for the poem suggestion for the prompt, this is sure to get the children started! https://poetry4kids.com/poems/im-building-a-rocket/

and the author states:

You are welcome to use the poems from my books and website in your classroom activities. You may photocopy them, enlarge them, illustrate them, or do just about anything you like with them

The verse that has

But what do you mean
when you ask how we’ll land?

offers a whole “take the next step” for the Rocket Mice, since these do tend to fly off in random directions. Children could measure how far from the launch did the mouse land and consider ways to make it land closer.

[siobhan mckenna]

I love this resource, there is a poem for everything and imagine it’s free to access it!

[Breeda Boland]

Hi Shulagh,

That’s a great poem- ‘I’m Building a Rocket!’ by Kenn Nesbit. I’ve just looked it up.

GRMA

[Linda Buckley]

Hi Laura, this sounds like a great lesson. Very well laid out, step by step and also very enjoyable for the children.

[Orla rogers]

These would be my ideas/class plan for Space Week.

Monday

Astronaut Role-play:

I would have my students role-play as astronauts for a day, engaging in activities that real astronauts would do aboard the International Space Station (ISS). This would be a great Aistear activity also for Space Week.

Tuesday

Writing Letters to Astronauts:

Have students write letters to astronauts, expressing their curiosity and asking questions they might have about life in space. For infants, they could practice their letter formation instead with the letters S P A C E.

Wednesday

Space-themed Art Contest:

Have an art contest where students express their images/feelings of space through drawings, paintings, or digital media. This could also be a homework project instead.

Thursday

Invite a speaker:

Invite a guest speaker to talk about their knowledge of Space. In my old school one of the parents was a scientist and the parent came in during science week and performed experiments!

Friday

Movie Day with Space Documentaries:

I would screen educational space documentaries that can provide visual insights into space exploration history or current space missions. Brian Cox’s videos are a perfect example of this.

[Niall Smith]

Orla,

Chris Hadfield’s videos might be perfect for your astronaut role play on day 1.

His “Chris’ Kitchen” outlines the difficulty with crumbs in space and explains why the ISS occupants eat tortillas instead.

The links from the Canadian Space Agency offer additional images and infographics: https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/multimedia/search/video/17836

Have you a particular Brian Cox video you prefer? This one is of a talk to primary children, but is quite long:

https://youtu.be/mig-FFU3zy8?si=UaNAFRDYwIJtYEkI

[Cillian Rogers]

Create a class plan for Space Week – Sourced from Spaceweek.iw

Astronaut Dressing up race with helmets and wellies. Drama and Dance based on sunlight travelling to Earth. Space Cinema: Watch a movie with the theme of space (Wall-E, Space Chimps, Fly me to the Moon, Space Buddies)

Sing the song ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’ with the children drawing their attention to the words: ‘How I wonder what you are?’ – Link to Stars.

Song Suggestions: The Planet Song for Kids https:// youtu.be/ mQrlgH97v94 Sesame Street: I don’t want to live on the Moon https://youtu.be/kIq8jLj5TzU

Have the children work in pairs and close their eyes. They take turns to pretend that their partner is a Martian who has landed here to find out more about humans. They have to ask each other what the physical appearance of a Martian looks like. What size are you? What colour are you? Do you have arms/legs/eyes just like humans?

[Julie O’ Sullivan]

There are lots of great ideas throughout this course which could be used for Space Week. I particularly like the work around rockets and I think this is something which always appeals to the children. As I will be teaching Junior Infants I would like to try to Mice Rockets. I am the Green Schools Coordinator and we recently had a ‘Junk Art’ competition whereby we encouraged the children in the school to create something using materials that they would be recycling. We got such a great selection of fantastic art work. Rockets were one item which many children made and it was great to see the different variations and how they made them. The art competition is something which we intend to run again but I am thinking it might be nice to incorporate something similar for Space Week whereby the children in the school make rockets using recyclable materials. We could do some paired work whereby some of the older kids could partner up with younger kids and help them. I think this is something which would be great fun and I would imagine we’d get a great selection of rockets.

[Frances McCarthy]

Julie,

by asking them to make a “working” rocket, that adds a whole level of complexity. The fizzy tablet rocket with a vitamin tube is probably the best basis for this, and children would have to consider the weight of the materials they add, the aerodynamics (since this rocket will be launched from Earth).

A larger possibility is the fizzy drink bottle water rocket, but now these bottles have recycling value, this may be less likely.

https://youtu.be/UspRESye6JY?si=-HQ6s_M9LTtVa_TN

There is a commercial kit that can be used, I have one called Water Rokit. Get a decent bicycle pump, not one of the smaller one hand ones.

[Susanne Tinnelly]

Fair Testing:

Use a variety of materials to make  paper aeroplanes.

Use card, newspaper, tinfoil orA4 white paper and fold into an aeroplane shape. The teacher can model how to fold the paper into an aeroplane shape.

Each child makes their own aeroplane using a material of their choosing.

In pairs the children test how far their aeroplane flies and use a metre stick to measure the distance.

In a whole class discussion, we give feedback on how far each aeroplane flew and record the distance each type to aeroplane flew.

By looking at this data the children will be able to see which material works best.

As an extension to this lesson,  the pupils will create paper aeroplanes of different sizes and fly them from both a standing and sitting position.

 

 

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Susanne,

fair testing with paper aeroplanes is a lovely way to check if children really get the idea of fair testing.

If they are changing the material, then everything else should stay the same, including the design of the folded plane, the force with which they launch, the angle of launch, the height of launch etc.

It might be easier to choose just one material and then let them explore the other factors.

[Anna O’Gara]

Ideas for Space Week:

1. Rocket Building and Launching
Students design and build simple rockets using various materials e.g. paper, plastic bottles.

2. Space-Themed Art and Creative Writing
Students create space-themed artwork, including drawings, paintings, or models of planets, spacecraft, or alien life. They can also write stories, poems, or essays inspired by space.

3. Space Science Experiments
Conduct simple experiments in class. Each class chooses a different experiment to present at Assembly.

4. Guest Speaker or Virtual Space Expert
Invite a guest speaker, such as an astronomer, astronaut, or space scientist, to talk about their work and experiences. If in-person visits aren’t possible, arrange a virtual session.

5. Space Quiz
Organize a quiz with questions related to space.

6. Design a Space Mission
Students work in teams to plan a space mission. They decide on the mission’s objective (e.g., exploring Mars), design the spacecraft, and outline the mission timeline.

7. Create a Space Podcast or News Broadcast
Students research current events in space news and create a podcast or video news segment..

[Grainne Soden]

Hi Laura, your lesson plan sounds fantastic! I love the idea of building spacecraft and will definitely try this activity with my class.

[Rachael Kelly]

Love using all the different materials, it can bring up the conversation of recycling

[Michelle O’Leary]

Hi Laura, this would be a such a fun activity to do with a class. It would develop so many different skills. I have built the Titanic with some of my class groups before. The ideas that they come up with are amazing. I can only imagine the space ships that would be created- fabulous!

[Rachael Byrne]

Hi Laura,

I really like the collaborative aspect that you have included in your lessons. I like the fun element of seeing which rocket went furthest too. Thank you.

[Laura O’Driscoll]

This sounds like a great lesson idea, Laura. I love the fact that you would use recyclable materials to create the rockets as it also ties in to our planet and the importance of looking after our environment. You are right, it is a great way to develop creativity, fine motor skills and ensure the use of teamwork in a lesson.

[Laura O’Driscoll]

I would use the ‘Making a Rocket’ activity in my classroom.
To begin, I would introduce the topic of Rockets and Spaceships. The children would engage in think-pair-share and come up with some ideas as to what kind of features are important in rockets in order to make them suitable for Space.
The children would then work in pairs to create their rockets. They would firstly draw a labelled sketch of what they plan to do with the materials provided in order to create a rocket. They would then begin to design and make their rockets using a variety of recycled materials. The children would make use of their creativity skills in order to design and make their rockets. The could also make use of their mathematical skills to measure the length of the various parts of their rockets. The children could explore different ways to make the rocket stand up freely and then they would present their rockets to their classmates.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by Laura O'Driscoll.

[Una Courtney]

Hi Laura I really like your cross curricular & thematic approach. Interactive, engaging and hands on too!

[Laura Ryan]

It sounds like the children would really enjoy these lessons Laura especially with the competitive aspect involved in measuring which space craft went the furthest.

[Shulagh Callan]

Veronica, I really like the way you integrate the rocket making with Math by allowing the children to decide what instrument they would choose to measure the distance.

[Saoirse Gleeson]

Activity Set- Rockets
I would Read the book Aliens in Underpants Save the World to introduce the concept of space exploration and rockets in a fun and playful way. I would discuss with the children the idea of space travel and how rockets help us explore beyond Earth. I would show pictures of different types of rockets (e.g., space shuttle, Saturn V) and discuss their shapes, sizes, and purposes.

I would then look at the comic strip of Marvin and Milo building their Penny Rocket and the YouTube video of the Mouse Rocket. I would ask the children which rocket design they think will work better and why. Which rocket will go the farthest? I would encourage critical thinking and discussion. I would divide the children into groups and provide each group with an empty milk carton, paper for the mouse head, coins, and an empty 2L bottle to create their own Penny or Mouse Rockets.

I would get each group to predict which rocket design they think will fly higher or farther. They would then launch the rockets in an open space and mark where each rocket lands. Then we would discuss the outcome compared to the predictions.

Finally, I would link to other subjects:
– Math: How many foot spans long did each rocket launch.
– Art: Encourage children to create space-themed artwork inspired by their rocket experiment.
– Writing: Write about rockets and space exploration.
– Aistear: Role Play/Construction/Small World

[Laura Kenny]

This is a great idea to incorporate other subjects and shows it is a great topic to be integrated across lots of other subjects.

[Christine O’Brien]

Great idea Saoirse to bring in the maths (distance) with it.  We will be looking for more and more ways to do this with the implementation of the PMC.

[Sean Flanagan]

I really like the book Aliens in Underpants save the world and have used one similar in my class before. This would be a great stimulus for discussion on space travel. I like the idea of integrating English writing where the class could write a procedural piece of writing about how to make the spacecraft or a writing piece about the space landing to display with the rockets.

[Eleanor Mc Sweeney]

I love the integration of this lesson with the book Aliens in Underpants save the World. Pupils love these series so it would be a fantastic resource to link in with your lessons.

I have never used comic strips in lessons but will think about doing so in the future!!

[Dean Vaughan]

Very interactive and the children get to experience to a multitude of activities

[Aine Gannon]

I really like how the opportunities for subject integration and development of scientific skills have been presented.

[Felicity Murphy]

Hi Sharon,

The idea of using the cartoon clip for the kids is a great addition.

 

[Denise Duffy]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>I totally agree Felicity. The use of comic strip/cartoon strip is very effective method. I particularly love how it incorporates many areas of PLC also with use of writing genre, oral language, grammar, punctuation and is all done in a fun and engaging way.</p>

[Laura Ryan]

Activity: Rocket Mice

We’d start by reading the book ‘The Way Back Home’ by Oliver Jeffers and discuss ways we could help get the Martian back to the moon.

We’d explore rockets together by watching a video of a rocket launch here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lti6a_YYQl0 and looking at some pictures of different rockets. What’s the same or different about the rockets?

The children will then follow the instructions to make a mouse rocket in pairs. I’d supply a range of materials for the children to use to decorate their rockets.

We will then test out the rockets. Ask the children to take note of which rocket goes the highest.

Next will try shooting our rocket mice across the floor so we can measure which one went the furthest. Ask the children for ideas as to how we could measure this? Ruler, metre stick, string etc.

Have the children measure the distance using links. We can then record how far each rocket went by recording the number of links used on a record sheet. Before we launch our rockets have children record their prediction on a whiteboard.

Which mouse went the furthest? How do you know it went further? Why do you think it did?

Discuss ways we could make our rockets go further or not as far. Do we know anything that flies?

Give children the opportunity to make other flying objects during free play.

[Saoirse Gleeson]

Laura, this is a lovely lesson. I really like the idea of the children have further opportunity to explore what they learned in the lesson during free play.

[Orla Byrne]

Great idea to watch sci show, the videos are short enough that they engage the children whilst having loads to learn. I will use this video in my lessons thank you

[Alyson O Rourke]

Sounds like a great lesson!

[Michelle McGee]

Showing videos of rocket launches is a great idea as especially over the next few years there will definitely be the opportunity to watch live launches via space X. I think this would really help engage the students and bring their learning in the classroom to life.

[Frances McCarthy]

I like showing the Starship launches from Space X

The first one had thrusters not firing properly and this was clearly visible. I show the video and pause it at 1m 24 s to ask…. ‘what do you think about this rocket launch? will it end well or badly – give me a thumbs up or thumbs down.’ I then point out the circular pattern of the thrusters  and the ‘missing’ rockets and ask again.

Launch 2 went better and Launch 3 was earlier this year.

 

 

[Niamh O Sullivan]

I never thought of searching for a failed rocket launch to explore what is needed for a successful one.

[Jennifer Dempsey]

My toddler enjoyed making rocket mice the other day (with some help!). He’s quite clever so I was testing out some open ended higher order questions with him about the types of materials used etc. He liked this experiment!

[Roisin McLarnon]

Great lesson with lots of fun and learning .

[Daire Dwyer]

Hi Laura,

Great ideas here and thanks for the information about the book and the link for the You Tube Video

[Bríd O’Donoghue]

This sounds like great fun Laura. I’m sure the children would really enjoy seeing who got the most out of their rocket.

[Sean Flanagan]

In second class, we will design and make a spacecraft in small groups. This could be used as a follow on to a science lesson on planets or a history lesson on the space landing. Firstly I would spend a week teaching all about the first moon landing in SESE. We would discuss Apollo 11 and the eagle lunar module and the characteristics of a spacecraft. The children would then be split into small groups and be asked to draw and design a spacecraft that they will later make. I would ask the children to bring in recyclable materials from home so each child would use bottles, cardboard, caps etc to make the space craft. I would then facilitate the children making the spacecraft together. The children could gather any materials needed and using tape make their spacecraft as a STEAM activity. This could be furthered by filling spacecrafts with baking soda and vinegar to cause a fizzing reaction to resemble takeoff. Children could also design their spacecraft similar to a paper airplane and could see which one goes furthest and link to forces.

[Claire Kelly]

I love the idea Sean of building space crafts. It’s a very hands on activity and children love the freedom of creating their own designs .It certainly would lead to lots of discussion and planning .Adding the baking soda and vinegar to resemble take off would be real fun for the children.

[Frances McCarthy]

Sean,

this is a very doable plan, particularly if a fizzy vitamin tablet tube makes the core of the spacecraft that is then decorated to look more spacecrafty.

if you wanted to design the interior of the spacecraft, then use this resource (Humans in Space from spaceweek.ie) instead.

[Irene Lynch]

Sounds like a lovely idea Sean, I really like the cross curricular aspects of the lesson, this will really keep the children excited and interested.

[Aoife Purcell]

I also really like the idea of building the spacecrafts. I could use this idea with my infants to do as an activity with their 6th class buddies.

[Claire Kelly]

Rockets

Working with infants I would read the book ‘Aliens in Underpants save the world’ to them first. As the book progresses I would encourage them to predict what might happen next and build visual pictures in their heads of the exploration of space.

Then we would discuss rockets and elicit any previous knowledge they have of rockets .Through this we would build  a mindmap of space vocabulary .

We would watch the clips of Marvin and Milo demonstrating the Balloon Rocket and The Rocket mice .I would ask questions about which rocket they thought would launch the highest or travel the furthest?  Following the children’s replies I would pose further questions wondering what might happen if  …

Dividing the class into smaller group they would proceed to build their rockets and check out their predictions .Rockets would be launched by each group and results compared .

Cross curricular work

Oral language – space vocabulary

Art/Craft  -cutting, colouring .decorating their rockets

Maths- comparing, contrasting ,measuring, recording, data,

Aistear   -Role play

 

[Alyson O Rourke]

Really great integration opportunities here!

[Anna O’Gara]

I love the idea of using a picture book as a stimulus. I also teach infants and will definitely use these ideas.

[Criona Corroon]

Here is an outline of a possible plan to help engage the children in junior Infants with space week.
Space Week Class Plan for Junior Infants
Theme: Exploring Outer Space
Objective:
To introduce young learners to the wonders of space through cross-curricular activities.
Circle time:
Space Exploration Discussion: Gather the children in a circle and discuss space-related topics. Show images of planets, stars, and rockets. Encourage questions and curiosity.
Literacy:
Storytime: “Aliens Visit Our Planet”: Read a fun story about friendly aliens visiting Earth. Discuss the concept of aliens and their imaginary adventures.
Writing Activity: Have students draw their own alien characters and write a short description.
Mathematics :
• Counting Stars: Use star-shaped cutouts to practice counting. Ask questions like, “How many stars are in the sky?”
• Rocket Math: Introduce basic addition and subtraction using rocket-themed flashcards.
Science :
• Rocket Launch Experiment: Create simple paper rockets and launch them outdoors. Discuss how rockets work and why they can reach space.
• Planet Exploration: Show pictures of planets and discuss their unique features.
Art :
• Alien Art: Provide colored paper, googly eyes, and glue. Let students create their own alien creatures.
• Galaxy Painting: Use dark paper and white paint to create a galaxy background. Add glitter for stars.
Physical Education:
• Astronaut Training: Set up an obstacle course. Pretend students are astronauts navigating through space stations.
Home Connection:
• Family Space Challenge: Send home a space-themed activity sheet. Encourage families to stargaze, learn about constellations, or build a rocket model together.
Expected Outcomes:
• Appreciate how space can be integrated into various subjects.
• Identify opportunities to apply mathematics and science skills in a cross-curricular way.

[Frances McCarthy]

What a great set of activities for Space Week – please make sure your register your class this year!

If you want more

Astronaut Training: Set up an obstacle course. Pretend students are astronauts navigating through space stations.

check out MissionX (scroll down the front page to find the physical activity section if you google the name).

[Patrick Carroll]

The students in my class would love this lesson. I will definitely use this during space week this year. Showing the students a video of how real astronauts train for a mission before hand or after would create even more excitement.

[Sarah Breen]

I love the idea of linking home and school for space week with the family activity.

[Fiona Daly]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>An amazing list of different activities to engage pupils during the space week. I especially love the links to visual arts. The children would have great fun creating their own aliens and galaxies for them to explore.</p>

[Sean Furlong]

I really like the integration with PE. It would not have occurred to me to try to integrate science and PE but it would work so well in this instance.

[Frances McCarthy]

Sean – specifically check out Mission X  – it is all PE with a space theme.

[Yvonne Kelly]

Really like the integration of PE with the theme. Would not have thought of this myself. Very comprehensive list of how it can be integrated across the curriculum.

[colette browne]

Wow Criona. What a detailed list of activities for infants to explore during Science week. Great that you have incorporated the lessons across the curriculum. You have a lovely home school link idea with families and the star gazing activity.

[Alyson O Rourke]

I am teaching Junior Infants next year and will definitely use some of these ideas, thank you for sharing!

[Sinead Forde]

Some brilliant and exciting ideas here, and really touching on so many different curricular areas

[Anne Breen]

Fantastic suggestions for Space week there Criona. I love how you introduce the children to the wonders of space through so many cross-curricular activities. Plus they’ll have so much fun engaging in all those activities.

[Niamh O Sullivan]

Really like the idea of an astronaut training obstacle course.

[Patricia Stokes]

So many great ideas here that are easy to implement and effective to enhance hands on learning in an Infant classroom. Thank you!

[Christine O’Brien]

Consolidate your experiences and action plans in the course by creating a class plan to engage with Space Week.

In my own context, if I don’t use it for Space Week, I envisage it being used in the week before the class engages fully in the Integrated Learning through Play block ‘Space Travel Agent’ The Space Week Plan can be used at class level or can be rolled out across the school, if desired. It is intended that the children get an overview of many aspects of Space

MONDAY – The Planets
The Planets song – 8 Planets of the Solar System Song https://youtu.be/mQrlgH97v94 (Link to Music)
The planets – Journey through the Solar System (ESERO 1) https://esero.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/01_The-planets.pdf (link to PE)

TUESDAY – The Moon
Video of first moon landing (link to History)
Craters on the surface of the moon – experiment with objects being dropped on flour
Meet Our Neighbours: Moon http://www.space-awareness.org/en/activities/1408/meet-our-neighbours-moon/ (Link to Art)
Multicultural Moon Stories https://nightsky.jpl.nasa.gov/docs/MoonStoriesASP2019.pdf (Link to Ethical Education)

WEDNESDAY – The Sun/Shadows
Book – The Sun is my Favourite Star by Frank Asch (link to English)
Where is the Shadow? (ESERO 29) includes drawing outline of shadows at different times of the day (Link to Art – Drawing – form) and/or
Sundial with upturned flower pot and bamboo stick – measure at various times (link to History)

THURSDAY – Rockets
Marvin & Milo – Whole class Balloon Rocket (note: have sting and straw prepped). Add variations https://spark.iop.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/19%20-%20Marvin%20and%20Milo%20-%20Balloon%20Rocket%202019_0.pdf and/or
Marvin & Milo – Alka Seltzer Rocket /https://spark.iop.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/09%20-%20Marvin%20and%20Milo%20-%20Alka-Seltzer%20Rocket%202019.pdf Chemical rocket launch using old film containers or vitamin/seltzer containers

FRIDAY – Aliens
Dancing raisins https://www.sfi.ie/site-files/primary-science/media/pdfs/col/dancing_raisins.pdf
Blow up balloon using vinegar & baking soda – Balloon Blow up Demonstration to show children how carbon dioxide can be created and then used to blow up a balloon.
Hands on Experiments! – Explosions – The children will work in teams to try and create the perfect glittery explosion mixture. The children will start by adding baking soda. Then the children can decide which colour of food dye and glitter they would like. The children will then add liquid dish soap to the mixture, being careful not to stir it too much and create bubbles. Finally each team will have a chance to test which mixture works the best by adding vinegar to it. The result! A colourful Bubble explosion! This can be done in an empty plastic container.
Note: taken from BCO Fizzing & Foaming document

[Frances McCarthy]

Great stuff – something for everyone there, and very doable in the classroom.

Every year Space Week is 4-10 October, this year that falls on a Friday to the following Thursday, but Space Week can easily be Mon-Friday in your own school.

Don’t forget to register this as an event on spaceweek.ie.

[Louise Gleeson]

Wow Christine! This is great. Very indepth and agreed totally doable. Thank you for all the links really very helpful and have it saved! Much appreciated. Always great to get things like this on these courses. Thanks for sharing.

[Veronica Gardiner]

Thanks Christine. This is a well structured lesson plan for science week with some lovely ideas and cross curricular links for each day. Lots of useful links provided which the pupils would love.

[Ursula OConnor]

Really great ideas here, thank you  – It covers a lot in a little time with doable activities and the activities will certainly be of interest to the children.

[Sinead Shanley]

Hi Christine,

This is a fabulous well structured plan, I love how you set a theme for each day and included the links to the teaching lesson/ideas from the resources.

[Patrick Carroll]

Love this list of lessons and the cross curricular links.

[Emma O Connor]

Thanks for sharing these ideas Christine. They will be really helpful in my classroom, love how each day has a theme!

[Sinead Parsons]

Great layout Christine, could be used in all the junior classes.

[Cliodhna Kelly]

Christine, this is such a useful and comprehensive plan I can definitely see myself using this year for Space Week! Thank you !

[Jane Donegan]

I love your ideas here Christine! Thank you for sharing.

[Fiona Daly]

Activity- Rockets

Trigger – video of a rocket going into space

Wonder- What is making the rocket move? Discuss different methods of moving objects.

Explore- Try out different ways to move objects.

• Move a balloon attached to a straw along a piece of string by letting the air out of the balloon
• Propelling a bottle using water and fizzing tablet
• Propelling an object sitting on top of an open bottle by squashing the bottle, pushing out the air
• Launching a foam rocket using cylinder and elastic bands.

Investigate

Ask the children to design and make a rocket using a range of Materials including cylinder rolls.

Question- How far will the rockets go when launched using a slingshot style launcher.

Predictions- Each group predicts a distance (linkage: maths)

Conduct the experiment- Discuss fair test: all groups start at the same position, all use the same rocket launcher, only difference is the force used and the materials used (both of which would be discussed after the Investigation when discussing results.

Sharing/Interpreting results- Discuss distances measured, materials used, possible forces affecting the launch. Display results using a bar chart or pictogram.

Next steps- what could have been done differently? Evaluate design of rockets. Discuss pull force. A marker to indicate how far to pull back the launcher.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by Fiona Daly.

[Denise Duffy]

Brilliant and diverse activities to explore the concept of  how to move objects. I can see these experiments being carried out very agentically jn older classes

[Barbara Farrell]

Activity – Rockets

Introduction – The children will create a mind map about rockets. Using these key questions to stimulate them. What do they look like? Where do they go? Have you ever seen a rocket? Who travels in a rocket? The story ‘Roaring Rockets’ by Tony Mitton will then be read to the children.

Development – The children will look at the cartoon images of Marvin and Milo and the Balloon Rocket and the clip of The Rocket mice. We will then create our own rockets by following the rocket mice instructions. We will discover if the size of the bottle makes any difference to the distance the mice travels. How can we make the rockets travel higher or faster?

Conclusion – The children will watch a real rocket space launch and discuss any questions they may have. Follow up lessons would be to create the balloon rocket that Marviin and Milo made also creating a rocket using paper and straws.

 

[Suzy Furlong]

Hi

I like the addition of the mind map. Although using it for this course I hadn’t thought to apply it to making rockets.

[Sean Furlong]

The “Fizzing and Foaming” lesson for infants reveals the power of hands-on, sensory-rich activities in early science education. This type of lesson engages young learners by tapping into their natural curiosity and excitement about the world around them.

The “Fizzing and Foaming” lesson typically involves simple chemical reactions, such as combining baking soda and vinegar to create an effervescent, bubbling effect. This visual and tactile experience captivates infants, making abstract scientific concepts more concrete and understandable.

One of the key strengths of this lesson is its ability to introduce foundational scientific principles in a playful and accessible way. Infants learn about reactions, cause and effect, and basic chemistry through direct observation and participation. This not only builds their scientific knowledge but also enhances their critical thinking and observational skills.

Moreover, the lesson supports the development of fine motor skills as children measure, pour, and mix ingredients. It also fosters language development as they describe what they see, feel, and hear, using new vocabulary related to the experiment.

This lesson can be flexible and can be easily adapted to different learning environments and needs. The excitement generated by the fizzing and foaming reaction often leads to further inquiry and exploration, encouraging a lifelong interest in science.

Overall, the “Fizzing and Foaming” lesson is an excellent example of how hands-on, sensory activities can make learning both fun and meaningful for young children.

[Frances McCarthy]

Sean,

would you be able to use an activity like this with your older class? I wonder if the sensory aspect of it might be too much for some children with sensory issues. I once made slime with a class and had a child vomit from the experience, so I am always keen to let the children lead on how much they want to touch/squish and otherwise engage.

For younger children, the measuring and mixing is likely to be in broad capacity units – ie a spoon, rather than in detailed ml.

[Irene Lynch]

Activity- Making Rockets

Students will learn about rockets and how they work by building and launching their own simple rockets.

Materials Needed:

• Balloons
• Drinking straws
• String or fishing line
• Tape

Introduction to Rockets:

• Begin by asking the students, “What do you know about rockets?” and “What do rockets do?”
• Show picture cards or posters of rockets and space exploration.
• Explain that rockets are powerful machines that help us travel into space and explore other planets.
• Discuss how rockets work: they use fuel to create thrust, which pushes them up into the sky.
• Explain the basic parts of a rocket: the body, fins, and nose cone

Making a balloon rocket:

• Thread a piece of string through a straw. The string should be long enough to stretch across the room or yard.
• Tie one end of the string to a chair or doorknob and hold the other end tightly.
• Inflate a balloon but don’t tie it. Instead, tape the balloon to the straw.
• Pull the straw to one end of the string and let go of the balloon. Watch as it zips along the string like a rocket!
• Allow the children to decorate their rockets using different art materials.

Discuss how the air escaping from the balloon creates thrust, propelling the rocket forward.

Launch Time:

• Take the students to an open space for launching their balloon rockets
• Allow each child to launch their rockets and observe the results.
• Encourage them to experiment with different designs and see how changes affect the rocket’s flight.

 

Discussion:

Gather the students and discuss what they observed during the rocket launches.
Ask questions like, “What made the rocket go?” and “How did different designs change the way the rocket flew?”

 

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Irene,

it is great to plan balloon rockets as Design & Make – children will then try an improvement, see if it works, and refine as needed.

I have been about 15 years getting balloon rockets to work – and I find they are best for me when I make the strings vertical, with a weight (usually a roll of sellotape) holding them down.

[Niamh O Sullivan]

I have never considered using the string vertically. Will try this the next time.

[Ursula OConnor]

Activity: Rocket Mice

Skills: Exploring and wondering

With infant classes I would begin with the story Mice in Space as a read aloud to the children. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWzfjI99KPg

Designing and making: Children would engage in making their own mouse using card and markers, sticky eyes etc – art and craft activity.

Investigation: Next I would work through questions of how might we launch our mice – what could we try – with a box of items for the children to try to use themselves – active exploration and wondering put into action.

We would look at each attempt and discuss what works well and what doesn’t – what happens to the mice and what we want to happen.

I would explain with basic language about a force to make the mouse launch – using straws next, allow the children try to move their mouse along their desk by blowing through the straw. After this, looking at how a lot more air might be better.

Using the milk carton, demonstrate for the children how the force is exerted.

Designing and Making: Children then experiment with their own rocket launcher using cartons.

Applying knowledge – children practise using rockets with their mice.

 

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Ursula,

I’m going to nick your idea of using straws first. I often ask the children to get the mouse to move without touching it – and a child will usually blow on it, and then I go straight to wondering if the milk bottle could help us launch the mouse up…

 

[Yvonne Kelly]

Lesson: Rocket Making for Infants

Children will engage in a hands-on activity to design and construct their own rockets using milk containers.

Materials Needed: Empty clean milk containers, colourful cards, markers, scissors, glue, tape.

Introduce rockets and space exploration to the children through use of pictures.
Each child is given a milk container and cards to decorate their rocket with colourful designs using markers, stickers.
The children will cut a cone-shaped top from card. They will place them on top of the milk container to complete the rocket design.
The children are encouraged to share and discuss their rocket creations with the group.
We will then have a rocket launch activity where children can pretend to blast off their rockets into space.
If time permits, they can create a cardboard launch pad for the rockets to take off from.
To conclude the lesson we will read the book ‘Roaring Rockets’ by Tony Mitton and listen to the song ‘We’re Going on a Rocket Space’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE0qcTPGCVs

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Yvonne,

will you use the milk containers as the launchers (like Rocket Mice does) or are they part of the rocket?

If launcher – then the mice (the cone) actually do launch upwards (like a rocket).

Roaring Rockets is a nice book – just watch out for the glossary that mentions “gravity boots” -it is on my pet peeve list. The astronauts wore thick soled boots because the Moon is cold! and the surface of the Moon is made of very rough, sharp and sticky rock dust that would cut through space suits. The gravity of the Moon is more than enough to keep the astronauts on the lunar surface.

[Deirdre Tiernan]

Hi Yvonne, that sounds like a great lesson. I love how structured it is. I actually read up on Lunar boots too; sometimes children’s books are almost perfect!

[Aisling O brien]

Hi Yvonne,

Thank you for sharing this lesson- it is very clear to follow. Thank you for also sharing the book and song. I must have a look at both.

[colette browne]

For Space Week with senior infants, I would create a fun and engaging class plan that combines learning and hands-on activities.

1. **Introduction to Space**: Start the week by introducing the concept of space through storybooks, videos, and interactive discussions.

2. **Solar System Exploration**: Teach about the planets in our solar system using visual aids and interactive games.

3. **Space Crafts**: Engage students in creating space-themed crafts like paper plate planets, rocket ships, or astronaut helmets.

4. **Stargazing**: If possible, organize a stargazing session in the evening or use a planetarium app to explore the night sky during the day.

5. **Space-themed Snack Time**: Prepare snacks like “moon rocks” (popcorn) or “alien juice” (green-colored lemonade) for a thematic treat.

6. **Space Dress-Up Day**: Encourage students to dress up as astronauts, aliens, or their favorite space-themed character to spark imagination.

This class plan aims to make Space Week exciting and educational for senior infants, fostering their curiosity about the universe.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by colette browne.

[Rachael Gill]

Hi Collette

I really like this plan that you have created. It addresses the theme of Space from many different angles and is very engaging for children.

[Frances McCarthy]

Colette,

Are you planning to run stargazing sessions with Stellarium? It can take a bit of time to get used to, but is a powerful way to present the night sky. It works best if you have a room that can be completely darkened – do you have that at your school?

Can you identify some of the specific

 visual aids and interactive games.

that you might use? I have used https://www.esa.int/kids/en/Games/Space_Cleanup

and spent so much time zipping around collecting broken satellites!

[Paula Mc Gee]

I really like the space dress up day for space week where the children get to dress up as Aliens. It really gives them an opportunity for creativity and imagination, while most children will also be able to think about what protections and added body parts the alien might need on their planet.

[Orla Byrne]

( again apologies, none of my letters are visible when I type!)
First we would start with the book ‘ Roaring rockets by y tony motto this is a very simple but engaging book for a junior infants class. It goes through the componem of a rocket too. Rrom this we would ask questions about how we would design and launch a rocket with a mini figure ( shookin) attached. Discuss together how we would make it, what we would need and what could actually make the rocket launch ( should be able to ans this based on other experiences during science week . We would create, design and build rockets in pairs using junk art. We would then launch using bicarbonate of soda and vinegar. Finally we would measure the distance that the rocket travelled. For sphe we could discuss fears , how would you feel if you were asked to go to the moon etc…

[Brenda Reynolds]

Sounds like a brilliant idea. I can envisage a lot of tin foil and googley eyes being used in these creations and the children would love it.

[Rachael Gill]

I have used the Aliens in Underpants story as a stimulant in a lesson before and my class really liked it. It really grabbed their attention from the beginning of the science lesson. We then moved onto looking at the absorption of different materials through the inquiry based approach. The children made washing lines with underpants on the washing line. All of the underpants had to be the same size to make it a fair test. They dipped each of the underpants in water for 2 seconds and observed how long it took for the water to stop dripping from each of the underpants. From this, they then identified which material is best for making underpants. This lesson turned out to be a huge success in my classroom.

I really like the rocket mice activity outlined in this module. Making rockets in infants has always been something I have avoided due to uncertainty about how to do it safely and productively. I think it would be a great addition to my Aistear stations during Science week in future.

[Frances McCarthy]

Rachael,

what a super way to engage the children and make a fun lesson out of underpants! I can imagine the little pants dripping dry! I’m trying if the best underpants are absorbent or not — perhaps this could be “nappy” design, where the most absorbent won’t drip at all and the worst would drip all the water out. If the material was not absorbent at all, then the drips would all come at the beginning, and a semi-absorbent material would drip away for ages.

Did you use this template for the underpants?

[kevin kennedy]

It sounds like your lesson using “Aliens in Underpants” was a fantastic and engaging way to introduce scientific inquiry! The hands-on activity of testing different materials for their absorption properties would make learning fun. I appreciate how you ensured the experiment was fair by using underpants of the same size and the observation of water dripping added a visual element that likely enhanced understanding.

I’m glad you found the rocket mice activity in the module appealing. Safety and productivity concerns are valid, but with careful planning and supervision, making rockets can be both exciting and educational for young learners. Incorporating this into your Aistear stations during Science Week sounds like a brilliant idea. Integrating these activities will not only enrich your science lessons but also foster a love for exploration and experimentation in your students.

 

• This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by kevin kennedy.

[Emma O Connor]

Racheal, thanks for sharing this, I could see the level of engagement for children would be high. Like how you incorporated the idea of a fair test as often this is something im guilty of not pointing out in younger classes.

[Sinead Shanley]

Activity Set: Rockets lesson idea for Senior Infants.

I would envisage using this lesson following on from work related to the Activity sets based on planets and the Moon. I would also cover the Story of Neil Armstrong in SESE:History and complete some work in Drama related to his story before starting this lesson.

To engage the children at the beginning of the lesson, I would display my NASA Saturn V rocket poster on the board and also show the children a video clip of the rocket launch as the stimulus to get the children talking and wondering. See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViNcBQ8cDA0

We could discuss rockets their shapes and sizes, explore different types of rockets, all the time encouraging children to make observations, ask wondering questions and discuss and share their ideas with the class. I feel it is very important for the children to lead this area, and I would follow their lead with my questioning or prompting. Could we make our own rockets and launch them in the classroom?

I would allow children to explore in small groups the materials available and see what ideas they could come up with first. Next I would teach the children how to make a Mouse Rocket https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUKCT2L3DjA&t=26s or the Balloon rockets from https://spark.iop.org/balloon-rocket (depending on the fine motor skills of the class!) I would encourage the children to explore how the rocket is launch and see what wondering questions they come up with.

For the investigation our starter question may be- Does the rocket travel further if I push harder/ blow the balloon bigger? Children will share their predictions in their group as the teacher circulates the class and engages with the different groups. Next the children will carry out their investigation. Teacher will use prompting to help children decide if their test is fair. the children may use whiteboards and marker to collect their Data. Afterwards they will discuss and interpret their data before sharing their finding with the class.We will then compare the finding with the predictions made.

When completing of next PE lesson on throwing, we could use the foam javelins and see if the children can make connections and apply their learning from the rockets to how the javelin travel the furthest.

[Frances McCarthy]

Sinead,

I hope the balloon rockets work for you – I finally got them working for the first time last year, as part of the “Heavy Lifting Rockets” activity with children.

I found that the line needed to be taut. I used fishing line which was smooth, with a large diameter bit of straw on it. We found that the positioning of the balloon attachment to the line mattered, since the balloons would go in circles around the line if the straw wasn’t lined up with the opening / neck of the balloon. I also destroyed a lot of balloon pumps!

• This reply was modified 5 months, 3 weeks ago by Frances McCarthy. Reason: edited for spelling

[Sinead Shanley]

Thank you for those tips!

[Paula Mc Gee]

Activity set: Rockets and Aliens

To begin I would read the story “Aliens in Underpants Save the World” for enjoyment and discussion.
To get the children thinking about rockets I would show the video of a rocket launching.

Then we will make a simple rocket mouse and play with them for a while. Then we will formulate a questin to investigate like – which bottles makes the rocket mouse jump higher. The children will make predictions and discuss how to make the test fair e.g. using the same rocket mouse on different bottles. Finally we will record our results.

To take the next step we will brainstorm other things that fly through the air and what they have in common.

STEM: who cam create the paper aeroplane that travels the furthest?

PE: look at the foam arrows and play around with different heights when throwing and projections.

[Frances McCarthy]

I hope you plan to do this with the children during spaceweek.ie -always held between 4 and 10 October. An event can be a simple as – make rocket mice with the class, and it would be great if you could register it with spaceweek.ie

[Suzy Furlong]

Lesson Plan: Building a Spacecraft
Objective:
Students will learn about spacecraft and use their creativity to build their own models, fostering understanding of space exploration and engineering concepts.

Materials:
“Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton
Recycled materials (toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, bottle caps, etc.)
Glue sticks
Scissors
Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
Aluminum foil
Construction paper
Stickers and other decorations

Introduction:

Gather students in a circle and show the picture book cover.
Ask, “What do you know about rockets and spacecraft?”
Read the picture book aloud, discussing the different types of spacecraft and their purposes.

Discussion:

Show pictures of various spacecraft (rockets, shuttles, satellites, etc.).
Explain the parts of a spacecraft: body, wings, engines, etc.
Discuss how spacecraft help us explore space and learn about the universe.

Activity:

Provide students with recycled materials, glue sticks, scissors, markers, and other craft supplies.
Instruct students to build their own spacecraft models using the materials provided.
Encourage them to be creative and think about what their spacecraft would look like if it could really fly into space.
Allow students to decorate their spacecraft with markers, stickers, and aluminum foil for a shiny effect.

Sharing:

Have students sit in a circle and share their spacecraft models with the class.
Ask each student to explain what their spacecraft is designed to do (e.g., exploring the Moon, flying to Mars, etc.).

Wrap-Up:

Display the spacecraft models around the classroom.
Sing a simple space-related song e.g., “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon”

Conclusion:
Reinforce the excitement of space exploration and the importance of creativity and imagination. Encourage students to think about what they might discover if they could travel into space in their own spacecraft.

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Suzy,

asking children to think what they might find out if they could travel in space is something I often pose to older children too. The new space launch systems are brining the price of rocket launches down dramatically, and satellites are getting smaller and smaller with the introduction of “cube-sats” – so making a satellite and putting it into space (as the Irish student team did with EIRSAT-1) is within reach for so many more people now.

So – what would  YOU use space for to help the Earth?

 

• This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by Frances McCarthy.

[Louise O Grady]

Class Plan for Engaging with Space Week Ireland
Class Level: 1st class
Duration: 1 week
Theme: Exploring Space

Objectives
Introduce students to basic concepts about space.
Encourage curiosity and engagement through interactive and hands-on activities.
Celebrate Space Week (October 4th-10th) by participating in themed events and projects.
Materials
Picture books about space (e.g., “There’s No Place Like Space” by Tish Rabe)
Poster paper and markers
Craft supplies (construction paper, glue, scissors, foil, etc.)
Internet access for virtual tours and videos
Flashlights, balls, and other props for demonstrations
Space Week activity packs
Star charts/Stellarium
Space-themed music and videos

Monday: Introduction to Space
Activities:

Morning Circle: Read a space-themed picture book.
Discuss what students already know about space.
Space Facts Poster: Create a class poster with interesting facts about space.
Each student contributes one fact with a drawing.
Virtual Tour: Watch a virtual tour of the International Space Station (ISS).
Discuss what astronauts do in space.
Homework: Ask students to look at the night sky with their parents and draw what they see.
Tuesday: The Solar System
Activities:

Solar System Song: Learn and sing a song about the planets in the solar system.
Planet Crafts: Create paper plate planets. Each student chooses a planet to decorate.
Interactive Game: Play a game where students have to match facts to the correct planet.
Homework: Bring in a space-related question to discuss the next day.
Wednesday: The Moon and Stars
Activities:

Moon Phases: Use flashlights and balls to demonstrate the phases of the moon.
Create a moon phase wheel craft.
Starry Night Art: Make a starry night sky using black construction paper and white paint or chalk.
Constellation Stories: Introduce some simple constellations and their stories.
Let students create their own constellation with star stickers on dark paper.
Homework: Encourage students to identify and draw a constellation they can see at night.
Thursday: Space Exploration
Activities:

Spacecraft Models: Build simple models of rockets or rovers using recycled materials.
Astronaut Training: Create an obstacle course to simulate astronaut training.
Discuss what skills astronauts need.
Space Videos: Watch kid-friendly videos about space missions (e.g., moon landing, Mars rovers).
Homework:

Write a short story/draw a picture about what they would do if they were an astronaut.
Friday: Celebrating Space Week
Activities:

Space Assembly: Host a mini space assembly where students share their crafts, facts, and stories.
Invite parents and other classes to attend.
Space Party: Play space-themed music and have a space-themed snack party.
Hand out space-themed certificates for participation.
Reflection and Feedback: Have a circle time where students share what they enjoyed the most and what they learned.
Collect feedback to improve future Space Week activities.
Ongoing Throughout the Week:

Space Corner: Set up a space-themed corner in the classroom with books, pictures, and activities.
Daily Space Fact: Share a fun space fact each morning during announcements.
Parent Involvement: Encourage parents to participate by reading space stories at home or helping with crafts.
By following this plan, students will have an engaging and educational experience during Space Week, fostering a love for space and science.

[Ciara FaganBarrett]

A great range of engaging activities for Space Week Louise, I really like the home/school links, where pupils can share their learning at home with fun tasks and then feedback in class.

[Elaine Townsend]

Lots of great ideas in this plan Louise. I am definitely going to do some of these and I particularly like the way you have broken it down day by day into themes. This would help us to make sure we’re not bombarding the kids with an overload of information because there are so many aspects to space that we could cover. This would help me as a teacher to focus on certain themes one at a time.

[Patrick Carroll]

For space week the theme would be incorporated into several lessons throughout the week as well as using some of the live resources available.

To start the week:

Space week would be introduced during circle time and we would start a mind map entitled Space which would be displayed and added to throughout the week. A short video linked to space would be shown each day or we would tune into some of the live videos available that week.

For English:

*A reading comprehension about Astronuats and space would be covered. (This is available in their workbook).

*Write a postcard from space.

For PE:

*The students would complete astronaut training obstacle course. climbing over and crawling under things, running jumping, squatting, bouncing a ball.

Drama:

*Students would watch the moon landing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbTaDOuSePk and in groups would create and role play their road trip to the moon and back again. They bring in their own objects to leave on the moon.

Maths:

*Students could practice addition/subtraction doing a colour by number worksheet with a space themed picture created or a code breaker message/ fact about space.

Gaeilge:

*Vocabulary on Weather and clothing could be discussed followed by animals in the cold and their adaptions.

Art/ Music:

*Recreation of starry starry night by Van Gogh with chalk done accompanied by looking at the words of the song starry starry night and listening to its melody.

*Lesson about Mars, Make the surface of mars out of red clay, make an alien that could live on mars.

* Learn about the planets in the solar system through song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ero4xNzqMQ

SSE:

*Create your own rockets – using string, straws and balloons. Add your own features and race them across the room. Discuss what features would help them travel faster/slower and why they are propelled forward.

 

Just for fun:

Have an space themed lunch, do a dress up day on the theme space.

[Frances McCarthy]

Lovely stuff Patrick – I think this in particular is super “They bring in their own objects to leave on the moon.” – you could link this to measures by giving a limit to the size or weight that was available in the space craft. There was a company that planned to take small items to the Moon, but the mission that it was on failed in January.

For Starry Night – my colleagues did a space art session on Van Gogh last year, you can find it at

Space Art with BCO- Van Gogh!

 

 

 

[Niamh O Sullivan]

I did Starry Night with the children last year and they really enjoyed it and create lovely artwork. Didn’t know it was an anniversary this year.

[Dean Vaughan]

I always enjoy doing this experiment with the children as it generates great excitement!

The film canister and Alka-Seltzer experiment is a perfect way to ignite a love for science in the primary classroom and I often do it in my own Science Club. It’s engaging, uses everyday materials, and demonstrates a fundamental chemical reaction – all with a satisfying “whoosh!” and a big “pop!”

Preparation:

Gather film canisters, Alka-Seltzer tablets, safety glasses (one per student), shallow trays (like cafeteria trays), and water.
Ensure a clear, safe launch area away from furniture and walls.
Launching the Fun:

Safety First: Begin by emphasising the importance of safety glasses or completing the experiment outside.

Fill Up: Have students add a small amount of water (think a few tablespoons) to their film canisters.

Fizz, Boom, Blast Off!: Distribute Alka-Seltzer tablets (broken into halves or quarters). Instruct students to drop a piece into the water, quickly snap on the lid, and place the canister upside down in the tray.

The Grand Finale: Step back and observe! The Alka-Seltzer reacts with the water, releasing carbon dioxide gas. This builds pressure, launching the canister with a pop!

Prediction Time: Before launch, have students predict which canister will travel farthest (based on water amount, Alka-Seltzer size, etc.). This encourages critical thinking.
Variable Exploration: Repeat the experiment with different water amounts or Alka-Seltzer piece sizes. Students can record their observations and discuss how these variables affect the outcome.

This experiment allows students to witness a chemical reaction firsthand. They’ll see how the Alka-Seltzer and water combine to create gas, understanding the concept of pressure building up and propelling the canister. It’s a fun and memorable introduction to scientific concepts!

This one is suitable for all age groups, requires little resources but there is great science learning potential behind it!

[susan molloy]

This sounds like brilliant fun Dean !! My infants would have the best day ever ha!

[Lynn McElroy]

This lesson can be completed with first or second class. We will make a space craft by using recyclable materials over the course of a week. We will start with an introduction by reading of Aliens in Underpants Saves the World to stimulate interest and then also the Planet Song. Students will draw up ideas of their designs and begin to make their designs in teams. They will paint and present their spaceships to the class and share how they made them and what items they used. We will conclude the lessons with questioning and a summary of what we learned about space and spaceships. We will complete a Kahoot quiz at the end to aid in assessment and understanding.

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Lynn,

making a recycled space craft sounds fun. Your crew could also come up with a name for their mission. They could choose a famous place or a famous person to be their space craft. Or they could choose a space-theme name.

You can see the list of various missions here.

[Roisin McLarnon]

Engaging in Space Week is a week full of fun learning a for the children .

Being a Senior Infant class there is a lot of singing art and craft and experiments going on ,

Monday

Planets and the Solar System Song    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2prtmPEjOc.

Discussion not the planets and divide the kids up into groups to make their own solar system with balloons of different colours, markers ,string , wool and a variety of amaterials to make the planets, Discussion on size of each planet in relation to each other and visual representation on whiteboard to help them would have been covered before starting the craft activity.

Tuesday  The Moon

Discussion and watch the first Landing on the moon

Mystery Science    What would it be like to live on the Moon?   What is the Moon Made of ?

Using shaving foam the children could make their own moon surface.

Wednesday The Sun /Shadows and Sundail

Hopefully the weather will be on our side and the children will be able to get outside to create a sun dail using chalk. There are many video clips on the sundail that children could watch . This could be linked into the history of telling the time and clocks through the ages .

Children could work in pairs and draw shadows of themselves at different times of the day ….weather permitting.

Thursday

Mice Rockets experinments , Here the children will experinment with different bottle types ,different mice and make measurements to decide which is the best rocket and why .

Friday

Storytime where the children listen to stories about Aliens and where they come live .What planet do you think an alien could live on? Why ? What do yo think they would look like ? What would they need.?

Revise The Solar System song .

Air Dough provided and the kids after discussion will make their own Alien and when dried paint and decorate.

End the week with a Kahoot quiz .

[Frances McCarthy]

What a great set of space themed activities that would make Space Week so exciting.

If you make a kahoot quiz, please share! (and don’t forget to register this as an event at spaceweek.ie)

[Sharon Coyne]

Well done on creating a great list of activities for space week in school. I can’t wait to do the theme of space next year as I feel I have so many more amazing ideas and activities for completing with my class

[Muireann McCarthy]

I also have Senior Infants next year. Thank you so much for sharing lovely ideas for Space week. I love the idea of incorporating songs and art, as at this age, that is how they learn most effectively.

[susan molloy]

Activity Set: Rockets
I would begin the lesson reading the poem ‘Space Walking’ to open the discussion on rockets and Space and determine what they children know about rockets; we will mind map our knowledge on the board together as a class. I will tell them that Teddy wants to send a letter to his alien friend who lives in Space. You could integrate a literacy lesson here also and the children can help Teddy write the letter to his friend. Children will then design their own rockets harnessing the power of a balloon to make them launch. We would discuss materials that we might need and using measuring sticks the children will predict how far they think their balloon might launch. Each measurement will be marked out with chalk and we can see which child/group is the closest to their estimate. I always find this add a bit of excitement for the kids and teachers alike!!
We would finish the lesson with the sing along song ‘Space Song Rocket Ride’ (attached below)

[Carol anne Savery]

I love the integration of music and literacy in your lesson. So important to have a thematic approach in infants.

[Kate Muckian]

Hi Susan,

This sounds so fun and effective. I would be more into that than some of the children probably!! A nice fun and competitive activity!! will definitely be trying out. Love how music is incorporated also.

[Bridget O Grady]

Love the space song rocket ride attached here.

[Carol anne Savery]

Lesson on rockets for Junior Infants

Engage:
Step 1: Story – Roaring rockets by Tony Mitton . Discuss the story and rockets and how rockets launch into space.
Step 2: Watch a brief clip of a rocket launch such as https://youtu.be/Lti6a_YYQl0?si=sIn1-Vsuh3qq1h8z
Step 2: Explore a selection of rockets provided by the teacher – allow the children to explore each rocket by moving in groups to each station which will have a different rocket.
Step 3: Create their own rocket mice rocket using paper , colours , milk bottles and sellotape. ( I would use all the same sized bottles for this step)

Investigate:
Starter question: How could we make the mice rockets go further?
The children would be encouraged to make a prediction based on this.
They would then use different sized bottles to explore pressure .
Think , pair , share activity based on ideas on how the rockets work.
Taking the next step
Looking again at the selection of rockets from the beginning of the lesson – exploring what other ways we could make a rocket fly.
Explore the Marvin and Milo resource about balloon rockets .
Make the balloon rocket from Marvin and Milo.
Further investigation based on the balloon rocket.

[kevin kennedy]

consolidate your experiences and action plans in the course by creating a class plan to engage with Space Week:

I have chosen to create an action plan for space week for the junior classes in the school. The concept would be (A Day of Space Travel for Space Week). All the junior classes and teachers would be involved. Each class teacher would be given a planet and would have some time to prepare some information and an a activity based on space. On the day of Space Travel each class would visit at least three planets. The children would carry Space Passports and receive a stamp on arrival to the planet(classroom). Junior and Senior Infants could base their Aistear the week before on Space and design a spaceship for them to travel in and also design alien consumes. The activities and information would  be tailored to suit class level. Rocket mouse experiment could be done with Junior and senior infants as it’s a quick and fun experiment. Marvin and Milo cartoons could also be read in big book format. All classes could learn the mnemonic (My Very Energetic Mother Just Served Us Noodles)  Mercury/Venus/Earth/Mars/Jupiter/Saturn/Uranus/Neptune to help memorise the planets.

First and second class could tackle some Aline Chemistry and make some fizzing and foaming rockets and learn about how to find constellations such as the Plough and the north star.

The concept would be that all children get excited about the day of Space travel and come back to their home classroom with a full passport, participated in a fun space activity and also learn something about the planet they visited.

[Katie Harrington]

I love the idea about passports! Senior infants in our school do the theme Space Travel Agent – we try to learn about space but also build on the vocab the children learned during their Travel Agent theme in junior infants. So the passports would tie in perfectly.

[Hilary McNamara]

This sounds great. Love the idea of a passport and travelling home to their classroom. The fizzing and foaming rockets are so much fun!

[Jennifer Dempsey]

Activity Set: Rockets lesson for 1st class
I think I would carry out this activity set the week following on from Space Week perhaps, after prior knowledge of the solar system/ planets has been established. (I usually do at least 2 or 3 weeks of Space themed activities/ lessons when teaching it). Vega l
To engage the children’s focus, at the beginning of the lesson, I would show the children a video clip of the Vega rocket launch to get the children interested and wondering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRt8zQXKQp4 I’ve showed this to a few of my classes a few years ago, but had forgotten about it as a great stimulus to lessons.
Host a class discussion on the launch and rockets-shapes and sizes, look at different types of rockets. Ask questions such as what it might be like to be an astronaut in a rocket, be in space etc. I love the Chris Hadfield videos of him on the ISS-I’ve shown these to children before and their are truly fascinated by him! I would definitely show a few of his videos, even during lunchtime etc to keep the theme going throughout the day.
I think I would do the balloon on a string rocket as a whole class demonstration then-led by me and a few helpers…give a few children a go of holding the balloon rocket for take off/ hold the string taught on either sides of classroom etc. (They love jobs!). I would sit them around in a circle close by.
I would then give children the opportunity to explore making their own rockets in small groups of 4. I would leave the materials to make the foam rockets on each group’s tables-foam, card, scissors, tape, elastic band. I would allow them to investigate the materials first and see what ideas they could come up with first before then showing them the steps of ow to make the foam rockets. I’ve done the foam rockets before with 2nd class but I think 1st class will require a lot more support and instruction.
We will predict what distance our rockets may launch and see if we make changes to the rockets/ materials used how this will affect them etc.
We will go outside and launch them-using long wooden metre sticks. We will then integrate Maths into the lesson by using metre sticks and strides and baby steps to see whose rocket traveled the furthest/ shortest, etc. -using mathematical language from Length/ Measures.
I would also carry out an art lesson-drawing rockets using bright pastels on a black background. ( See picture attached). We would aslo make astronauts-using paper plates as the mask-print/ stick a photo of themselves on the head and decorate an astronaut suit with their country’s flag etc.
I usually create a big rocket and add a few things like a telescope and space related items to a imaginative play area in my classroom and allow a group down to dramatise/ free play for 20mins each day. They loved this when I did it last year…but it is noisy!
I would listen to Space related songs for music during the week. Read space/ rocket stories for English. The Way Back Home is good. During PE we would play ‘Space Invaders’-Aliens versus Humans-turning up/ down the round cones that are scattered all over the floor-the boys love this game.
I love to print out the Congratulations Certificates for participating in Space Week each year and laminate them and write their names on them. I think I got these on the SFI website before…maybe someone can remind me where if not there. I once registered our space week event and they sent out space week pencils to our class. I think I did it another year though and they sent nothing! So think it may be hit and miss!

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Jennifer,

thanks for sharing your experiences with space week activities.

Sorry about the lack of pencils — the advice from SFI was to cut down on one off consumables and go to digital packs! (the Moon calendar can be printed off in house).

[Jennifer Dempsey]

Activity Set: Rockets lesson for 1st class
I think I would carry out this activity set the week following on from Space Week perhaps, after prior knowledge of the solar system/ planets has been established. (I usually do at least 2 or 3 weeks of Space themed activities/ lessons when teaching it). Vega la
To engage the children’s focus, at the beginning of the lesson, I would show the children a video clip of the Vega rocket launch to get the children interested and wondering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRt8zQXKQp4 I’ve showed this to a few of my classes a few years ago, but had forgotten about it as a great stimulus to lessons.
Host a class discussion on the launch and rockets-shapes and sizes, look at different types of rockets. Ask questions such as what it might be like to be an astronaut in a rocket, be in space etc. I love the Chris Hadfield videos of him on the ISS-I’ve shown these to children before and their are truly fascinated by him! I would definitely show a few of his videos, even during lunchtime etc to keep the theme going throughout the day.
I think I would do the balloon on a string rocket as a whole class demonstration then-led by me and a few helpers…give a few children a go of holding the balloon rocket for take off/ hold the string taught on either sides of classroom etc. (They love jobs!). I would sit them around in a circle close by.
I would then give children the opportunity to explore making their own rockets in small groups of 4. I would leave the materials to make the foam rockets on each group’s tables-foam, card, scissors, tape, elastic band. I would allow them to investigate the materials first and see what ideas they could come up with first before then showing them the steps of ow to make the foam rockets. I’ve done the foam rockets before with 2nd class but I think 1st class will require a lot more support and instruction.
We will predict what distance our rockets may launch and see if we make changes to the rockets/ materials used how this will affect them etc.
We will go outside and launch them-using long wooden metre sticks. We will then integrate Maths into the lesson by using metre sticks and strides and baby steps to see whose rocket traveled the furthest/ shortest, etc. -using mathematical language from Length/ Measures.
I would also carry out an art lesson-drawing rockets using bright pastels on a black background. ( See picture attached). We would aslo make astronauts-using paper plates as the mask-print/ stick a photo of themselves on the head and decorate an astronaut suit with their country’s flag etc.
I usually create a big rocket and add a few things like a telescope and space related items to a imaginative play area in my classroom and allow a group down to dramatise/ free play for 20mins each day. They loved this when I did it last year…but it is noisy!
I would listen to Space related songs for music during the week. Read space/ rocket stories for English. The Way Back Home is good. During PE we would play ‘Space Invaders’-Aliens versus Humans-turning up/ down the round cones that are scattered all over the floor-the boys love this game.
I love to print out the Congratulations Certificates for participating in Space Week each year and laminate them and write their names on them. I think I got these on the SFI website before…maybe someone can remind me where if not there. I once registered our space week event and they sent out space week pencils to our class. I think I did it another year though and they sent nothing! So think it may be hit and miss!

[Ciara Kelly]

Hi Jennifer,

I love this activity and I’m sure the children enjoy it too. I will certainly us it with my class this year. Thanks for sharing!

[Jennifer Dempsey]

Activity Set: Rockets lesson for 1st class
I think I would carry out this activity set the week following on from Space Week perhaps, after prior knowledge of the solar system/ planets has been established. (I usually do at least 2 or 3 weeks of Space themed activities/ lessons when teaching it). Vega la
To engage the children’s focus, at the beginning of the lesson, I would show the children a video clip of the Vega rocket launch to get the children interested and wondering. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRt8zQXKQp4 I’ve showed this to a few of my classes a few years ago, but had forgotten about it as a great stimulus to lessons.
Host a class discussion on the launch and rockets-shapes and sizes, look at different types of rockets. Ask questions such as what it might be like to be an astronaut in a rocket, be in space etc. I love the Chris Hadfield videos of him on the ISS-I’ve shown these to children before and their are truly fascinated by him! I would definitely show a few of his videos, even during lunchtime etc to keep the theme going throughout the day.
I think I would do the balloon on a string rocket as a whole class demonstration then-led by me and a few helpers…give a few children a go of holding the balloon rocket for take off/ hold the string taught on either sides of classroom etc. (They love jobs!). I would sit them around in a circle close by.
I would then give children the opportunity to explore making their own rockets in small groups of 4. I would leave the materials to make the foam rockets on each group’s tables-foam, card, scissors, tape, elastic band. I would allow them to investigate the materials first and see what ideas they could come up with first before then showing them the steps of ow to make the foam rockets. I’ve done the foam rockets before with 2nd class but I think 1st class will require a lot more support and instruction.
We will predict what distance our rockets may launch and see if we make changes to the rockets/ materials used how this will affect them etc.
We will go outside and launch them-using long wooden metre sticks. We will then integrate Maths into the lesson by using metre sticks and strides and baby steps to see whose rocket traveled the furthest/ shortest, etc. -using mathematical language from Length/ Measures.
I would also carry out an art lesson-drawing rockets using bright pastels on a black background. ( See picture attached). We would aslo make astronauts-using paper plates as the mask-print/ stick a photo of themselves on the head and decorate an astronaut suit with their country’s flag etc.
I usually create a big rocket and add a few things like a telescope and space related items to a imaginative play area in my classroom and allow a group down to dramatise/ free play for 20mins each day. They loved this when I did it last year…but it is noisy!
I would listen to Space related songs for music during the week. Read space/ rocket stories for English. The Way Back Home is good. During PE we would play ‘Space Invaders’-Aliens versus Humans-turning up/ down the round cones that are scattered all over the floor-the boys love this game.
I love to print out the Congratulations Certificates for participating in Space Week each year and laminate them and write their names on them. I think I got these on the SFI website before…maybe someone can remind me where if not there. I once registered our space week event and they sent out space week pencils to our class. I think I did it another year though and they sent nothing! So think it may be hit and miss!

[Ellen Byrne]

Hi Jennifer, I really love this art activity of the children turning themselves into astronauts, such a fun activity.

[Dayna Barry]

Hi Jennifer, I love the art activity of the children turning into astronauts! I will be using that this year during space week! Thank you for sharing!

[Louise Gleeson]

Forces

Students will learn about rockets and how they work by building and launching their own simple rockets.

What you will need:

Balloons, Drinking straws, string & sellotape

Introduction to Rockets:

https://www.esa.int/kids/en/learn/Technology/Rockets/How_does_a_rocket_work

Using the ESA kids website encourage discussion, watch videos, break into pairs or groups for short discussion. Come back together as a class and use visuals (including smaller flashcards for up close inspection as well as slide show on the IWB)

Talk about the FORCE they need to pull away from gravity and launch towards space. Talk about the different parts and using the ‘parts’ element to move onto designing / making their own rockets later in the the theme.

The further their understanding of the forces element use your materials and make a class rocket. This always receives a cheer. Have children try to make it themselves using the material required. This playful learning experience can only consolidate learning and increase their understanding of rocket launching.

Discussion:

Whole class discussion about our rockets. Allow the children to decorate their rockets using different art materials. Talk about why? What? How? the air escaping from the balloon forces the rocket forward.

Have a rocket race and figure out why one was faster or went further?

Follow on lesson

Allow time for junk art rockets. Revise the parts of the rocket and let the children immerse themselves in this design and creative engineering element of our space theme.

[Mary Herlihy]

I love the idea of printing out certs for participation in space week a great idea one I will be using next year.

[Frances McCarthy]

I’ve reminded my colleague of the certs – we definitely used to have them on spaceweek.ie for teachers to use, but I had a quick poke around and didn’t find them for this year.

[aoife phillips]

We do this in our school and the children get a great sense of pride receiving their certs.

[Edel Gilmer]

Great ideas Louise, this would work so well in first/second class.

[Kate Muckian]

Space Week Class Plan for Junior Infants

Objectives:

Introduce students to basic concepts of space, including planets, stars, and astronauts.
Encourage curiosity and enthusiasm about space exploration – Questioning.
Provide hands-on activities to reinforce learning through play and creativity.
Throughout the week I will

·       Decorate the classroom with space posters and hanging planets to create an immersive environment.

Play soft, space-themed music during activities to keep the theme present throughout the week.
Day 1: Introduction to Space

Theme: What is Space?

Activities:

Story Time:
Read a space-themed book, such as “There’s No Place Like Space” by Tish Rabe.
Discuss the story and ask students what they found most interesting.
Questioning throughout story time.
Interactive Discussion:
Show pictures of planets, stars, and astronauts.
Explain in simple terms what space is and who astronauts are and what they do.
Use physical resources like a toy rocket and planets to make the discussion more engaging.
Art Activity:
Materials: Black card/paper, white chalk or crayons/ metallic markers, star stickers.
Activity: Create a night sky scene by drawing stars and placing star stickers.
Day 2: Exploring Planets

Theme: The Planets in Our Solar System

Activities:

Circle Time:
Sing a simple planet song to the tune of “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” to introduce the names of the planets.
Planet Colouring:
Materials: Printable planet colouring sheets, crayons, markers.
Activity: Colour pictures of different planets and talk about and question one or two interesting facts about each planet as they colour.
Sensory Play:
Materials: Sand, small pebbles, toy rockets, and astronauts.
Activity: Create a small “moon” or “Mars” sensory bin where students can play with toy rockets and astronauts.
Day 3: Stars and Constellations

Theme: What are Stars?

Activities:

Starry Sky Projector:
Materials: A star projector or flashlight with a star cut-out (Can get on amazon they’re great for cool downs).
Activity: Darken the room and project stars onto the ceiling, explaining that stars are far-away suns.
Constellation Craft:
Materials: Black card/paper, white chalk, star stickers, constellations templates.
Activity: Use the templates to create constellations with stickers and chalk.
Star Movement Activity:
Materials: Star cut-outs.
Activity: Place star cut-outs around the room. Have students “hop” from star to star, practicing counting as they go- They’re making their own star constellations by hopping from star to star.
Day 4: Astronauts and Space Travel

Theme: Life as an Astronaut

Activities:

Dress-Up Play:
Materials: Simple astronaut costumes or helmets (can be made from cardboard and foil).
Activity: Pretend play where students can dress up as astronauts and imagine going to space.
Rocket Craft:
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, paper, glue, markers.
Activity: Create rockets using toilet paper rolls and paper. Decorate them with markers and stickers.
Movement Activity:
Activity: “Blast off” by jumping high into the air and practicing counting down from 10 with their hand-made rockets.
Day 5: Space Week Review and Celebration

Theme: Space Week Recap

Activities:

Space Bingo:
Materials: Bingo cards with pictures of planets, stars, rockets, and astronauts.
Activity: Play a simple game of Space Bingo to review what they’ve learned.
Space Snacks:
Materials: Star-shaped cookies or fruit, juice.
Activity: Have a space-themed snack time and discuss their favourite parts of Space Week.
Certificate of Participation:
Materials: Printable certificates.
Activity: Hand out certificates to each student for participating in Space Week. Take a group photo to commemorate the week dressed in space suits and/or hand-made rockets.

[Frances McCarthy]

Sounds like a lot of fun, with maths and science and art all intertwined.

A really simple astronaut experience is to bring in ski gloves or work gloves and ask the children to do simple tasks with these big bulky gloves on.

They can see this image of Neil Armstrong’s gloves.

https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/glove-right-a7-l-extravehicular-apollo-11-armstrong-flown/nasm_A19730040003

 

 

[Kate Muckian]

Ahhh this sounds fantastic and they would love the idea to bring their dads/grandas or whoevers gloves from home in!! Love this. Thanks

[Rachel Doyle]

I like the idea of space bingo as this would get the pupils to use new vocabulary learned. In my experience, all children love bingo so this is a nice way of getting them all engaged in the topic.

[Michelle Curran]

How clever to use the gloves and get the children to complete otherwise simple tasks while wearing these, definitely doing this in September, thanks for the idea!!

[Mary McNamara]

This is a lovely lesson, Kate! There is a lovely book we did this year in infants – The Hundred Decker Rocket by Mike Smith. There are aliens and spacecraft and a dog, and at the end there’s a big fold out page of the 100 Decker rocket. It led to some lovely art lessons towards the end of the school year too.

[Dolores Mc Monagle]

I will have to take note of that book to use when teaching space when we return to school. I have read the book ‘Roaring Rockets’ by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker to the children and they loved it as it has rhyming words which the children love to guess before hearing it!

I will also do the Rocket Balloon experiment with the children and the Rocket Mice experiment also.

[Alyson O Rourke]

Prior to Space Week, I would sit down and plan accordingly using Curriculum documents. I would ensure that the subjects of history, geography, and science are all given equal time this week as well as touching on Space in other curriculum areas. I would look for integration opportunities whilst making my plan.

In Lesson 1, I would introduce Space Week to the class. We would discuss Space and I would question the children on the different things they know about Space. I would provide the children with opportunities to research Space on the iPads and to write down 5 questions they would like to know the answers to by the end of the week.

Geography- In Lesson 2, I would focus on the Planets. Looking at the size and appearance of each planets, how they are similar and how they differ to each other. We would explore the distance of the planets to the Sun. A focus would occur on Planet Earth in this lesson.

English- In Lesson 3, I would focus on Adjectives and describing words. In this lesson, the children would create their own planets. This lesson aims to build on the children’s learning from Lesson 2.

History- In Lesson 4, I would focus on the history of Space. A timeline of key events in history would be explored and discussion surrounding the importance of these and how they contributed to Space as we know it today.

Science- In Lesson 5, the children would engage in a design and make experiment testing different materials to create rockets. Discussion would occur surrounding how the rocket could move faster, what materials were most effective.

Art- In Lesson 6, to conclude the week the children would engage in Solar System Splatter painting.

[Mary Herlihy]

The activity I would chose to do in the classroom is that of Rockets.
Engage
To introduce the topic I would use a story such as the ‘The way back home’ or Aliens in underpants save the world’. A video or a rocket being launched would also be very effective as it appeals to the visual learners and would create great discussion afterwards.
Once the children are excited about the idea of Rockets they can make some rockets ( linkage with Art )and start exploring how they work. I would get the class to make Rocket mice.
How can you make your Rocket mouse fly-Prediction, what materials might we need/, working in groups together. Gather the materials you will need- an empty plastic bottle, sticky tape ,some decorations, Rocket mouse templete.
When cutting out the templete maybe I would buddy up older children with younger children to help with the cutting and construction. Two classes could be working together on the project
Place the Rocket Mouse on top of the bottles- Prediction will the rockets fly?
You could go to the school hall to carry out the experiment. Did it work?
Investigation
What made the Rockets fly? Did they stay up in the air? What made them come down again?
If you did the experiment in a different setting-eg outside did it work? Was it better? You could vary your standing positions/launch Rocket while sitting/ kneeling –which worked best/ why?
Try the experiment with different sized bottles. Which worked best? which were not so effective? Which ones made your mouse go higher?
Results- squeezing a bottle increases the pressure inside and this is wat pushes the Rocket
Taking the next step
Can children consider how the fins of a Rocket are similar to fins on darts or arrows in archery
Look at things that fly through the air

[Rebecca Behan]

In first class we would create our very own rockets using household materials. We will begin by discussing what we think the key components to rockets are on the whiteboard using a mind map. Children will use think, pair, share to discuss their ideas in their table groups for a few minutes.
We will then investigate through pictures what real life rockets look like and compare their components to our mind map checking if we have missed anything. Then the teacher will ask the children how they think they could design a rocket. The teacher will give out some blank sheets and the children will come up with their very own rocket design. They will compare their ideas with their peers.
There will be a whole class discussion about what materials we could use to create our rocket ships.
The teacher will show the students the video of the rocket mice on YouTube to give them some insight into how we may make the rockets blast off to ensure their design aligns and will work (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUKCT2L3DjA&t=14s)
In the next SESE lesson, the students will have the materials that they need to build their rocket. They will each have a piece of card that can fold into a cone shape (linking with 3D shapes lesson), some markers, feathers & glitter, scissors, tape/glue, and spare pieces of paper if they wish to add some wings to their design. Once the children have finished building their rockets, they will get a chance to make them blast off using different containers to investigate how high they can shoot their rocket and what causes this different in height.
The lesson will conclude with a whole class discussion and each table getting a chance to present their finished deign to the class. We will discuss their findings and the children will give 2 stars and a wish if they were to do the design again.

[Donna Mcevoy]

Animals in the Cold & Weather *possibly link to Santa and North Pole.

I would love to do this as an Aistear topic possibly in November as I would also like to do Space (looking at planets and stars also).

I would try to do a hook which I did with my own son where some animals are stuck in ice and the children have to chip away at the ice to set them free.

We would look at some footprints and see if they could recognise which animals they come from..

They could then learn about the different animals that live there and look at how they keep warm. What is their fur? Coats. What do humans use and why?

This would then link with weather and weather in different places/countries. Try to get children to identify where the artic and Antarctic are and if they can recognise on a globe.

Some of the aistear stations which I would have: Playing with the animals in white rice (ice), role playing visiting an area to work as a scientistic and needing lots of clothes, experiment station (have ice water and fat), junk art (making animals), another station could be interactive games on white board to do with weather/animals.

Experiment: Gloves on each hand dip one in fat (don’t dip the other) and then put both in bowl with the ice and one gets colder much quicker….why? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-XLuhN7L7g

More experiments here on weather which I would change daily for the experiment section.

[Donna Mcevoy]

I like the idea of linking some activities around an area such as Aliens. I would start with a story to engage them such as: Here come the aliens.

They could then make the alien a welcome drink using components such as: baking soda, food dye, vinegar, washing detergent and water. By combining these substances, the children could see the cup fizzing and foaming.

I could adapt the mice rocket to be alien rockets experiment. I would include key questioning as we could have a competition about whose alien goes the furthest distance and which alien goes the highest in the air. We could see if bigger or smaller bottles work better and which size of alien works best.

Another experiment which I have previously done would fit in well with the theme would be finding a rubber egg (alien egg experiment). The children would have great fun examining the egg and seeing what is happening. An alternative to this is putting the egg in different liquids and examining the reaction:

http://www.nickarnold-website.com/experiments/alien_egg_experiment.pdf

Aliens could be given skittles but first they want to put warm water on them to eat them in a different way. Another experiment which could be incorporated would be the magic milk experiment where milk, food colouring and washing up liquid are combined. Children can make predictions, carry out the experiment and discuss the findings and begin to say why something has happened. They may start to use prior knowledge to help predict also. They could suggest alternatives to the experiment or amendments which could be made.

[Frances McCarthy]

Donna,

I love how you have gently tweaked activities to give them an alien theme – great stuff.

[Naomi Marica]

Hi, I love the idea of making an alien drink. It makes the lesson more personal for the children. You can go on and create so much for your alien friend then – construct his rocket/launch his rocket / read aliens in underpants and create their favourite pants or draw a scenario or comic strip of the next adventure where alien in underpants save the world.

[Deirdre Tiernan]

To engage the children, I will read “The Darkest Dark” to them. This book was written by an astronaut and tells the story of a little boy who is afraid of the dark. He is then inspired by the moon landing and conquers his fears and becomes an astronaut. We would discuss what astronauts do. Chris Hadfield has many videos about living in space. The children will explore this further in Aistear through both Small World and dramatic play. Another aspect of these lessons, will be how astronauts get into Space. The children will then design their own rockets, thinking about their shape. We will discuss why they think most rockets are pointed at the top and are long. The children will be encouraged to try various shapes when they are constructing their rockets. We will do this using junk art materials. We will then test our rockets. We will devise a fair test first.

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Deirdre,

to make working models that can be tested, I’d suggest giving each child a fizzy tablet tube and then use the “pop rocket” idea.

If children just create rocket shapes from junk art then it will be hard for them to launch.

Children could find out if warm water is better than cold, if two tablets are better than one. Caution – you won’t know when these are going to launch, so stand back!

 

[Mary Herlihy]

The activity I choose to do in the classroom is Fizzing and Foaming-make a rocket ( Esero)

Experimenting-Materials needed

Film canister (no hole), any tablet that dissolves and fizzes e.g.

Alka-Seltzer, Vitamin C tablets, blu-tack, water

Information

When water is added to the tablet the gas carbon dioxide is released. The pressure of INFORMATION the carbon dioxide gas builds up inside the canister until it becomes so great that it blows the canister from its lid. The gas rushing out of the end of the canister pushes it in the opposite direction. The ‘rocket’ can shoot up to 5 metres into the air.

Use Trigger questions at start of lesson

What is a rocket? A cylinder full of materials which can produce gases.

What are rockets used for? Signalling; sending space machines with great

force into the air to get outside earth’s gravity

What gives a rocket its energy to ‘blast off’? A jet of gases released from the

back of the rocket sends it forwards.

The children can blow up a balloon and let it go. Ask them which direction the

released air goes and which direction the balloon goes.

They go in opposite directions.

Experiment- Activity

Attach the tablet (one-quarter to one-half tablet) to the inside

of the lid of the film canister.

Put water into the canister until it is about one-quarter full.

Put the lid (+ tablet) on the canister and turn it upside down.

Wait!

(The canister comes away from the lid with some force).

Follow up Activity

Vary the temperature of the water and note if there is any

difference in the height to which the ‘rocket’ shoots.

 

Vary the ‘fuel’ mixture used in the ‘rocket’ (e.g. Vitamin C

tablet and vinegar, and see if there is any difference in how

the ‘rocket’ behaves). Be aware, vinegar leaves quite an odour!

 

A launch pad can be made using a cardboard tube (e.g. a toilet

roll) and a paper plate. Cut three slits about 2.5 cm high in the

bottom of a tube. Bend the cardboard strips so that they can

be taped to a paper plate. Place the launch pad paper plate

down and the film canister  on top of the tube.

Watch what happens.

 

Curriculum Links

English:

Rockets and space can be used as a theme for different styles of

writing about space

Geography

Art

[Mary McNamara]

For this reflective piece, I have chosen to focus on teaching a lesson about rockets, inspired by the activities and strategies outlined in the module, and to integrate this into our class plan for Space Week.
During Space Week, I would like to introduce a multi-faceted lesson about rockets that engages my 5-6 year old pupils through a combination of storytelling, hands-on activities, and creative expression. The goal is to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and foster a love for learning about space and engineering.
1. Storytime and Discussion: We will begin with a storytime session, reading a picture book about space travel and rockets. A book like “Peigí’s Adventures in Space” by Shane Bergin and Declan Fahie would be a perfect starting off point (it was recently sent free to many primary schools from UCD – https://www.peigisadventures.com/). It is child friendly and introduces the concept of rockets and space through the eyes of a friendly Red Setter.
Discussion Questions:
-What do rockets do?
-How do you think rockets work?
-Why do we need rockets?
2. Building and Testing Model Rockets: Next, we would move on to a hands-on activity where pupils build their own simple model rockets using craft supplies like cardboard rolls, paper, glue, and markers. This would be an open-ended task where pupils could design their rockets in various ways, just like the characters in Peigí’s story, allowing them to use their creativity.
Steps:
-Demonstrate how to create a basic rocket structure.
-Encourage pupils to decorate and customise their rockets.
-Once the rockets are built, we will go outside to test them using a simple launching mechanism, like blowing air through a straw to propel paper rockets.
3. Exploring Numbers and Measurements: To integrate numeracy skills, we could measure the distance each rocket travels and record the results. Pupils will be encouraged to compare the distances and discuss what factors might have influenced the outcomes.
Questions for Reflection:
-Which rocket travelled the farthest? Why do you think that happened?
-How can we make our rockets go further next time?
-Can you count the steps from the launch point to where your rocket landed?
This rocket lesson integrates multiple learning modalities, from auditory (storytime) to kinesthetic (building and launching rockets) to visual (drawing and measuring). By offering varied activities, I can cater to the diverse needs and learning styles of my pupils.
One significant change I am making is the inclusion of more open-ended tasks that encourage exploration and problem-solving. The rocket-building activity, in particular, allows pupils to experiment and learn through trial and error, fostering a growth mindset.
Additionally, this lesson emphasises collaboration and communication. Pupils will work together during the building process, discuss their results, and share their reflections, building their social and language skills in the context of a fun and engaging topic. This approach not only makes learning about rockets and space exciting but also helps pupils develop critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork skills, laying a strong foundation for their future learning experiences.

[Frances McCarthy]

Mary – thanks for the heads up on the book, I’ll look out for it.

The open ended make a rocket fits so well with the Design & Make skills of the science curriculum, as they Plan, Make and Evaluate with everyday materials.

[Sinead Forde]

I must keep an eye out for that book Mary, it sounds interesting!

[David Brennan]

Thank you for including the link to the book, Mary. I plan to do loads of investigation and activity with rockets with my class in September, this will be very useful. I’m always on the lookout for good books.

[elizabeth henderson]

Mary thanks for the detail on the book. Will try source it for September.

[Karen Walsh]

Activity: Straw Rocket Launch

Materials needed:

A drinking straw

Construction paper or lightweight cardstock

Tape

Scissors

Markers or crayons

Safety goggles (optional but recommended)

Instructions:

Begin by cutting out a triangle shape from the construction paper or cardstock. This will be the main body of the rocket. Help the child to make it about 4-5 inches tall and 2-3 inches wide.

Encourage the child to decorate the rocket body with markers or crayons. They can draw windows, flames, or any other design they like.

Once the rocket body is decorated, roll it into a cone shape and secure it with tape. This will be the nose of the rocket.

Cut small triangular fins out of the remaining construction paper or cardstock. You’ll need three fins for stability.

Attach the fins to the bottom of the rocket body using tape. Space them evenly around the circumference.

Now, it’s time to launch the rocket! Have the child put on safety goggles to protect their eyes.

Ask the child to place the straw at the bottom of the rocket, with the open end of the straw facing downwards.

Hold the rocket in one hand, making sure it’s pointed away from people and objects.

Instruct the child to blow forcefully into the straw, launching the rocket into the air.

Encourage the child to experiment with different blowing strengths to see how high they can make the rocket fly.

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Karen,

have you missed out a step? I can’t quite figure out how the straw will launch the rocket, since the rocket seems to be a big cone.

The paper rocket from Curious Minds makes a small, neat rocket, but needs pretty good fine motor skills to complete.

[Sinead Forde]

I love any lesson where the children are engaging in hands-on learning and making rockets is a super one. In our school, we usually tie in making rockets with space week in October and some classes have a rocket-launching display on the yard which the other classes are welcome to come and view! For infants, or even as an introduction to a rocket making lesson, the children could explore working with 2D shapes to design their own rocket – linking in with maths. They could use a variety of cut-out shapes to create their own rocket for display.
The children could then consider what makes rockets fly? We would use visuals and videos to show rockets in action and explain how rockets use fuel to create a thrust which propels them up into the sky.
We would then create balloon rockets, which are fun and easy for junior classes. The children would learn that the air escaping from the balloon creates a thrust which propels the balloon and makes it fly; similar to a rocket.
This is a simple yet effective introduction for children in a junior school to rockets and space!

[Frances McCarthy]

Aha – I think I know which school you are at! I just linked the website in response to another teacher’s space week rocket plans.

[Aine Gannon]

Activity: Design and make a rocket

Curious minds have some great ideas. These are the ideas I have in mind for a first class.

Trigger: What are rockets? How do they work? What are they used for?  Show class a video of a NASA rocket launch. Whole class discussion on the launch of the rocket into space.

Investigation: which item can fly the furthest in the air. Children in groups select items to test eg. foam javelins, balloons, paper etc. After the children have made predictions and given reasons to support their predictions we will discuss how we will make it a fair test.

Plan: After the investigation, the children in groups will start to plan their own rocket. Using different materials eg. milk carton, bottle or some of the previous tested materials, children will sketch their rocket  with as many labels as possible.

Make- the children make their rockets in groups according to their plan.

Evaluate – the children test their rockets and evaluate what worked well? What can we improve? What did we see in another rocket that we also worked well?

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Áine, you can see a range of rockets in the posts from Renmore Junior School in Galway – they make a rocket a day during Space Week.

http://junior.renmoreschool.com/ and search rocket for a whole set of images and videos.

 

[Celine Hyde]

Thanks for sharing Renmore’s rocket activities. It would be great as a whole school activity during space week. Each year group could be encouraged to explore rocket design and present their models to the whole school. Keeping the simpler designs for the younger classes and the more intricate/challenging designs for the senior classes.
Thanks again Frances.

[Frances McCarthy]

Áine, with 1st class you can be quite open on how they might want to make their rocket, and there could be some great discussions on fair testing if they wanted to compare their rockets with each other. I have made the foam and rubber band rockets with 1st class, with a few helping adults.

Or, you could demo one of the water rockets that use bicycle pumps as an exciting prompt.

There is a school in Galway that launches a rocket a day during Space Week.

You can see some examples here.

http://junior.renmoreschool.com/News/Making-and-Flying-Foam-Rockets-(Projectiles)/21203/Index.html

http://junior.renmoreschool.com/News/Fizzy-Rockets/22880/Index.html

http://junior.renmoreschool.com/News/Balloon-Rockets-(Projectiles)/23654/Index.html

http://junior.renmoreschool.com/News/Using-2D-and-3D-shapes-to-make-air-rockets/21977/Index.html

http://junior.renmoreschool.com/News/Space-Week-Rockets/24428/Index.html

 

 

 

 

[Conor McGuinness]

Hi Áine, I really like your lesson plan on designing and making a rocket! It’s engaging and hands-on, perfect for sparking curiosity in first-class students. The combination of investigation, planning, and evaluating is excellent for developing critical thinking skills. I would definitely use this in my class.

[Valerie Ryan]

The activity I have chosen for this assignment is the Rocket Mice. I think this would work well with 1st or 2nd. For infants, we would need to provide some help with the cutting section.

We would start by eliciting prior knowledge about rockets. Maybe some of the pupils would have rocket toys, pictures, drawings on their bags, shoes, etc. We would compile a list of all they know and discuss their opinions on what makes a rocket fly.

I like this experiment in particular as the pupils can be creative with their mice. They can choose to leave them plain or decorate them or even have additions like feathers, beads, etc. which would, a) allow for creativity and b) facilitate a discussion around the weight of the mouse in relation to how far it travels.

Pupils would bring in their own milk cartons. Again this would allow for interesting comparing and contrasting of the height reached by different mice attached to different containers.

Ideally this experiment would take place outside on a calm day against a backdrop of a block wall in our school which could be numbered upwards at each block to allow for a degree of measurement.

In groups, the pupils could experiment with different sizes of cartons, different weights of mice, even noticing different heights when different levels of squeezes are used. They will be encouraged to identify what makes the mice rise and what makes them fall. This lesson will also be integrated with Maths as they count the number of blocks passed by each mouse.

 

[Dympna Kilcoyne]

I think that’s a brilliant idea Valerie; to carry out the rocket launches against a backdrop of a block wall or similar and number each one upwards to allow us to count how many blocks high the mouse goes, and record / compare the height and discuss whether the container used made a difference to the height reached etc. Thank you!

[Anthony O sullivan]

This forum has been very informative for planning space week in school.

Here are some ideas I will be using going forward.

Using the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star-What are stars?  What do stars do? Why do we call some people Superstars? How
many stars do we think are in the night sky? Why can we see lots of
stars some nights and very few  on other nights?

Have the children work in pairs and close their eyes. They take turns to pretend that their partner is an alien who has landed here to find out more about humans. They have to ask each other what the physical
appearance of an alien looks like. What size are you? What colour are you? Do you have arms/legs/eyes? Allow the children to then sketch their version of what their alien will look like.
Give each group different coloured tubs of Play-Doh, matchsticks, pipe cleaners and create their own alien.
As an extension use the models for number work, classifying and sorting.

 

[Dympna Kilcoyne]

An activity from this module that I can’t wait to do with my Senior Infants is the Rocket Mice. To excite the children about rockets I would read the Smeds and the Smoos to them; then we could chat about other Julia Donaldson books they know and the mouse from the Gruffalo etc and how he may like to visit the Smeds and the Smoos on their planet but how could he get there from Earth… Then we could begin designing our own rockets using bottles from the Junk Art box and the template mouse provided; I think they would find this so enjoyable, and love the competitive element of trying to make it go the highest or be launched the quickest; and develop an understanding of forming pressure inside the bottle by squeezing it. This has so many cross curricular links too such as Literacy; Hickory dickory dock or 3 blind mice, procedural writing, Drawing a picture and describing the mouse’s adventure in Space, Maths; measures and height, Art; designing and decorating the rockets further etc.

[Coral Mathews]

This sounds like a fantastic lesson Dympna!

[Coral Mathews]

Space Week Plan
Monday: Moon Day

Introduction: Begin with a discussion about the moon, followed by brainstorming ideas and watching the video “What Is the Moon?” to spark curiosity.
Story Time: Read “Moon: Earth’s Best Friend” to introduce the moon in a fun and engaging way. Story Video.
Experiment: Conduct the “Flour Craters” activity from Universe in a Box to simulate how craters are formed on the moon’s surface.

Tuesday: Seasons

Introduction: Discuss the concept of seasons and watch the video “The Four Seasons” to visualisee the changes throughout the year.
Experiment: Use the Universe in a Box globe and torch to explore how the tilt of the Earth affects the seasons.
Movement Activity: Organise a relay race where children dress up in clothes appropriate for different seasons, reinforcing their understanding of seasonal changes.

Wednesday: Stars

Constellation Drawing: Teach the children about constellations and have them create their own constellations using ESRO resources.
Craft: Make star lanterns using ESRO materials, allowing children to create their own glowing stars.

Thursday: Rockets

Story and Animation: Show the Marvin and Milo balloon cartoon strip to introduce rockets in an entertaining way.
Craft: Create rockets inspired by Marvin and Milo, using simple craft materials to build and decorate their own rockets.

Friday: Rockets

Story Time: Read the story of Sadie building a rocket “Sadie Builds a Rocket” to inspire creativity.
Rocket Building: Design and construct their own rockets with various materials, applying their new knowledge from the week’s activities.

 

[Ashling Mccartan]

The resource from this module that I am looking forward to trying out in my classroom next year is the Make a Spacecraft Activitiy from the spaceweek.ie website.

We will start the lesson with the story ‘The Way Back Home’ by Oliver Jeffers. We will discuss the story.

Discussion of different types of space craft (Rockets, Shuttles, Satellites) and labelling the different parts of a spacecraft (Body, Boosters, Solar Panels, Windows etc). Look at some pictures of different spacecrafts.

Make a plan of what the spacecraft will look like and its design/colours. Give the children some ideas to follow. Remember it must have a tube for the effervescent Tablet to launch the rocket. When the plan is completed allow the children to make their rocket.

Go outside and launch the rockets following the instructions on the Space week Resource.

[Frances McCarthy]

Sounds like a lot of fun Ashling. Using a story such as The Way Back Home lets the children see the fun of ‘flying to plane to the Moon, parachuting back home and then using a rope to climb back up.’ All fun, but not realistic at all. I’d then show a rocket launch video – and explain that rockets are how people actually get to the Moon. You might check out the current Artemis mission, which is planning to return humans to the Moon.

[Naomi Marica]

Junior Infants

Set: Rockets

Engage: pictures and PowerPoint on info

YouTube videos of rockets and launches

Stories: my bots love Aliens in underpants! Link to art.

Working and Exploring: construct rockets using toilet roll, card and crepe paper

Rocket name craft.

Rocket launching: balloon Rocket on string experiment

Egg Rocket- construct in groups a Rocket that when dropped does not crack an egg that will be placed inside.

Constructing and asking questions – show and tell of all rockets – predicting which rockets will / will not crack the egg

Conducting the experiment

Reflecting – why did the eggs crack/not crack. 2 stars and a wish.

Revision- Marvin and Milo cartoon

Use of Alien chemistry experiments and other experiments during Space Week – an experiment a day:

Day 1: Create a lava lamp (messy mixtures)

Day 2: Different Messy Mixtures – predict, investigate, evaluate : oil and water, oil, water and fairy, pepper and water, etc.

Day 3: Skittles experiment  – changing the variable of hot and cold water. Predict what will happen, experiment and evaluation- why?

Day 4: Storm in a bottle (foaming and fizzing ) or and volcano eruption

Day 5: building a bridge using paper and tape that when finished will hold an orange – limited amount of paper allowed to use.

Write all experiments in Space copy – record predictions, drawings and evaluations.

Assessment : draw your favourite experiment of the week & through show and tell explain why it was your favourite experiment and what you loved most about it.

[Deirdre Leonard]

That is very well laid out. Thanks so much.

[Anita Cooke]

Activity- Rockets & aliens
To introduce the lesson I would read the story ‘Aliens in underpants save the day’. This would follow into talk and discussion about how would we get to space? In a rocket- show some pictures of different types of rockets.
Explain that we are going to make Mice rockets using different types of bottles. Children will cut out the paper mice. In groups children will predict what will happen and how it is done. Each group will have a different size bottle. Explain that when the bottle is squeezed it creates pressure and pushes the mouse up into the air. Predictions will be noted on the board as to which mouse will reach the highest point.
To conclude the lesson the children will design their own rocket to go into space.
Integration with other subjects:
Maths-measure height each mouse goes by placing a ruler/measuring tape beside the rocket
Literacy/ Drama- Children imagine they are aliens on earth, how do they look, what do they do/eat/ move
Art-draw a picture of their own alien

[Frances McCarthy]

Anita,

thanks for sharing. I find it quicker to cut out the mice en-masse – I use just one template and can cut about 4 layers at the same time and get 6+ per sheet. Then it’s just a bit of support running around with tape. I use the party ribbon from Tesco for the tails. With Junior Infants I would suggest getting an older class in to help – it’ll be a lot faster!

Start collecting your milk bottles now – and anything smaller than about 500ml gets ignored by children in favour of the 2l or 3 l bottles. The bottles do crack after a bit, so have plenty. I also use soft drink bottles – but now they are recyclable they will be less used.

[Siobhan Rooney]

Thanks for all the practical tips.

[Clodagh McClean]

Great idea! Never thought to use this!

[Siobhan Rooney]

Module 5
Alien slime activity as a lesson for space week
I would aim to create alien slime with my class as part of science week. I teach in an all-boys school, and they all love anything slime! For this simple lesson all you need is cornflour, water and food colouring. Place the cornflour in a bowl and slowly add water. The mixture should harden. Add any food colouring you wish.
I will explain that the science behind this is that slime is a non-Newtonian liquid which means that is gets thicker when pressed or pushed down. This can easily be done as a whole class lesson where each table is given a different food colouring. The aliens can then be given names. An extension to this activity would be a creative writing activity based on aliens visiting a classroom as part of wide variety of activities for space week.

[Emma Cuskelly]

Hi Siobhan, I love the idea of making slime to create aliens! I’m sure the children would really enjoy this lesson.

[Siobhan Rooney]

Module 5
Alien slime activity as a lesson for space week
I would aim to create alien slime with my class as part of science week. I teach in an all-boys school, and they all love anything slime! For this simple lesson all you need is corn flour, water and food colouring. Place the corn flour in a bowl and slowly add water. The mixture should harden. Add any food colouring you wish.
I will explain that the science behind this is that slime is a non-Newtonian liquid which means that is gets thicker when pressed or pushed down. This can easily be done as a whole class lesson where each table is given a different food colouring. The aliens can then be given names. An extension to this activity would be a creative writing activity based on aliens visiting a classroom as part of wide variety of activities for space week.

[Michelle O Mahony]

This sounds like so much fun and I am sure the class would love creating alien slime!!

[Deirdre Leonard]

My class would love making Alien Slime as would my own children. What is it with children and messy play??

[Stephanie Mc Cann]

Alien slime would be a great hands on activity for Space Week. I will have to try that with my class in October.

[Bridget O Grady]

Alien slime sounds like just the thing for infants, they would have such fun playing with it.

[Gwen Williams]

In my children’s school (not the school I work in) this year as part of science week for one whole week for homework the only thing the children had to do was to make an experiment and bring it to school to show to their classmates. I thought this was a wonderful way to motivate and enthuse the child but also to engage their parents in their learning.  My own children learnt so much from their peers and the depth and breadth of learning and variety of science topics and themes covered was fantastic.  This for me was a wonderful way to bring learning to life.  I believe these are the type of learning experiences that children will bring forward with them in life.

In my own school I made paper rockets and we used paper straws to propel them.  We then measured the distance they travelled and discussed the designs that travelled the furthest and why we think this was.  We also chatted about the designs that didn’t travel far and why we think this was.  It was a fun and engaging activity which the children really enjoyed.  It developed lots of skills such as design, making, measuring, hypothesis testing, problem solving etc. I love the rocket mice idea and think this would be brilliant to do with the infant classes in my school.

While I enforced the rules of a fair test last year, when I did this lesson I did not highlight this to the children.  This is something I will discuss with them and draw their attention to in the future.

I love the idea of stimulating the children’s interest and imagination through story ones that spring to mind are

‘Aliens in underpants save the world’ by Claire Freedman,
‘Zoom Rocket Zoom’ by Margaret Maya
‘Alex Ayliffe’ or ‘Rocket says Look Up’ by Nathan Bryon.
‘The Way Back Home’ or ‘How to catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers
I think it would be also interesting to use youtube clips of the various rocket launches down through the years to help the children link the past to the present and the relevance of what they are learning about and its practical application.

The topic of rockets lends itself very well to integration and cross curricular learning some ideas I have include – writing procedures for how to build rockets or writing a postcard home from space, history sequencing rockets over time, song singing – rocket man, Art construct an astronauts suit, dance – astronaut moves incorporated slow motion walking and jumping in zero gravity.  I look forward to trying some of these ideas in school next year.

[Frances McCarthy]

Gwen –

I find fair testing something that children have to experience over and over again – and as you have said “teacher enforcement” is needed until they realise why fair testing makes the science  valid.

There is a rocket picture sequence in the ESA ISS Primary Education Kit on page 54.

You can find the kit https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Education/Primary_level_ISS_Education_Kit_-_download

 

 

 

[Laura Reidy]

I agree with you about creating home school link’s especially during science week. I think the Marvin and Milo set of experiments look ideal for this and I’m definitely going to try this out in my school in the coming year.

[Katie-Jo O’Grady]

Oh I love this idea from your child’s school about making an experiment and then conducting and explaining it to your peers. How engaging!

Definitely something I am going to take note of!

[Orla Glynn]

Hi Gwen, I agree that picture story books are a great way to stimulate the children’s interest and imagination. Thank you for this list of picture story books. I have noted them down for use next year.

[Anne Breen]

Module 5 assignment

Choose one of the activities or activity sets outlined in this module – How would you use the activity in your classroom?

I am looking forward to trying out the Rocket activities with the children next year. I think they would really suit the children in 2nd class.

To begin with we would brainstorm the word ‘rocket’ and make a whole class mind map with their contributions on the whiteboard. This will allow me to gauge their current knowledge of rockets.

I will then play the Launch of Vega video from this module as I think it will be very engaging for the children. I will also show them some other videos and images of rockets on the whiteboard.

We can discuss what makes rockets fly. We will spend time designing and creating the rockets. The children will decorate them. They can let their creativity flow for this.

The children will then carry out the rocket mice experiment in groups. The children could experiment with different sizes of cartons and use mice of different weights. I will  encourage them to identify what makes the mice rise and what makes them fall. The children can compare and contrast the results.

We will collate the results and I can photograph the process. We will the create a display in the classroom incorporating their rockets, their mind map and the results and the photographs for all of the children to enjoy.

I really think this lesson allows for a lot of cross curricular integration with STEM, Maths, art and oral language.

[Frances McCarthy]

Anne,

how will you make different weight mice? I suppose you could try to fix a little bit of blu-tack into the inside of the cone, but I’m not sure there would be much difference given how small the rocket mice are.

Different masses and positioning of the mass on a straw paper rocket is something I do with TY students – and for them the science is a bit tricky.

You can read this teacher level article about how mass and rockets interact and pick up some student centred activities from this great Rockets Educator Guide.

[Fiona Ni Shuilleabhain]

module 5

Class Plan to engage with Space Week (Rang a 2)

The activities below would be be tailored to the class level.

 

English

·         Postcard from space

·         Acrostic poems related to space

·         Diary entry while in space

·         ‘If I could invent a planet’ creative writing activity

 

Irish/Science

·         Table quiz on facts they have learned during the week.

·         PowerPoints on different aspects we have studied; planets, rockets etc.

 

Maths

·         Spaced themed maths games; subtraction, addition, telling the time.

 

Geography

·         Study about Dr Norah Patten.

 

History

·         Space travel through history; famous astronauts.

 

PE

·         Astronauts and aliens in space; children create a game and teach it to the aliens.

·         Meteor Ball

https://www.thepeshed.com/_files/ugd/ff464b_807905806d444fc983b9d2cf9af99035.pdf

·         Meteor Battle

https://www.thepeshed.com/_files/ugd/ff464b_7d29cc54ba334b6bb1e5c169c92be089.pdf

 

Music

·         Songs based on the planets, space and rockets in Irish and English.

 

Art

·         Tonal aliens.

·         Mindfulness collaborative work

·         Space sun catchers

·         3D rockets

 

Drama

·         Space themed stick puppets; groups create mini-stories including some of the facts they have learned.

·         Hot seat as Dr Norah Patten.

 

SPHE

·         Discussion on how they would feel about going into space and what they would be looking forward to/worried about etc.

[Laura O’Meara]

I love using the Aliens love Underpants and Aliens in Underpants Save the World books in my classroom. The children love these stories and so they can easily be used as a stimulus for a lesson looking at Aliens. We would discuss what we think Aliens might look like and how they might differ from us. Children will then be given the opportunity to create their own Aliens using a variety of different materials. They will also describe how and why they create their Aliens in the way they did.
Following on from this I think it would be great fun to do the Rocket Mice experiment with my Junior Infant class. I think they would have great fun making the mice and then launching them. We could investigate how we might be able to launch the mice further and whether different types of paper or card make a difference to the launch and also would try it with different sized milk cartons.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by Laura O'Meara.

[Padraig McGrath]

These are two really good books which I also have used with my class. They really enjoy the books and are great for linking in the topic of aliens. The children were really engaged in the lessons after reading the books.

[Michelle O Mahony]

I would like to try the ‘rocket mouse’ activity set with Junior Infants, I think it is pitched perfectly to that class group. It also needs very little preparation and resources. The empty bottles can be found in recycling, and can bee used more than once so each child wouldn’t need one. I imagine I would be doing this lesson during our Aistear theme of Space, so there would be already plenty of engaging stories, videos, discussions around rockets and rocket launches. Integrating art, the children could also decorate their mice before the launch. Sitting in a circle, the children could then take turns launching their rocket mouse, counting down to blast off each time. After each child has had a turn, there can be questioning and discussion about how far each rocket went, how could you make them go further? What is making the mouse life off? To extend the learning further, you could use different size bottles with one mouse, and see which bottle launches the mouse the furthest. To conclude the lesson, the children could record their findings in a first, next, then document.

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Michelle,

this is indeed a very exciting event, with lots of  active learning. I like to make groups of 3 with one bottle between them – that way each child has lots of goes, but there are not to many mice in the air at the same time, and the noise is a bit less!

 

[Laura Reidy]

I love teaching about space and rockets in my classroom. Most of my teaching experience has been in junior classes so from my experience, I would start with showing my class videos of rockets being launched. We would discuss what’s happening, what the rocket looks like, shape, materials etc. I would then introduce the rocket mice activity. This activity would need a lot of advance preparation in terms of collecting empty milk cartons but the children could work in pairs on this activity, make logistics a bit easier. We would create our rocket mice and then have a countdown and all launch our rockets at the same time. I would then question the children about what happened, what they observed and what made the mice move. I would then extend the activity by asking can they predict what might happen if we use a larger or smaller container. We could then try this out and compare our findings. There is so much scope for discussion with this activity and it is a lovely way to introduce rockets and forces at infant level. I always enjoy showing the children videos on YouTube of astronaut Chris Hadfield. He posts lots of short videos about life in space and how astronauts eat, sleep exercise and so on. It’s an excellent resource and a lovely addition to any lesson on space.

[Padraig McGrath]

Rocket Lesson Ideas:

Introduce the lesson by showing the children a video of a rocket take off into space. Set a focus question for the children ‘what does the rocket look like? and what are the rockets features. Discus with the children what they saw in the video, focus on the rocket and it’s space and the direction that it moved. Then invite the children do design a rocket using a plastic bottle and various materials like tin foil, cotton wool, card, newspaper etc. Discuss the materials with the children before distributing them. Once the children have designed their rockets, carry out a test on their rockets. Discuss each of the rocket models and their features. Add baking soda and vinegar to each rocket and close the lid on the rocket. Investigate which rocket moved furthest into the sky. Invite various children to measure the height and various children to record the results. Discuss fair testing before the investigation takes place. Discuss the results with the children.

[Deirdre Leonard]

After doing this course I have been motivated to participate in Science week and encourage my colleagues to do the same. In studying Module 4 and 5 I was reminded of how I loved science myself and this was cemented by a visit to Cape Canaveral many years ago. I will do a series of lessons on Rockets incorporating other curricular areas.

I will use 2 books as a stimulus

• The Hundred Decker Rocket by Mike Smith
• Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton

I would then elicit what the children know about rockets and each child would make their own rocket. I may also set up stations and do a couple of experiments when I have extra bodies in the classroom-

Rocket: using Alka Seltzer or Vitamin C tablets

Balloon Rocket

Design their own rocket- These rockets would also be launched and I would have the children ensure it was a fair test.

I was very impressed with the Science week website and I will definitely visit this again when we are studying space.

I was also reminded of the test with the balloon and the baking soda and vinegar. I conducted this experiment years ago and I bad forgotten how much fun we had when we were doing it.

[Frances McCarthy]

Deirdre,

you have shared a detailed activity plan, and I am sure that your enthusiasm for the topic will make it exciting for your own class. And isn’t Cape Canaveral neat! (I went there first as a 13 year old, with my family in Florida for Christmas).

[Orla King]

Hi Deidre,

I had a look at the book ‘The hundred decker rocket’ on YouTube. It’s brilliant! Thanks for sharing.

 

[Dolores Mc Monagle]

Module 5 Assignment:
Activity: Rocket Balloon
To introduce the topic of rockets I would ask the children what they know, what they would like to learn and to be thinking of items to use for making a rocket of their own!
They will make predictions on how a rocket might fly and then they will watch a YouTube Kids video called How Does a Rocket Fly?
https://www.youtubekids.com/watch?v=9g0FehS0H1E&hl=en-GB
They will work in groups to discuss what they learned in the video and there will be a class discussion afterwards.
We will then discuss making a rocket and they will share ideas and new words/vocabulary with the rest of the class.
We will make a rocket balloon using a balloon, a straw, string, scissors, sellotape, two anchor points to tie the string to.
The children will take turns experimenting with and conducting the investigations. They will discuss taking their experiment to the next step by discussing
• How far does your balloon rocket travel?
• What happens if you change the string to wool, thread or other material?
• Could you use this balloon power to create something else? Create a string track for several balloons and hold a balloon rocket competition.
• Whose balloon rocket travels the furthest?

We will end the lesson by reading Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker.

[Frances McCarthy]

Dolores,

If you’ve made the balloon rockets before, which type of string etc have you found the best. Balloon rockets have always been challenging for me, and I only cracked them last year when I went vertically with fishing line, with a weight on the base to keep the line taut.

[Frances McCarthy]

For Dolores, Padraig and Laura.

ESA launched a new rocket yesterday!

https://youtu.be/uCf-mN7ABWk?si=uJ0r5hdzoAfIKZSP

and Irish company Réaltra worked on the cameras that helped the livestream!

 

[Louise Brosnan]

Thank you for sharing these resources Frances and for the advice on using the fishing line.

[Sarah Harrington]

Activity- The activity that I have decided I would like to use in my classroom is: ‘A journey into Space’.

To introduce the lesson about space I would put a photograph of outer space on the interactive whiteboard. I would open up the topic by questioning the children to encourage thinking and discussion around space, e.g. What do you think it’s like in outer space? How would we get there? How could we explore other planets?

For the main lesson I would then tell the children that we are going to create and investigate our own rockets. We would make rockets from a variety of materials e.g. paper rocket, foam rocket. We would investigate how they move e.g. force. How does the force affect how far the rocket will go? How does angle of launch affect how far the rocket goes. Find a large indoor space and practice launching foam rockets. throwing around the area.

Conclusion: To conclude the lesson, we would discuss what happened asking questions such as, did anything unexpected happen? Did any of the rockets/objects go up in the air? Did any of your rockets stay in the air or did they come back to the ground?

[Muireann McCarthy]

I would like to pick the Activity Set: Rockets.
I would start the lesson by introducing the theme of ‘Rockets’ with a picture. Ask the children questions such as what do they see? Elicit from the children anything they know about rockets.
Read the story to the children- “Aliens in Underpants, Save the World” by Claire Freedman.
Discuss with the children that we are going to make our own rocket.
Experiment: “Balloon Rocket”.
Blow up a balloon and close it with a peg. Tape a straw to it and thread a piece of string through the straw. Get an adult to tie one end and as high as possible and hold the other on the ground. I will ask the children to predict what will happen. Release the peg and watch your balloon life off.
Free writing/ imaginative stories: Use your imaginative stories about adventures in space- what happened when you landed on the purple planet? What happened when the engine stopped working?

[Frances McCarthy]

Muireann,

with an older class the children can watch the demo, then try out their own ideas about making the rocket go fast/ carry more.

I’d structure it slightly differently, by giving the children their own balloon first, so they can see that it flies off when released – then ask them how can we make this balloon become a rocket? This then gets them to the balloon rocket set up as a ‘design and make’ a launch system for a balloon, and they have more ownership over the activity.

There is some really lovely science that can be deeply explored, particularly if they try different size balloons and different amounts of inflation. Get a bunch of balloon pumps!

[Louise Brosnan]

One of the activities the pupils really enjoy is making Alien Slime or Space Slime as I have used a different method in the past and it was a great success with the older classes. The plan was as follows:
Making Alien Slime
Objective: Children will learn to create a fun, sensory “alien slime” while practising basic measurement skills and understanding simple chemical reactions.

Materials Needed:- White school glue (1 cup) – Water (1 cup) – Liquid starch (1 cup) – Green food colouring – Glitter (optional) – Mixing bowls – Spoons – Measuring cups

Introduction (5 minutes): – Discuss what slime is and why it’s fun to play with. – Introduce the concept of a chemical reaction in simple terms (mixing ingredients to make something new).

Instructions (15 minutes):
1. Measure and Pour: Help children measure and pour 1 cup of glue into a bowl.
2. Add Water: Measure and add 1 cup of water to the glue. Mix well.
3. Colour It: Add a few drops of green food colouring. Stir until evenly mixed.
4. Add Liquid Starch: Measure and add 1 cup of liquid starch slowly while stirring. Watch the slime form!
5. Optional – Add Glitter: Mix in glitter to make it sparkle.

Activity (10 minutes): Let children knead the slime until it reaches the desired consistency. – Discuss the texture and how it feels.

Conclusion (5 minutes): Clean up together. – Review the steps and talk about what they learned.

Wrap-Up: – Take home the slime in a sealed bag.

[Stephanie Mc Cann]

Activity: Rocket Mice

Start with a simple discussion about rockets. Ask questions like, “Have you ever seen a rocket? What do you think makes a rocket go up? Show the class a short video of rockets launching to get the children excited about the activity. Read a storybook related to rockets or space travel, such as “Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker. After reading, discuss the story. Ask questions about what happened in the story and what the children found exciting.
Then introduce the main activity to the class ‘Rocket Mice’, teacher to demonstrate how to make the ‘Rocket Mice’ fly-how to place the rocket mouse on the bottle, then press the bottle quickly to launch the mouse.. Children would create their mouse by using the template and then each child or group would be provided with a plastic bottle, that would have been previously collected prior to the activity. Explain how pressing the bottle quickly will force air out and launch the rocket mouse. Bring class to an area for the rocket launches, maybe the PE Hall which would have plenty of room for children to launch their rockets.
Demonstrate Let each child take turns launching their rocket mouse. Encourage the children to try pressing the bottle with different amounts of force to see how it affects the launch.

It is such a fun and simple activity to demonstrate that is hands on an encourages children to explore the effects of air pressure and force.

[Clodagh McClean]

We love learning about *Space Stars* such as Dr Niamh Shaw, Katherine Johnson, Tim Peake, Chris Hadfeild and Karen Nyberg, – Can’t see, Can’t Be.
We have sent letters to some of them and some other big names and they have come back to us with videos or messages to answer questions.

We have done virtual tours of the space station and of NASA.

As an Infant school, first class are our senior pupils. Sometimes we organise with the younger classes to let my class be the teachers and teach their children some fun facts

lots of space art! The messier the better! We also Link in Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Lots of space games for PE

songs – mine particularly love Unicorn Noodles on Go noodle – the main line is “My Very Excellent Mother Just Serves Unicorn Noodles” teaching about the order of the planets

Opportunities to work on Adjectives – an angry Alien, a bossy alien, a clever alien, etc. We also draw some different types of aliens.
There is a wealth of story books available!

[Frances McCarthy]

Clodagh,

I’ll let Niamh know that she is one of your space stars  – she’ll be delighted. We have huge interest in one of our Space Week programmes that connects a space science professional to the classroom – recently it has been branded as ESERO Space Goes to School – you can register your interest at spaceweek.ie

this page https://www.spaceweek.ie/for-organisers/for-teachers/space-speaker-in-your-classroom/

Also worth checking is Norah Patten, who has recently been selected to carry out some experiments in a sub orbital flight (in 2026):

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0620/1455670-space-dr-norah-patten/

 

[Nora Stritch]

I love the idea of having the pupils learn more about Dr. Norah Patten.  What a fantastic role model and inspiration for the children!

[Rachel Doyle]

Module 5 Assignment

Rocket Mice:

As a stimulus to this activity, I would play an audio of a rocket launch countdown. I would ask the pupils to close their eyes and guess what they were listening to. I would then use the CBC Kids News website to show the pupils a rocket launch video. In groups, the pupils would discuss how they think they would make a rocket launch and share their ideas. They would be informed that they would be making rocket mice in groups. The group that makes the mouse launch the furthest wins. The pupils must gather different-sized milk containers at home and bring them to school. As an art activity, the children would design their rockets.

Launch day:

The pupils will make predictions on what rocket will launch the mouse the furthest and why. Outside the pupils will launch their rockets and record how far their mouse was launched using steps (1 step, 2 steps, etc.). This can be compared with other groups and their milk carton sizes. The pupils will also discuss what made the mouse launch and why it landed back on the ground.

During Aistear time the pupils can build a rocket from Lego and bricks. They can pretend to go to the moon, sun, or planets in their rocket.

During creative writing, the pupils can write an account of their experience of taking their rocket to a planet of their choice. They may also draw pictures.

 

[CLAIRE DEMPSEY]

I would try to implement Space Week in the classroom while integrating as many Curricular areas as possible.

Some suggestions of activities that I think would be very effective in the younger classes would be

Having a space area in the room with vocabulary, pictures etc.

If the class use Aistear then you could tie in the theme of Space for the week in the Role play, construction, Art area,

Make a Space Passport- I think this is a lovely idea for the infant classes

Design a 2d shape alien- integration with maths

Drama- Act out a space walk- stimulus watching Neil Armstrong taking the first steps on the moon on You Tube

Visual Arts- Design your own rockets using foam sheets and use paper and tinfoil to make the planets and the stars

English- Read the story “Back to Earth with a bump” and discuss

Music- The planets song- Five little men in a flying saucer

Make Alien Slime using cornflour and conditioner.

[Sarah Breen]

Space Week ideas for the Junior classes using Aistear

Small world Area: Using the sand Pit area, Place foam balls to resemble planets, lego figurines of astronauts in the sand. Use tinfoil and pebbles to add different textures to the sand.

Arts and Crafts Area: Paint foam shapes to resemble planets, Making rocket ships our of foam pieces, Make a picture which is half day/half night.

Use playdoh to make a 3d Martian

Role Play area. Dressing as an astronaut/Walking on the moon for the first time Meeting an alien for the first time etc

Literacy Area: Using adjectives to describe a martian from their own imagination

Sending postcards to the martians, Making a passport to travel to Space

The older classes like first and second could do simple procedural writing to inform the martians how to do everyday activities such as getting a bowl of cereal or making a cup of tea.

[Deirdre Ni mhurchu]

I really like this activity of sending postcards to the Martians, I think this would be a big hit in my school setting!

[Fiona Kavanagh]

Activity set: rockets (This lesson can be done over the week, each day creating a new rocket for Space Week in the classroom)

Introduction: Read a picture book about rockets and space e.g. Roaring Rockets, There’s No Place Like Space etc. Look at a variety of pictures of rockets and spacecraft online – discussion about what rockets do i.e. take astronauts and satellites into space.  Simple explanation of what a rocket is for the infant classrooms – a big tube that blasts off into the sky and travels into space, helps astronauts to the moon and other planets. Discuss what happens during the launch – countdown, lift-off, going into space – watch some short clips on Youtube.

Activity:

Build your own rocket – each child will be given materials e.g. to build a straw rocket or a mouse rocket. The children will be encouraged to share their creation and to name their rocket.

Simple rocket experiment – use safe household items such as vinegar and baking soda or vitamin tablet to make a small rocket launch, e.g. fill small vitamin canister with a small amount of vinegar, help the children to take turns in placing a teaspoon of baking soda into the canister and quickly close the lid. Turn it upside down, step back and countdown for the rocket launching (counting backwards from 10 for infant classes to incorporate number in maths).

Conclusion:

Discussion – ask the children which rocket they liked the best – fizzing rocket, mouse rocket or straw rocket and why. Discuss which rockets went the furthest and which force moved the rocket e.g. mouse rocket was launched by the force of air coming from the bottle when squeezed.

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Fiona,

great plan for learning about rockets and forces. Note that the fizzing takes place pretty quickly, so you’ll need some way to stop the baking soda falling into the vinegar until you turn the rocket over- I use a bit of tissue.

Also, get the best vinegar you can, the Aldi or Lidl inexpensive vinegars haven’t worked for me.

I use to offer this course as a face-to-face and we would make these fizzy rockets. One afternoon, after the teachers had left I could hear a gentle popping coming from the materials – the lid of one of the rockets was resting on it, and there was just enough fizz still happening that the lid kept popping off!

A nice way for the children to gently experience the pushing force of the air is to look at this teacher resource from Curious Minds

https://www.sfi.ie/site-files/primary-science/media/pdfs/col/teachers_pop_top.pdf

and https://www.sfi.ie/site-files/primary-science/media/pdfs/col/teachers_pop_top_irish.pdf

[Rachel Byrne]

This year in our school we are engaging in ‘Space Week’ for the first time. As a Junior Infant teacher I am a big believer in ‘thematic planning’ so I will be exploring all about ‘Space’ through each curricular area. For example, in Language & Literacy/Gaeilge, I will explore a CJ Fallon Rainbow oral Language poster based on ‘Space’ with the children in order for them to start to learn new vocabulary. I will be exploring Oliver Jeffers ‘Space’ book to focus on reading/writing i.e. The way back home etc., The children will incorporate visual art into their English lesson by drawing how they think (predicting) the boy is going to get back home by just reading the title/looking at the front/back cover. In drama/Aistear, we will explore ‘Teacher in Role’/Roleplay as teacher becomes the boy/alien and the children will get to explore themselves as astronauts/aliens going to space in their aircraft etc., In Music, we will make up a song ‘Climb above the spacecraft’ based on the theme tune (itsy bitsy spider) which will incorporate Maths into this lesson by counting back wards from 10,9,8 etc., We will explore ‘space safety’ in our SPHE lessons which will add a sense of wonder/curiosity amongst the children about various ways the boy may need to keep safe in space/on the aircraft. Finally, as part of SESE we will look at constructing an aircraft from junk art material (interlinking aistear/visual art) as part of a class project/experiment and explore as ‘scientists’ what we need in order for our spacecraft to be ready for liftoff. We will also look at Neil Armstrong blasting into space landing on the moon so the children know that is has been carried out before and we will also look at Dr Norah Patten and how she is preparing to set off on her space mission in 2026.

[Frances McCarthy]

Rachel,

what a lovely set of activities, I like the ‘space safety’ in particular.

In the current space industry, space safety has been redefined somewhat by SpaceX. NASA and ESA make big expensive rockets and try to have almost no failures. SpaceX makes smaller, cheaper rockets and expects failures — they then fix the failures and keep going. Not rated for humans yet, but able to innovate much more.

[David Gavin]

Module 5

Title: Exploring Rockets

Activity 1: Introduction to Rockets – Show pictures of rockets and discuss their purpose, engaging children with questions.

Activity 2: Rocket Picture Books – Read age-appropriate books about rockets, sparking discussions and imagination.

Activity 3: Rocket Construction – Provide supplies for children to create their own rockets using construction paper or cardboard tubes.

Activity 4: Rocket Building – Encourage children to use building blocks or cardboard tubes to build their own rockets for imaginative play.

Extension Activities: Show videos or online resources about rockets, create a rocket-themed play area.

The objective of this lesson is to Encourage curiosity and foster a love for rockets and space exploration in a fun and interactive way!

Various books to incorporate in to this lesson:
“Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton
“There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish Rabe
“The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield

[Katie-Jo O’Grady]

Celebrating space week in Infants – below are idea & topic I would complete with my class to celebrate space week.

Literacy:Read books about space, such as “There’s No Place Like Space” by Tish Rabe or “Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton.
Space Journals: Kids can draw and write (where possible) about what they would see and do if they went to space.

Maths:Counting Stars: Use star stickers to practice counting and simple addition/subtraction.
Shape Rockets: Create rockets using different shapes & tangrams

P.E.Astronaut Training: Set up an obstacle course to simulate an astronaut training camp with activities like crawling through tunnels and jumping over “craters.”
Space Walk: Go on a “space walk” kids need to move slowly as if they’re walking on the moon, while practising balance

ART – Making rockets using junk art materials or paint and print a galaxy on black paper.

Drama – Space Role-Play: Students can role-play as astronauts, mission control, or aliens.

Music: Space Songs: “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” or “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon.”
Create Space Sounds: Use instruments to create sounds that represent rockets launching, stars twinkling etc

Science: Rocket Launch Experiment: using the balloon with straw on a string method.
Constellation Creations: Use black paper and white chalk or stickers to create constellations or use images and try recreate these on our school playground.

[Sinead Devlin]

I think when it comes to planning different weeks in school, school calendars can become full very quickly. This is leading schools to choosing certain weeks to mark. The activities suggested for space week in the resources folder make preparing and planning the week very achievable. See a copy of some suggested activities below. These activities include inquiry approach aswell as using digital learning. The space week can also been linked to STEM and maths week in the month of October.

 

 

Activity Suggestions:

Art activity based on “Warm as the Sun, Cold as the Moon” or their own Starry, Starry Night picture based on Van Gogh’s art. Use the children’s handprints to make aliens, sticking on googly eyes to each finger!! Write a postcard from Space. Rocket making competition. Table quiz based on Space/Moon/Planets. How does light in the playground change over the day? Present their finding on charts and graphs. Astronaut Dressing up race with helmets and wellies. Drama and Dance based on sunlight travelling to Earth. Space Cinema: Watch a movie with the theme of space (Wall-E, Space Chimps, Fly me to the Moon, Space Buddies). Short films from the Literacy Shed: https://www.literacyshed.com/the-sci—fi-shed.html. Creating our own constellation creatures and writing their stories.

[Frances McCarthy]

Sinead,

you’ve a wealth of ideas there so don’t forget to register your class’ activity at https://www.spaceweek.ie/add/

 

[Corinna Carolan]

Hi Sinéad,

I completely agree with what you have said about there being so many weeks/events over the course of the school year – Maths Week, Science Week, Wellness Week ,World Book Day, SNAG, Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Space Week… They are all great and worthy of activities but it’s hard to get time to do activities for each.  I think it’s a good idea to try and include similar ones together, like you say Space week and Science Weeks would work together, likewise Space Week activities & Maths Week activities overlap.  I like the extra suggestions you have made for activities for Space Week.

[Rachael Donnellan]

Activity Set: Rockets.
I will show the children an image of a rocket on the IWB.
Video: How does a rocket fly? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g0FehS0H1E
Or
How do Rockets work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMDCZWTSZvc
Demonstrate by using a balloon- blow up the balloon and explain that when you let it go the air is going to push the balloon forward. – thrust in action. In the case of a rocket, the rockets get their thrust from fuel, not air.
Hands- on activity:
Make Straw Rockets with the children.
Straw Rockets are also mess-free, easy to make and can be themed in lots of different ways.
The children can decorate their rocket cut out.
The paper cutout of a rocket is attached to a shorter, wider straw than the one the child blows down. The wider straw is sealed at the top, so when air from the main straw hits it, the rocket flies!

[Jill O Callaghan]

Activity- Dancing Raisins

This is a great experiment that children can engage with themselves meaning it is child-centred and they are leading the learning. I would arrange the children in pairs (I chose pairs as too many people in a group for an experiment like this can mean not everyone gets a job and gets to fully take part). Each group will get 2 jars, one with water and one with 7-up and a handful of raisins. They will drop some raisins into the jar of water, observe what happens and record it. They will then drop some raisins into the jar with 7-up, observe and records. They will notice the difference between what happens in the jar with water and the jar with 7-up. Afterwards there will be a discussion as to why the raisins move up and down in the 7-up and why they sink to the bottom and stay there in the water. Children might suggest the raisins were heavier in the water so the experiment could be repeated but having weighted each set of raisins first. This will show that even having the same weight of raisins still causes the ones in the 7-up to move up and down. This is a great experiment for the children to carry out themselves and provides lots of opportunity for discussion and investigation.
rum 4- How would you use this activity in your classroom

[Sharon Beirne]

<p style=”text-align: left;”>I have used the experiment of Dancing raisins too – the children really enjoy it and it’s a novel way to get learning across!</p>

[Ciara Evans]

Our school puts alot of effort into science week with guest speakers coming into the classroom, science fairs, regular science breaks in the class etc.

 

One thing I always did was during eating time I would play Chris Hadfield the Astronaut that makes videos from space. These are fun snippets that showcase regular things being done in space.

I think out of all the Activity Set shown I would like to incorporate – Rockets
I would Read the book Smeds and Smoos to introduce the concept of space exploration and rockets.  I would show videos of Chris Hadfield in space. I would show pictures of different types of rockets.

Showing two different rocket designs I would ask the children which rocket design they think will work better and why. Which rocket will go the farthest? would divide the children into groups with a list of the same items to build a rocket e.g. Pringles can, milk carton, sellotape.

I would get each group to predict which rocket design they think will fly higher or farther. I would ask the students if they had to change one thing what would that be?

[Frances McCarthy]

Ciara,

have you a particular rocket design you would try? You can search the classroom resources at curiousminds.ie by the keyword rockets to get a full list.

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Rachael,

I’d hold the first video back for 5th or 6th class — Newton’s Laws of Motion show up in LC physics.

The second video is a bit better – “A thrust is a giant push that lifts something up” and also has the forces explained a little better – ‘the fuel explodes and sends hot gas rushing out of the rocket and the thrust is so strong that it lifts the rocket up’

It looks like you are referencing https://www.science-sparks.com/straw-rockets/ with the straw rockets – which do look accessible for young children in terms of their fine motor skills.

A while ago Ikea had the slightly wider straws – if you’re near enough you could check there. Otherwise, check party supplies for the wider straws, they are not always easy to find.

[Aoife Purcell]

I would like to focus on some activities I could add in for Space Week. As I teach infants I feel that Aistear is a great place to have lots of space related activities.
Oral Language: Using posters and videos to introduce the space related vocabulary you would like them to use that week.
Role play – The children could act out being on the space station /as aliens etc
Small World Play: set up a tuff tray using astronauts, rockets etc. /draw stars, planets etc onto tray.
Playdough – Designing and creating their own rocket out of playudough
Construction: Build their own rocket/Space station etc.

I would also add in some numeracy games with a space theme during ready set go maths such as space race-roll the dice and count to 10, fill the spaceships with the correct number of aliens, alien hunt etc.

We would use fictional space themed books for our story that week. We could also focus on some space themed songs/poems. I like the idea of a whole school assembly also for each class to showcase their work during Space Week. We also work with 6th closely as they act as buddies for the juniors so we could definitely collaborate on an experiment/an art activity like paper mache planets etc.

[Frances McCarthy]

I googled the space maths game (don’t have a copy of ready steady maths material here) and found an online version of a space race counting game:

Combining a Classic Race Game with Counting, The Space Race Game

described as a game to count to 10, no dice rolls!

[Rachel Breen]

I can’t wait to include some of these in the Aistear lessons!

[Barbara Sadlier]

I have often taught Rocket lessons with the older classes, so it has been really helpful to get some ideas on how to use these themes with the younger classes.

I would introduce the topic with some storytime incorporating the theme of aliens. Then I think I would use the stimulus of watching an ESA Rocket launch as shown in this module which would be a brilliant way to engage the younger students and peak their interest.

I would definitely use the Mouse Rocket lesson to start them off on their rocket launching journey and then possibly move on to making some fizzing rockets in small groups with adult supervision and possibly balloon rockets would also work in a small group setting. These are all fabulous ideas that would really engage the children and I’m sure lead to plenty of follow up discussions

[Rachel Breen]

I am choosing Rockets as the activity set.
I will introduce the topic by reading the book ‘We Have Lift Off’ by Sean Taylor.
I would like to do the experiment ‘Rocket Launch’ with the children. I will break the children up into groups.
The children will need large balloons, string, drinking straw, clothes peg, Sellotape, two chairs.
1. Blow up a long-shaped balloon and let it go.
2. Notice what happens.
3. Pull string through a drinking straw.
4. Tie the string to two chairs and pull it tight.
5. Blow up a long shaped balloon and keep the air it in it using a clothes peg.
6. Using Sellotape attach the balloon to the side of the straw.
7. Pull the whole thing back to the beginning of the string and take off the clothes peg and… launch your rocket!
We will compare how far our rockets went- whose went the furthest? Etc.
I will end the lesson by doing the poem ‘The Rocket’ by Andrew Frinkle.

[Alexandra McMahon]

Class Plan: Engaging with Space Week Using ESERO Resource “Engage – Rockets”

Day 1: – Introduction to Space Week and Rockets.
– Introduce Space Week and rocketry concepts through a video on the history of rockets.
– Discuss principles of rocketry, including thrust, gravity, drag, and lift.
– Introduce Newton’s Third Law.
– Students draw and label parts of a rocket.

Day 2: Designing Rockets
– Recap rocket parts and principles.
– Students form groups to design rockets using ESERO templates.
– Groups present their designs and discuss potential effectiveness.
– Homework: Research famous rockets and space missions.

Day 3: Building Rockets
– Students construct their rocket models with provided materials.
– Discuss safety procedures for handling and launching rockets.

Day 4: Testing and Modifying Rockets
– Conduct indoor tests using air or water propulsion.
– Groups observe performance, discuss results, and make necessary modifications.

Day 5: Rocket Launch Event
– Review safety and launch protocols.
– Conduct an outdoor rocket launch event, recording flight data.
– Discuss results and give awards for various categories (e.g., highest flight, best design).
– Reflect on the week’s activities with students writing or drawing their favourite part.

This week engages students in hands-on learning, fostering teamwork, creativity, and understanding of scientific principles related to rocketry, culminating in an exciting launch event.

[Corinna Carolan]

The activity from this module that I would choose to do with my group would be rockets.  I would pretty much follow the steps outlined in the module – engage the children’s interest with a photo or video or story.  I am familiar with the book mentioned, “The Way Back Home” so I might read that one.  After discussing the story I would show the children some different rockets and let them experiment/play with those.  I have a stomp rocket which they could try out and also an arrow from an archery set.  Next the children could draw and design their own rocket and finally make their own rockets..  We would try out some of the rockets mentioned in the module – balloon rockets, foam rockets and rocket mice.  Then discussions would take place on how to make the rockets go further/faster/ higher and experiment with force, angle etc We could present our finished rockets to some of the younger classes during Space Week.

[Ciara Hayden]

Activity set: Rockets

I would introduce the pupils to Sheila, the Hippo main character from the David Walliams bestseller, ‘The First Hippo on the Moon’. In this book, Sheila and the other animals create a rocket for her to fly to the moon, powered by dung.

This book has great humour and fun, and Sheila is a strong and creative female character -a positive model for girls in STEM learning.

I would then select on of the following activities, depending on the age and learning stage of the pupils:

1. Rocket Balloon Race
Materials Needed:

Balloons
String
Straws
Tape
Instructions:

Thread a piece of string through a straw.
Tape the string between two points in the room (e.g., between two chairs).
Blow up a balloon but don’t tie it. Tape the balloon to the straw.
Let the balloon go and watch it zip along the string like a rocket!
Discussion:

Talk about how rockets use fuel to create thrust, which pushes them into space.

2. Astronaut Training Course
Materials Needed:

Hula hoops
Cones
Pillows
Jump ropes
Instructions:

Set up an obstacle course using the materials. For example, children can jump through hula hoops, weave around cones, crawl under a string of jump ropes, and balance on pillows.
Explain that astronauts need to be physically fit and train hard to prepare for space missions.
Discussion:

Discuss the different exercises astronauts do to stay healthy in space.

3. Moon Sand Play
Materials Needed:

8 cups of flour
1 cup of baby oil (or cooking oil)
A large container
Instructions:

Mix the flour and oil in a large container to create “moon sand.”
Let children mold and shape the moon sand, simulating the surface of the moon.
Discussion:

Talk about the moon’s surface and how it’s different from Earth.

4. Design a Space Suit
Materials Needed:

Paper
Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
Stickers (optional)
Instructions:

Give each child a piece of paper and drawing materials.
Ask them to design their own space suit. What colors would it be? What features would it have to help them in space?
Discussion:

Discuss the purpose of space suits and what they need to include (like oxygen supply, temperature control, etc.).

[Aoife Dillon]

That’s a great book Ciara. Thank you for sharing! It would work well as an introduction to rockets for a class.

I think turning the rocket balloons into a race would engage the students even further. What a good idea!

[Aisling Mathews]

Wow Ciara, there are some great ideas there. I’ll definitely try out that lovely book with my class next year. I also love the idea of the astronaut training course.

[Frances McCarthy]

Ciara,

thanks for sharing such a lovely Space Week Plan – may I add it to my shareable lessons?

The Hippo to the Moon site has some additional activities, I really like the sheet of images for a child to retell the story

https://s22428.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/The-First-Hippo-on-the-Moon-Resources-2.pdf

 

[Hilary McNamara]

That book sounds great. I love the idea of a race too and Astronaut training! I will definitely use some of these great ideas.

[Eleanor Mccaffrey]

Activity : rockets.

again going back to my favourite author Oliver Jeffers I would read the story The way back home  After discussing the story I would show the children some different rockets and talk about their shake size function – then they could refer to the you tube video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-THf3CA93w  in groups the children could draw and design their own rocket discussing what materials they would use LEGO / clay/ paper .  Once made  use balloon rockets, foam rockets and rocket mice ideas and how to make rockets go faster , higher , further ? We would at space week assembly present our rockets and findings to the school – enjoyable  inclusive interactive activities

[Rhonda Rawle]

<p class=”helperbird-font-opendyslexic-regular”>Hi Eleanor, I love this idea – thanks for sharing the story and youtube video link!</p>

[Lucy O Mahony]

Thanks Ciara for the lovely plan for Science week and for your story suggestion “The First Hippo to the Moon”. Frances’s link to the resources based on the book is brilliant for my class.

 

[Frances McCarthy]

great- there is such a wealth of suggestions and ideas in the forum – I hope the teachers who did this course in the first week stick their noses back in!

[Rhonda Rawle]

Activity Set: Rockets.

I would start with a discussion about rockets and their purpose, showing videos of rocket launches and space missions to capture their imagination. Next, I’d introduce a hands-on activity where students build their own simple rockets using straws, paper, and tape.
We’d begin by decorating paper tubes to resemble rockets, then attaching them to straws. Using another straw as a launcher, students could blow through it to propel their rockets, exploring the concept of thrust.
To deepen their understanding, we’d conduct experiments by changing variables like the length of the straw or the size of the paper rocket, and recording how these changes affect the rocket’s flight. This encourages scientific thinking and hypothesis testing.

Additionally, I’d integrate technology by using a basic rocket simulation app, allowing students to experiment with different designs and see the results on a screen. We’d discuss the outcomes and relate them to real-world rockets.

Finally, the students could keep a “Rocket Journal” to draw their designs, note their observations, and reflect on what they learned.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by Rhonda Rawle. Reason: formatting
• This reply was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by Rhonda Rawle. Reason: formatting

[Daire Dwyer]

Activity Set- Rockets

I would read some books such as How a Rocket Works from the UK Space Agency, or something more fun like Aliens in Underpants Save the World. I would discuss with the children the idea of space travel and how rockets help us explore beyond Earth. I would show pictures of different types of rockets such as the space shuttle or Saturn V and use these to talk about the shape and size of the rockets.

 

I would use the comic strip of Marvin and Milo building their Penny Rocket and the YouTube video of the Mouse Rocket. I would ask the children which rocket design they think will work better and why. I would break the class into different groups and provide them with the necessary resources such as an empty milk carton, paper for the mouse head, coins, and an empty 2L bottle to create their own Penny or Mouse Rockets.

 

When the rockets are finished we would look at them and predict how far they would fly and which ones would fly the furthest.

 

I would also use this topic to cover a cross-curricular project and I think that the Junk Couture project which we took pat in recently would be ideal for this. I would get the pupils in groups to build large versions of rockets large enough for the group to fit inside, using cardboard, paper, tape glue etc, this project really helps with problem solving, critical thinking and of course allows their creative skills to be showcased fully.

[Frances McCarthy]

Hi Daire,

penny rocket looks to need a considerable time in a freezer and might be quite dangerous when it launches. Would you consider pop top instead?

Building a large version rocket is slightly touched on in this resource from Space Week.

which was inspired by this video:

[Aoife Dillon]

I love teaching about rockets and using it as an experiment. I have previously done the lesson on the Mouse Rockets with classes and they loved it. The students were very engaged throughout the process of learning about rockets and making their own.

I would like to try the string and balloon rocket experiment from the Marvin and Milo comic. I had never thought of using a clothes peg to close a balloon rather than tying it, I thought that was a great idea as often children struggle with this skill. Being able to have the rocket ‘fly’ along the string makes it easier to manage the testing of their rockets in a classroom. After we conducted the experiment we could discuss if there were ways to improve their rockets, what might they add to it or remove? How could they get it to go faster or slower? What makes the rocket stay on course? What propels their rockets? Could this be changed?

[Frances McCarthy]

Aoife,

glad to know that the mice have been a hit -I do just love them.

I really like how you have planned for lots of discussion around:

we could discuss if there were ways to improve their rockets, what might they add to it or remove? How could they get it to go faster or slower? What makes the rocket stay on course? What propels their rockets? Could this be changed?

Somewhere I used to have a link to a video which showed a family doing rocket races and they found that the larger balloon was slower to get going, but went further, and the smaller balloon zipped off first but then ran out of air and stopped – so you could challenge your early finishers to test the effect of distance of race and how it interacts with size of balloon for determining who wins the race. Might include a mention of hare and tortoise!

[Aisling Mathews]

I would definitely try making a rocket that launches with my class. I was recently at a workshop where we made these rockets and the teachers really enjoyed launching them and trying to make sure we were all starting at the point to see who could launch their rocket the furthest and which angle was the best to get the rocket to travel higher or further. I think that young children would really enjoy this activity. We were discussing the activity with a group of teachers and we decided that it would be a lovely team-based exercise for an older class to do with a younger class. We could have mixed groups with some younger and some older children working together.
Preparation for this activity is important as there needs to be enough foam tubing for the number of rockets being made.
Materials needed:
Foam tubing
Strong tape (preferably easy tear like gorilla duct tape)
Elastic bands
Strong card
Method:
Cut four slits in bottom of the foam tube. Cut out two triangles of equal size and slot them together to make an x shape. Slot these triangles into the foam slits so that your rocket stands up. Attach an elastic band to the top of the foam rocket using strong tape. Use a long thin stick to launch the rocket.
I think this is a wonderful activity for children and I will definitely do it with my class this year. I have often made junk rockets with my class out of recycled items but we have never tried to launch them. I like the scientific element to these rockets and feel they create such a rich learning experience for the children.
I would also integrate other subjects into the lesson. I would introduce some rocket themed picture books like “Whatever Next” and “Roaring Rockets”. I would encourage the children to think about things they could create at home – e.g. forts, dens, rockets etc. We would look at rhyming words in the books. In PE we would do some athletics and throw some foam javelins, experimenting with throwing them in different ways to see which way would send them further. We could also compare the foam javelins to our rockets. I would also do a wax resist art lesson with the children where they could draw their own rocket to create a space display in our class. I would do all these lessons while exploring the theme of space in Aistear.

[Katie Harrington]

Monday:

Activity: Read a story about space exploration.
Materials: Picture books, projector for space images.
Objective: Spark curiosity and introduce basic concepts.

Tuesday:
Activity: Create a solar system model.
Materials: Styrofoam balls, paints, string, reference pictures.
Objective: Teach the names and order of the planets.

Wednesday:
Activity: Obstacle course simulating astronaut training.
Materials: Hula hoops, cones, balance beams.
Objective: Promote physical activity and teamwork.
Day 4: Rocket Science

Thursday:
Activity: Build and launch paper rockets.
Materials: Paper, straws, tape.
Objective: Introduce basic physics concepts.

Reflection on Friday:
Recap and child-led free play using space toys and resources

[Frances McCarthy]

Katie,

is there a particular story from the ones recommended here that you think will appeal to your class?

The reference picture I like for the solar system is this page:

https://science.nasa.gov/solar-system/planets/

compare it to this one: https://www.esa.int/kids/en/learn/Our_Universe/Planets_and_moons/The_Solar_System_and_its_planets

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Images/2014/08/Explore_our_Universe_poster which you can download and use.

You could add a nice reflection here on how much detail is needed to show a planet.

 

[Cillian Rogers]

They are really nice activities Katie.

[Michelle Rowley]

Activity set: Rockets

Trigger – initial discussion on rockets, posing question, what they know about rockets, what do we sue rockets for, where would they go?

Storybook – Aliens in Underpants save the world; The way back home and How to catch a star by Oliver Jeffers

Video – Sci show How do Rockets fly? I use these particular set of videos for lots of science triggers/ activities – they are short, kid friendly pitched at the right level and very informative.

 

Activity – make some rockets. I think a variety of rockets would be great.

Mouse Rocket – Initially I would start with the mouse rocket. These are hew to me and look like so much fun. I think the idea of testing with lots of different sized bottles and then comparing the height/ distance of rocket launch would be brilliant.

Coin rocket and balloon rockets again allow for so much prediction and discussion.

Finally using a Alka Seltzer Rocket – thus showing a different form of energy for rocket propulsion.

In all the rocket activities ( or any science activity)  I think using language like prediction (hypothesis) testing and results are important.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by Michelle Rowley.

[Niamh Larkin]

I love the idea of making all the different kinds of rockets Michelle which I agree as you said allow for lots of prediction and discussion!

[Niamh Larkin]

There are so many ideas and resources in the course that you could use for Space week next October.
Some ideas and activities I would use:
1. Writing a letter to an alien on a different planet asking them questions and comparing our lives here on earth.
2. A diary entry of an astronaut of what a normal day looks like.
3. Making paper of foam rockets with help from Marvin and Milo- like explained in this module using different materials children can construct rockets in groups and for older classes they can figure out how to get their rocket to fly!
4. Science experiments like dancing raisins
5. Reading stories such as ‘Aliens in Underpants Save the World and ‘The Way back Home’ opening children’s imagination and ideas all around the topic of Space.
6.Whole school poster competition on the theme of Space!

There are so many resources on this course that would be easily implemented for Space week in our schools.

[Laura O Neill]

I have chosen the Activity Set about Rockets.

I would begin to engage children’s interest by showing a picture of a rocket. I would also show the video of the Vega rocket launch that was included in this module and discuss this with the class. I would show children videos of how to make some of the different rockets suggested in this module, e.g. the balloon rocket, penny rocket, rocket mouse. After exploring these different types of rocket the children could carry out their own investigation. I would have different materials on each table to create the different rockets. I would allow the children time to explore the variety of materials and work in small groups to plan a design to make a rocket. Then children can make their chosen rocket design. After this they could check to see if their rockets work, investigate how changing forces can affect their rocket and show their creations to the rest of the class.

[Frances McCarthy]

Laura,

quite recently I have found children (particularly boys) very interested in Elon Musk and Space X. The Starship is currently being tested, so has launches quite often. Most recently in June

Test 5 is planned for August.

[Lucy O Mahony]

Plan for Space week

Monday

Begin with reading the book “The Way Back Home” by Oliver Jeffers.- a book about helping a Martian get back to the moon.
Ask questions about the story. Ask children to point to the alien or the boy. Identify differences. Talk about the sky and what we see in the sky. Introduce the words suggested and their corresponding pictures and create a Space Corner.
Follow up activity: Sponge paint paper plate to create a moon.

Tuesday

Revise things we can see in the sky. Focus on the sun. It gives us light and heat, dries clothes, is yellow etc.                                                                                            Explore night time and daytime by showing pictures of the sky. No sun – it’s dark, cooler, no sun in the sky, stars, moon. Add the I
Follow up activity: Experiment with a cube of ice placed in direct sunlight and a cube of ice placed in the shade. Predict which will melt first. Time both and record the number of minutes it took for each to melt.

Wednesday

Show a YouTube clip of a shuttle launch eg Shuttle Launch (Hubble 2010- STS 125) to the first landing on the moon.
Talk about the astronauts and what they are wearing. Where are they going? How did they get there? What did they wear on their heads? Add some of these words with pictures  to the Space corner.
Create a simple rocket – See Rocket mice on YouTube. Cut a quarter circle of paper and roll into a cone shape and tape together. Draw eyes and whiskers on the paper. Place on an empty plastic milk carton. Predict what will happen to the mouse. Squeeze hard. The paper mouse should pop upwards. Mark the place it lands. Repeat changing the force you squeeze the carton each time. Don’t forget to predict where the mouse will land and record the distance each time. Put a rocket in the space corner.

Thursday

Show a presentation on Google slides of different night skies. Children name what they can see. Introduce the constellation of stars which make the plough. Draw lines on one slide to mark the plough clearly. Remaining slides should all show the plough and ask children to find it in the night sky pictures.                                                Follow up activity: paint a star and decorate with gold glitter. When dry hang them and the moons in the Space corner.

Friday

Two experiments

1. Dancing  Raisins.
2 Alka Seltzer rocket.

[Eoghan Mulligan]

Lucy, I like how you’re using presentations and youtube videos to further the children’s understanding

[Ciara FaganBarrett]

Rockets
What is the most effective way to launch a rocket the furthest?

Engage:
– Read Whatever Next by Jill Murphy as a whole class and discuss the rocket made by baby bear.
– Think/Pair/Share ideas to make an effective rocket and feedback.

Investigate:
– Make predictions, share and explain reasoning.
– Balloon Rocket – use the Marvin and Milo balloon rocket cartoon, in groups of three work together to make the balloon rocket.
– Straw Rocket – individually draw rocket/use rocket template and colour in and use straw to launch.

Take the Next Step:
– Rocket races – groups to have rocket races, reflect on which rockets travelled the furthest, can amendments be made to increase distance? For example exert more force, stronger blow into straw etc., race again with improvements, evaluate and discuss findings.
– Read Sadie Rocket Builds a Rocket by Sue Fliess, contemplate tips you would give to Sadie based on the investigations.

[Michelle Curran]

Activity – Rockets – (2D Shape integration)

Materials:

“Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton
Construction paper
Scissors
Glue sticks
Markers
Toilet paper rolls (one per student)
Aluminum foil
Star stickers
Templates of 2D shapes (circles, triangles, rectangles)

 

Introduction

Read Aloud:
Read “Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton to the class.
Discuss the story, focusing on the parts of the rocket and what rockets do.
Interactive Discussion:
Ask questions like, “What do rockets need to blast off?” and “Where do rockets go?”
Link to the previously taught maths concept of 2D shapes. Show examples of circles, triangles, and rectangles.

 

Activity:

Rocket Craft with 2D Shapes:
Hand out toilet paper rolls, construction paper, markers, glue sticks, scissors, and shape templates.
Demonstrate how to wrap the roll in construction paper and use markers to decorate it.
Show how to cut out 2D shapes (triangles for the top, rectangles for the body, and circles for windows) and glue them onto the rocket.
Add aluminium foil for shiny details and star stickers for decoration.
Allow students to create and personalise their rockets using the shapes.
Conclusion:

Have students present their rockets to the class, identifying the 2D shapes they used. Review the key points from the book, the activity, and the 2D shapes. Early finishers can draw a picture of their rocket blasting off into space, using and labeling 2D shapes.

Extension:

Shape Hunt: Have students find and identify 2D shapes around the classroom or at home, relating them to parts of a rocket.

 

[Orla Glynn]

Activity Set: Rockets

I would like to use activities related to rockets in the classroom. I think it provides great opportunities to apply maths and science skills in a cross-curricular way around the theme of space and the sub-theme of rockets. There are lots of hands-on class activities which I think the students would really enjoy. I think picture story books related to rockets are a great way to engage the students and make them excited to learn about the topic. I would use http://www.primaryscience.ie or http://www.spaceweek.ie as a guide to engage the students in the design of their own rockets. Once designed, a good link with Maths could be measuring the distance each rocket can travel. After they have conducted the investigation they could make a bar or column graph comparing how far each students’ rocket travelled. This would be a good link to two strands within the Maths curriculum – Length and Data.

[Catherine Mulvaney]

Orla I really like how you have made the activity cross curricular. The hands on activity sounds fun and engaging. I also have found in the past that reading books are a great stimulus for a topic such as this.

[Emma O Connor]

I would use the book The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield there is even a video of him reading his own book which I love

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxoG6Eug7jI

I love using Chris Hadfield’s question and answer videos on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bCo

I used the book Aliens in Underpants save the World, here is a pic of my display this year. We used these books as inspiration to create aliens and rockets as seen in the image.

We used the book to write descriptive sentences- a colour, a size, a number, and a doing sentence about an alien.

I set up a role play area, we used Chris Hadfield videos to imagine life in space, how you brush your teeth, they loved the what food you eat in space video.

I also played this song before aistear so we could use the names of planets when we play. https://youtu.be/mQrlgH97v94

[Frances McCarthy]

Gorgeous stuff Emma, thanks for sharing.

[Siobhan Marie Gilligan]

I plan to use your links for Chris Hadfield Emma. Thank you for sharing.

[Muireann Farrell]

I love the display and the role play area sounds amazing.

[Aine OBrien]

Thanks for the lovely ideas Emma. Love the display and the two book recommendations. Looking forward to using these.

[Niamh Kenny]

Thanks for sharing Emma, we also do this book but it would be nice for the pupils to hear it read by the author!

[Siobhan Marie Gilligan]

Weekly Plan for Space Week – 1st/2nd class

Set up an area in the classroom to display all space week vocabulary, story books and art work.
Monday: Begin the week by recapping on the names of the planets using the planets song. Design a Martian in a 3-d form using playdough/clay. Examine images of Mars.
Tuesday: Shadows: free play outside with shadows at 10am,12 noon and 2pm observing the differences throughout the day.
Wednesday: Lots and lots of stars. Investigate stars and constellations. Create pictures of starry night using paint and toothbrushes to create copious amounts of stars. Discuss. Listen to Vincent(Starry Starry night) by Don McClean/Reach for the Stars by S Club Seven.
Thursday: Create Alien Slime: by mixing fragranced shampoo and cornflour together to create a consistency that is neither a solid or liquid.
Friday: Rockets: Engage with a picture of a rocket. Explore a variety of materials and plan a design to make a rocket. Check to see if the rockets work ,exploring changing forces and show their creations to the class.
The resources on spaceweek.ie/resources for teachers are endless. Book suggestions, song/poem suggestions, art activities will lead to a fun filled space week in any classroom.

[Niall Smith]

Siobhan,

thank you for sharing your space week plan, please do register your school as hosting an “event” at spaceweek.ie. The activities you have described would make up the event. If you wanted to showcase at the end of the week and invite parents to visit, then that could be part of the Curious Minds Awards as well.

Hold a science open day or evening where students present their STEM work to the school, parents or wider community.

[Olivia Smith]

I absolutely love this weekly plan, will definitely be trying that this year with my class!

 

[Helen O Sullivan]

Hi

My goodness there are some fabulous ideas here .I will certainly be using this during Science week .

[Sinead Parsons]

I really enjoyed all the activities in this module.  I have done rockets before with third and fourth class but wasn’t sure how to approach the topic in junior classes.  The milk bottle mouse is perfect.  It’s effective and encourages lots of questions and investigating.  If I apply more force will the mouse go further?  If the bottle is bigger will the mouse go further?  How far do you think the mouse will travel? put a cone on the ground for your prediction.  Does the material the container is made of make a difference?  Can we add anything to the mouse to make it travel further?  So often in science the make and do part can take up so much time that there is not much time for questioning and reflecting.  This activity allows for the children to extend their learning in lots of different ways.  Depending on how well they tackle this activity we can try the rocket with the vitamin tablet and container as a whole class or in groups.

[Eoghan Mulligan]

To engage my 1st class in Space Week activities, I would start with an exciting storytime featuring age-appropriate books about the solar system and astronauts. Each day, we’d focus on a different planet, using interactive visuals and fun facts to spark curiosity. I’d incorporate hands-on crafts, like creating paper mache planets and starry night paintings using glow-in-the-dark paint. We’d play educational games, such as “Planet Hop,” where students jump between planet cutouts on the floor as I call out their names. Incorporating music, we’d learn a song about the planets to reinforce their names and order. For a sensory experience, we’d have a “space sensory bin” filled with kinetic sand and small space-themed toys. We’d also use simple, safe science experiments to demonstrate concepts like gravity and the phases of the Moon. Finally, we’d end the week with a mini “space mission” role-play, where students pretend to be astronauts exploring the galaxy.

[Olivia Smith]

Lesson plan:
I will have second class for the upcoming year and the lesson I am going to try out with them is the design a spacecraft. The class will create a spacecraft using ‘junk’ materials. The students will be placed into groups and will discuss and plan their designs together. The students will be shown videos of spacecrafts as the stimulus for the lesson. Pictures will also be available in the room for the students to consult as they plan and design. The students will begin planning and building their spaceships in the class. Once they are finished, each group will present their spacecraft to the class. The students will engage in a discussion about what they learned, what worked well and what they would do differently the next time.

[Frances McCarthy]

Olivia,

if you base it on the ISS you will have lots of three dimensional shapes to include and a range of nice cylinders make that so much easier. Start saving the Pringles!

You could extend this to an understanding of no air in space, so spacecraft built in space don’t need to be aerodynamic, but spacecraft that get you to space do need to be.

Children could then categorise each other’s spacecraft (and you could test them on a windy day)

https://www.spaceweek.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Make-a-Space-Station.pdf

 

[Sarah Byrne]

I would use the story ‘Aliens in Underpants Save the World’ as a starting point for our class investigation on how to make a rocket.
I would read the story to my class and then explain that we are now going to make a rocket to visit the aliens in space so we can thank them for saving the world. We want to give them more underpants as a gift.
We would then look at Marvin and Milo’s Balloon Rocket story. I would cover the last image and ask the children to make a prediction on what they think might happen when they unclip the peg…….
Starter question might be: Does the amount of air in the balloon effect how far the balloon travels?
Does the size/shape of the balloon effect how the rocket travels?
Children would then work in groups to create their very own balloon rocket and carry out their own investigation using the starter questions listed above. I would give all the materials listed in Marvin and Milo’s story but make sure there were balloons of different shapes and sizes.
Taking the next step: We would discuss what else flies through the air and put a plan together to make paper airplanes.

[Helen O Sullivan]

Activity: Rockets

I love the idea of rockets. I think this is something that all children are fascinated by.

Introduction

Sing: We are Going to the Moon ‘https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DEHBrmZxAf8

I would show the children real videos of rockets being launched into space. As young as they are this will really appeal to them and spark interest.

I have often shown children the Chris Hadfield videos and they are intrigued by the everyday ordinary things which he does

Hands on Activity; make our own balloon rocket.

 

 

The Process
Supplies
Balloon ,straw,string,tape,2 chairs
Step 1
Tie one end of string to the one chair which will be about 10 fee from the other chair
Step 2
Thread the string through the straw and place two pieces of tape near the middle of the straw.
Step 3
Tie the loose end of the string to the other chair and make sure the string is tight
Step 4
Blow up below .Hold the end so air can’t escape .Use the two pieces of take to secure the balloon to the straw.
Pause
To reflect and predict what might happen
Step 5
Move the straw and balloon to one end of the string ….then let go of balloon and watch what happens !!
Step 6
The children will love explaining in their own words what has just happened

Consolidation and follow up activity

Using a simple worksheet below the children can record what just happened. We can write and what we needed.

Then we can draw steps of the process and talk to each other what this was all about!

 

Balloon Rocket
What I needed
Name
Draw

First

Then

Then

Then

Last

To finish

We could sing song

We are Going to the Moon

[Frances McCarthy]

Helen,

I hope your class have fun with the rockets. By showing them first and then asking them to extend their learning with what they have just seen they can carry out true inquiry. I’d give them a few balloons to play with first, or demo one so that they know the balloon shoots off. If they have never seen that before, how will they be able to predict what will happen?

Children’s predictions should be grounded in their science understanding. When I work with children I ask them…

what do you think will happen when….  and this is because…

or .. if [this] is the case, then [this] will happen…

So: “The balloon moves when you let it go. If we put it on a string, the balloon will follow the string.”

They test this and find out that if the ‘nozzle’ isn’t lined up to the string, the balloon goes in circles around the string, and they can then refine their thinking and improve their balloon rocket.

• This reply was modified 5 months, 1 week ago by Frances McCarthy.

[Mary Walker]

Helen , I love this hands on activity , as it truly allows the students to engage and learn in a creative and fun way ! Allowing them to absorb more information .

[Mary Walker]

While teaching a younger class during space week , this is the rough lesson plan spanning the 5 days in which I can promote  space , encourage an interest in it and how it can be both educational and fun to learn about . I created this lesson plan using ideas from not only the previous modules but also online resources.

 

Monday: Galaxy

Discuss our galaxy , contents ? Solar system ? Aliens ? How much do we know about our galaxy ? How big is it ? Following the discussion I would recreate a hands on activity to further engagement. For this topic , creating Galaxy glow-in-the-dark sensory bottles.

 

Tuesday : Stars

To begin the lesson  , I would encourage the exploration of what stars are. What are they made of ? How old are stars ? What do they look like ? What are constellationms ? Yet again following this discussion, another hands on project would be recreated, in this case being creating our own  constellations using paper, pens beads etc

 

Wednesday : The Solar system

For the start of this lesson , I would have the children discuss and exchange their ideas and opinions of what a solar system is ? How big they are ? How many planets are in a solar system ? And how big they are / small ? Following this I would recreate  another experiment and the children could design and create their own physical solar systems from either styrofoam, clay or play dough  . After this they could present their creations to the class.

 

 

 

Thursday: The Moon

First off I would have the children explain to me their knowledge of our moon. It’s changing stages , effects on earth (eg ocean) and what they think its importance is. We would then read stories about the man on the moon, watching the short movie as well ‘La Luna’ . https://youtu.be/7UMecxjQAvk?si=eWIsGcjo1UXxZnDK . Following on from this we could continue into the topic of rocket ships and spacecrafts . I would discuss with the children what makes a good rocket ship and have them each design and create their own rocket ships following the basic outlines I would provide. They could then display these around the classroom or hallways in honour of space week.

 

Friday : Aliens

I would first of all kick off the lesson by reading the popular children’s book ‘Aliens love underpants ‘ . Following reading we would then begin the discussion over what is an alien ? How do we know they’re aliens ? Where would you find an alien ? Etc . Children could write their opinions /answers on paper and hold on to it for later in the lesson .As a fun activity then I would have the children divide in to pairs and close their eyes. They would take turns to pretend that their partner is a

Martian visiting earth . They have to ask each other what the physical

appearance of a Martian looks like. What size are you? What colour are you? Do you have arms/legs/eyes just like humans? Allow the children to then sketch their version of what their Martian will look like. Finally they could decorate them further, display around the school and we would revisit the earlier questions (what is an alien etc) and correct our mistakes.

[Frances McCarthy]

Mary,

the Galaxy sensory bottle seems similar to lava lamps, just without the bubbles to keep them going. I found these instructions: https://capturingparenthood.com/oil-water-galaxy-sensory-bottle/

I’m interested in how you are starting BIG (with galaxies) and coming step closer to home each day, to stars, then the solar system and then near the Earth to the Moon. Ending with aliens is fun, since we don’t have proof that they exist, but the very scale of the galaxy means that there is likely life out there. (Unless you accept the Fermi Paradox).

[Margaret Lane]

Hi Mary,

I love the idea of the children creating their own constellations using paper, pens and beads. This is a fun and engaging way to identify patterns or outlines that they make in the sky. Children could also create constellations using playdough and cocktail sticks.

[Muireann Farrell]

Space Week plan
Morning activity: Look at a photo from Astronomy picture of the day every morning and discuss what we see.

Lego Challenge: Build a rocket ship

Literacy: Older classes report writing on Space. Space themed books all classes: Field Trip to the Moon – wordless picture books children can create their own script to accompany the story. The Big Beyond, How to Catch a Star, The Way Back home, Adams Amazing Space Adventure.

Art: Night sky painting using a toothbrush to create the stars, younger classes design and make an alien.

PE: Younger classes can play The Planet game and The Planet Dance from ‘Journey through the Solar system’. Older classes children can look at projectiles and link this to building a rocket ship.

History: The space race/ animals and people in space. Varying detail depending on class level.

Science: Build and test a rocket. (Younger classes rocket mice). In groups children come up with a question to investigate relating to their rockets.

SPHE: Daily stargazing meditation using Stellarium. Followed by discussion where children are encouraged to notice changes across the week and discuss constellations.

[Cliodhna Kelly]

I think the Marvin and Milo cartoons are a fun and engaging way to create interest in inquiry based learning and are a great introduction to scientific concepts. The resource could also be used as early finishers activity reading material so children could be inspired to try some activities at home.

Some activities for science week that tie in with the primary science curriculum would be

Rocket Race (inspired by Marvin and Milo Balloon race https://spark.iop.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/19%20-%20Marvin%20and%20Milo%20-%20Balloon%20Rocket%202019_0.pdf)

Create balloon rockets by threading a string through a straw and attaching a blown-up balloon. Let the balloon go and observe its movement. Discuss how air movement propels the balloon.

Surface Explorers
Roll toy cars on different surfaces-  sandpaper, foil, carpet, and cardboard. Record how far they travel and discuss which surfaces are smooth or rough and how this affects movement.

Moon Crater Creation
Create a “moon surface” using flour and cocoa powder. Drop marbles from different heights to simulate meteor impacts. Observe and compare the craters formed. Discuss how different textures and colours represent the moon’s surface.

[Robyn Jones]

Monday: Space

Read aloud: ‘Give Me Some Space’ by Philip Bunting. Students can watch this book being read by an astronaut on the ISS.

Activities: Watch SciShow Kids video ‘Let’s Explore Space’, students will then paint their own galaxies. Students can also dress up as astronauts and aliens and explore other galaxies together.

 

Tuesday: The Solar System

Video: ‘The Solar System Song‘ teaches students about the planets in our solar system. Students could also learn about the 5 dwarf planets by watching the ‘Dwarf Planet Song‘.

Activities: Students can play the planet game, the planet dance, and spin the planet hula hoop game from the activity set in module 2. They can also pick one of the planets and paint a picture of it.

 

Wednesday: Aliens

Read aloud: ‘Aliens Love Underpants‘ by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort

Activities: Students will design and create their own aliens using play-doh or air dry clay, if using the clay they can paint their aliens. Students can also create a model of their alien’s home to display their alien.

 

Thursday: Stars

Read aloud: ‘Zoo in the Sky‘ by Jacqueline Mitton or ‘Stars‘ by Mary Lyn Ray. These books teach students about what stars are, how they’re created, the constellations, and the stories behind the constellations.

Activities: Students will use toilet paper rolls and cling film to create their own telescope. Trace the bottom of the toilet paper roll on a piece of cling film, then draw stars or a constellation in the circle using markers. Cut out the circle and sellotape it onto the toilet paper roll. Then decorate the outside of the toilet paper roll with paint, markers, or stickers.

 

Friday: Rockets

Read aloud: ‘Roaring Rockets‘ by Tony Mitton

Activities: Students can build their own rockets using recycled materials. By attaching a split pin at the top of their rocket students can then use magnets to pull their rockets along the floor and have a rocket race.

[Frances McCarthy]

Thanks for reminding me of that YouTube channel – a teacher had mentioned it last year and it had slipped my mind.

This is the channel – you can see the various books that have been read: https://www.youtube.com/@StoryTimeFromSpace

I really like how you have combined arts and creative activities against space themes and rocket investigations. Would you also demo a rocket launch? I like water rockets for the excitement and height that they reach, but stomp rockets are good too.

 

[Sharon Grady]

So many wonderful ideas here, Robyn. I love that you have given daily ideas.  So much fun.  Science Week covered here!

[Sile Nic Spáidín]

These Space Week activities are fantastic for engaging junior infants with a hands-on and creative approach to learning about space. Each day’s theme is thoughtfully designed to combine storytelling, visual media, and interactive projects, ensuring a well-rounded and exciting educational experience. The variety of activities, from painting galaxies to building rockets, will undoubtedly spark curiosity and enthusiasm for space exploration in young learners.

[Sharon Grady]

The “Mouse-Rocket” activity is a hands-on science lesson for junior infants, teaching about forces and motion. In this activity, students make a rocket using a paper cone on top of a plastic milk bottle and observe how it moves when the bottle is squeezed. Children can learn the following:

• Observation and Prediction: Students predict how far their mouse-rocket will
travel and then measure the actual distance using toys as units of measure.
• Discussion: Discuss what makes the rocket move and how air pressure helps.

Other Subject Areas Integration:
• Math: Measure the distance travelled by the rocket using toys (e.g., blocks or
cars) as units, introducing basic measurement and comparison skills.
• Art: Have students decorate their paper cones, encouraging creativity and fine
motor skills.
• Oral Language: Encourage students to describe the experiment and their
observations using simple drawings and sentences, fostering communication skills.
• Physical Education: Students can mimic the rocket’s motion, enhancing their
understanding through physical activity.

[Elaine O’Donoghue]

The mouse rocket idea activity is such a simple but effective one and it is great that children could be further challenged to see what happens if they use a different sized bottle, more/less force, etc for launching. It is great how you have integrated across other subjects here too.

[Marie Concannon]

In this lesson for infants, we would begin by reading ‘Aliens Love Underpants’. Any infant class, I’ve ever been in really enjoy this story and I feel that it would really engage them in the lesson. Afterwards, I would begin a discussion about rockets and how we think they work. I would then play a video from SESE Explorers of Neil Armstrong landing on the moon to elicit a discussion on the topic.
Afterwards, I would ask the children to work in pairs and plan how they might create their own rocket using the junk art materials from Aistear. After the children have made their plan. I will ask the children to create their own rockets. At the end of this lesson, I would use the scientists chair as a means of getting the pairs to discuss why they choose the creations they did to make their rockets.
Throughout the week to celebrate space week, we will do morning fun fact about space.

[Deirdre ODriscoll]

Lovely idea Marie. Lovely use of the story Alien’s Love Underpants. This story always makes the children laugh!

[Aoife McLoughlin]

Hi Marie, love the idea of the scientist chair this could be developed further and integrated into a drama lesson or discrete oral language lesson in English!

[Aoife Wadding]

I would definitely plan to base this lesson off of a story about space. I would start by reading the story aloud to the children and asking them thought provoking questions along the way. After this, I would perhaps show them real-life images on the IWB of space and create a discussion on this. To follow on from this I would then use puppets of aliens/astronauts to create an element of play for the children in relation to rockets & aliens. I then would create a dress up area for the children to create their own drama in their groups of their perception of aliens and rockets in space.
Furthermore, I would use empty toilet roll holders and arts and crafts to get the children to create their own personalised rocket ships.

[Jane Dooley]

Hi Aoife, this is a lovely multi-disciplinary lesson. I like how you incorporate art. What story would you read aloud to the children?

[Grace O’Connor]

Activity set – Rockets – How would you use the activity in your classroom? I would create the following lesson in my classroom:
Materials Needed:
• Toy rocket or picture of a rocket
• Balloons
• String
• Straws
• Tape
• Scissors
• Pictures or videos of rocket launches
• Crayons and paper for drawing
1. Introduction
• Greeting and Attention Grabber: “Good morning, space explorers! Who here wants to learn about rockets? Today, we’re going to learn about rockets and how they launch into space!”
2. What is a Rocket?
• Show a Toy Rocket or Picture: “This is a rocket. Rockets are special vehicles that can travel to space.”
• Discuss Basic Parts:
o Body: “This is the main part of the rocket.”
o Engine: “This part helps the rocket go up, up, up!”
o Fins: “These help the rocket stay straight when it’s flying.”
3. How Does a Rocket Launch?
• Simple Explanation:
o “Rockets use powerful engines to push them up into the sky.”
o “When the engine fires, it pushes the rocket off the ground. We call this a launch!”
• Show a Video of a Rocket Launch: youtube
4. Hands-On Activity: Balloon Rocket Experiment
• Materials: Balloons, string, straws, tape, scissors
• Setup:
1. Tape a straw to the balloon.
2. Thread a long piece of string through the straw.
3. Tie one end of the string to a chair or doorknob, and hold the other end tight.
4. Blow up the balloon (don’t tie it), and then tape it to the string.
• Launch the Balloon Rocket: Let go of the balloon and watch it zoom along the string.
• Explain: “Just like our balloon, real rockets use engines to push them up into the sky!”
5. Drawing Activity
• Design and draw our own rockets
• Allow each child to share their drawing and explain their rocket.
6. Conclusion and Review (5 minutes)
• Recap of main points and answer any questions

[Ciara Quealy]

Hi Grace,

Your lesson looks fantastic! I will definitely be using some of these ideas for my own class next year.

Thanks,

Ciara

[Deirdre ODriscoll]

I really like the Marvin and Milo comic style insructions for the rocket activities. I based a lesson on the balloon rocket.

WALT: We Are Learning To make a simple rocket and understand the basic principles of how rockets work.

Introduction

I would introduce the lesson by showing videos of rockets launching and ask the children questions to elicit any prior knowledge of how rockets work.

Marvin and Milo Comic:
I would then show the Marvin and Milo comic strip on how to make a rocket.
Discuss the instructions: what Marvin and Milo did and the basic idea of how rockets fly.

Making a Balloon Rocket
Setup:
Tie one end of the string to a fixed point (e.g., a chair or a doorknob).
Thread the other end of the string through a plastic straw.
Building the Rocket:
Inflate a balloon but do not tie it. Hold the open end.
Tape the inflated balloon to the plastic straw.
Launch Preparation:
Ask students to decorate their balloons with paper fins and drawings using markers.
Ensure all rockets are secure and ready for launch.
Launching the Rocket:
Pull the string tight and have students release their balloons, observing how the air escaping propels the balloon along the string.
Repeat the activity, allowing each child to launch their rocket.

Conclusion
Discussion:
Ask students what they observed during the rocket launches.
Encourage students to think about other objects that fly.

I would take videos and watch them as a whole class. I would also share the videos on Seesaw for the parents to see and to encourage the children to discuss this fun experiment at home.

There’s also an informative video showing how rockets work in a relatable way for children – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9g0FehS0H1E

Integration: I would teach the song We’re going on a Rocket Ship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE0qcTPGCVs&list=RDwE0qcTPGCVs&start_radio=1

[Deirdre McElligott]

Hi Deordre, the two links in this assignment are really useful. They are a nice way of getting the children’s attention and teaching them abit more about rockets. Thanks for sharing them.

[David Brennan]

Exploring Rocket Science

Objective: Children will explore the principles of rocketry and the forces involved in rocket launch.

Engage the children with a trigger; a video of a Space X rocket launch. Ask open-ended questions to gauge their PRK about rockets, e.g. I wonder how it moves/blasts off, what’s the science? Discuss different types of rockets and their purposes. Allow the children time to discuss and try to find an explanation. Elicit the basic principles of rocket propulsion and the forces involved.

Show the children some examples of different rockets; rocket mice, foam rockets, Marvin and Milo’s Penny Rockets and Balloon rockets.

Investigation

Watch the Rocket Mice video:

Divide the class into groups and make rocket mice using paper templates and bottles of various sizes. Encourage investigation through questioning: How high can you make it go? What is making your mouse fly and come back down again? Allow the children to play with the rockets and encourage them to make predictions about their own starter questions; I wonder does the rocket go further if I use a larger bottle or if I squeeze harder. How does changing the force on the rocket affect how far it goes? The children can carry out their investigations using bottles of different sizes. Discuss how pressure inside the bottle makes the contents of the want to escape, and how squeezing the bottle increases the pressure inside.

Ask each group to present their rocket designs to the class. Facilitate a discussion on the principles of rocket propulsion and the forces involved in launching a rocket. Which bottles, large or small sent the mice the highest? Why do you think that was? Was it a fair test? If we had to launch a heavier object what could we do differently? Could we design different types of rockets? What is different/the same as space rockets or fireworks rockets?

[Margaret Lane]

Story time to hook and engage the children on the theme of Space ‘Neil Armstrong’ Little people, Big Dreams. Show children a video of the moon landing and a video of a space shuttle taking off
Music- Learn the planet song from YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t099KIWVVs
Arts and crafts- create your own solar system e.g. through paper mâché
ICT- project work- group the children into small groups of 2 or 3 and use Ipads/ computers to find information about a planet in our solar system.
Literacy based on the ICT session create a fact file/information leaflet based on the information the children have found out about the planet. Show children the NASA website
Maths- children can do Planet space maths themed topics such as counting on and back in 2’s, 5’s,10’s, 3’s and 4’s. You can also lead onto multiplication using arrays
Science- Rocket launching, create a bottle rocket and use rocket launcher to race and look at distance.
PE- games using pictures of the solar system- children play a hopping/ jumping game to learn the order and names of the planets. Allow each child to jump one at a time onto each planet shouting the name of each planet as they jump. Every child can have a turn while they memorize the rhyme. Then using the blank paper cover up the names of the planets now ask the children to go to a planet (e.g. Venus). You can make the game more competitive by having those that get it wrong are out and winner gets a planet sticker.

[Frances McCarthy]

Margaret,

Your space week plan seems to be a lot of fun – nice stuff.  Neil Armstrong definitely has one of the most recognisable names in space history, but Buzz Aldrin is still alive, so I’d add in an image of him (ask the children if they know the name of the 2nd person on the Moon!).

For a real stretch -ask them if they know the name of the 1st woman on the Moon (there hasn’t been one, yet). Artemis will carry women to the Moon.

[Matthew Hyland]

Margaret I have used the ‘Little People Big Dreams’ books before for other topics in school and have found that the children really enjoy them and respond well to them.

[Deirdre McElligott]

I will focus on rocket science for this assignment as I think it is a great topic that provides so much fun and engaging lessons for children.

 

I would begin with the story “aliens love underpants”. I would start a discussion with the children about aliens, where they live, how to get there? Etc.

We would look more closely at rockets. The video provided in this module with a rocket taking off is the perfect starting point for talking about rockets. We would talk about astronauts and what they wear etc. In first class, the over the moon English programme has a chapter about space and astronauts so this would link in nicely as well.

I have a rocket experiment that I have used in summer camps over the years. A plastic bottle connects to a foot pump. You press the foot pump afew times and the bottle/ rocket shoots up into the air. The children would make and design a small alien to attach to the rocket to send into space!

They can also design and make a nest for an egg. We can attach the nest to the rocket, with the egg inside the nest, and see if the egg will not get broken when it falls back down with the rocket.

To finish this lesson I would show the children how to make paper aeroplanes.  They would experiment with different sized pieces of paper, different sized wings etc.  and see which aeroplanes will fly the furthest.

[Ciara Quealy]

Choose one of the activities or activity sets outlined in this module – How would you use the activity in your classroom?

I found the resources relating to Rockets to seem very useful. I really like beginning a topic with a story or book. I find that it works very well in infants and it also helps your lesson to have a literacy element to it. It can be so difficult to get everything covered that it is great to cover 2 subjects in one lesson. I have read the book ‘Aliens Love Underpants’ before with my class and they loved it.

I think that the children would love the rocket mice experiment. I also think the Marvin & Milo Balloon Rocket experiment would work really well in the classroom. I would love to try and have this as an Aistear station to allow the children to play but I do think that the station would require the support of an adult to ensure the children get the most out of it.

Thanks,
Ciara

[Mark Murphy]

Similar to many replies, I would also introduce my lesson on rockets using the book Aliens In Underpants Save the World. Children love this book and the illustrations are fantastic.
Designing a rocket can be difficult for small children but it can be very enjoyable. I would bring the children outside and show them how a Stomp Rocket works. The children will soon realize that the more force you put in the higher the rocket will go.I would also draw their attention to the fins on the rockets that are responsible for its stability.
A simple rocket can be made using a straw, string and a long balloon. The string is tied to something stable at both ends after the string is passed through the straw. The ballone is inflated and taped to the straw. The balloon can be decorated and fins can be added. When you let go of the balloon it will travel along the string.
Children can be asked to predict what might happen and test this experiment using more of less air.
Videos from NASA and Space X can be shown to the children in order to inspire their creative imaginations.

[Sile Nic Spáidín]

I really like the Rocket mice activity. I have made lots of other types of rockets with my classes over the years but never this one. While my favourite rocket project would be the foam rocket, I don’t think this is realistic to use in a Junior Infants class.
The Rocket Mice activity develops observational skills as students watch the rocket’s flight, noting the effects of air pressure, gravity, and air resistance. Through hands-on experience, students understand how compression of air inside the bottle generates the force needed to launch the rocket.

Critical thinking and hypothesizing are encouraged as students predict how changes in the bottle’s pressure, size or rocket’s design might affect its flight. Measurement skills come into play when comparing different rocket designs or launch techniques to determine which factors contribute to a higher or more stable flight.

Additionally, students learn about scientific inquiry by conducting experiments and drawing conclusions based on their observations. This activity also promotes creativity and problem-solving as students design and decorate their rockets, making it an engaging and educational experience that integrates multiple STEM skills.

[Felicity Murphy]

I liked the lesson about spacecraft design and think it would be a great lesson to start space week.

I would start with reviewing what the students know  about space and space travel. I would then show a short video clip of a rocket launch to capture the students’ attention.

Next, discuss the basic parts of a rocket: the body, fins, and nose cone, using simple diagrams or models.

 

Move on to a hands-on activity where students make their own paper rockets. Provide materials like paper, scissors, tape, and straws. I would make this as teacher hands off as possible to allow the students the opportunity to investigate and explore the materials independently. Once the rockets are assembled, let the students decorate them with markers or stickers.

 

After the rockets are ready, head outside or to a large indoor space for a launch activity. Use straws to blow air into the paper rockets, demonstrating how air pressure propels the rocket forward. Let each student take turns launching their rocket, observing how the different designs affect flight distance and stability.

I would conclude the lesson with a review and reflection looking at  what the students learned about rockets and space travel. Encourage them to think about how rockets need to be strong and streamlined to travel through the atmosphere.

End with a fun fact about space to leave them excited and curious to learn more over the week.

To finish the week I would like do the rocket with the effervescent tablets as a demonstration and feel is a nice way to conclude with how we started Space Week.

Video links that I feel may be useful to watch of rocket launch. There are few nice videos that teach about the launch also

 

 

 

[Aine OBrien]

Thanks for the video links you included – they are ideal.

I think the rocket with the effervescent tablets demonstration is a great finale to Space Week.

[Aine OBrien]

I intend on doing this activity in pairs with 1st and 2nd class. I would begin my lesson with a video of Space X taking off. After some discussions and wonderings. I would then proceed to the Rocket Mice activity. I would present the class with a ‘mouse’ – constructed using the template provided. I will explain the children that will create and design their own mice in pairs and will investigate ‘How high/far can you make your Rocket Mice fly?’. Some pairs will be asked to consider ‘How could you make your rocket mouse go more slowly?’; ‘Can you make your rocket spin as it falls?’. We will then make the connections, for instance squeezing shampoo or ketchup bottles and the resulting air pressure forcing the liquid out.  I love the creativity and simplicity of this activity and can imagine it would bring great energy and excitement to a class as the endeavour to tweak (alter a variable) to bring about particular changes to the outcome.

[Marie Morgan]

Thanks for sharing Sinéad. You have noted lots of fantastic ideas that link into literacy, numeracy, art and SESE subjects. I will be definitely noting these down in my own Learning Record.

[Marie Morgan]

For our class plan for space week in senior infants class we could complete a number of activities that are inspired by the content of these modules so far.
Going to Space
Create an area where children can dress up as astronauts using costumes like helmets made from cardboard and aluminium foil. Set up a space-themed backdrop for a photo booth. Kids can take turns dressing up and having their photos taken as astronauts. Use clips from ISS and NASA.
Sensory Moon Landing
We would make moon sand using 8 cups of flour and 1 cup of baby oil. Then let the children mould and shape the moon sand, and provide small space toys, astronauts and rocks for added fun. Watch the clip of the first moon landing to inspire the play.
Make Space Rockets
Provide materials such as toilet paper rolls, coloured paper, glue, scissors, and markers. Have the children create their own space rockets by decorating the rolls. They can use coloured paper for fins and windows, and draw flames at the bottom to represent the rocket blasting off. Link in with counting in maths count down from 10-0
Making a Planet Mobile of the Solar System
Help the children create a mobile featuring the planets in our solar system. Provide templates of planets, which they can colour, cut out, and attach to strings. Use a hanger or a circular piece of cardboard as the base to hang the planets from. This activity combines art with learning about the different planets.
Literacy:
Read a space-themed book such as ‘How to catch a star’ by Oliver Jeffers. Follow up the reading with a discussion about the different planets, stars, and space exploration. You can even use a projector to show pictures of the planets and stars.
Making a constellation
Provide black construction paper, white crayons, and battery tea lights. Let the children create their own night sky scenes by drawing stars, moons, and planets, and battery tea lights/sticking on star stickers. For added effect, you can use glow-in-the-dark stickers or paint, so their artwork glows when the lights are off.

[Lauren Herbert]

Class Plan- Spacewalk
Introduction to Spacewalks
The objective of the lesson would be to understand the purpose and challenges of spacewalks. Activities would include a video presentation where I would show a documentary or clips of astronauts performing spacewalks. The class would then discuss the history, purposes (e.g., repairs, experiments), and dangers associated with spacewalks.
The objective of the next lesson on spacewalks would be to experience the challenges of performing tasks in space. Activities could include a simulation Setup: Create a spacewalk obstacle course with tasks mimicking those done in space, such as tightening bolts and collecting samples.Role Play: Students take turns being the astronaut and mission control, practicing communication and problem-solving.
Implementing a spacewalk simulation in the classroom during science week is a multifaceted approach to engaging students with space exploration. This activity reinforces essential STEM concepts through hands-on learning and real-world applications. The excitement of simulating a spacewalk can ignite a passion for space and science. The collaborative nature of the activities fosters teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. By integrating diverse teaching methods such as visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic, the class plan ensures that all students, regardless of their learning preferences, can engage deeply with the material.

[Jane Dooley]

Lauren I really like this lesson. Using roleplay is very effective for immersing the children and sparking imagination

[Niamh O Sullivan]

Some ideas I would like to try for Space Week this year are.
PE / Music : Space Race Planet Dance Song by Danny Go. Hip Hop Astronaut by Go noodle
Art Appreciation : Ann Kenny makes books a Wexford artist has some lovely imaginative artwork featuring the sky
Ipad time : ESA space themed games.
Oral language and Art: The Space Week site had a lovely idea of the children working in pairs. One child pretending to be a Martian and the other child interviewing them to illicit a description and then drawing the alien. I would use it as a starting point for a lesson on how we live on earth and how an alien would have to adapt to live in space. The children could then create their own aliens and explain their design and where they would live. Twinkle has a design a planet worksheet as well. Some work on the solar system and planets would have been done before hand. There are some nice activities on Stem.org.uk and Explorify.uk
History: I would show the children some images from the lunar landing and as part of a mouse rocket explore how to get it to land in a particular area. There is a fun lesson on Teachstarter.com about designing a safe landing for an eggnaut from ESA. More suited for older classes but would be fun to try some time.
Maths: The are easy co ordinate space themed lessons on Teachstarter.com

[aoife phillips]

The activity I chose is ‘Alien Slime’. I think the Infants would have great fun getting involved in this.

Beginning- I would bring all the children around one large table in the class while I made the slime with my hands from Corn flour. I would then let the children feel the texture of the slime. We will question why the cornflour now appears in this shape.

Middle-  I will then talk about liquids and show the children how the liquid takes the shape of the container it is in. I will now divide the class into groups and some children will be at the slime station making slime Aliens while the the other group will be at the liquids pouring water between various containers. All the time I will be circulating and asking probing questions ie. Why do some containers appear to have more liquid than others?

Conclusion- We will engage in Balloon animals. Our main focus will be on how gas can be moved and contained. We will compare how liquids and gases fill their containers.

[Éadaoin Garrigan]

I really enjoyed all the activities outlined in this module and I think they are all activities that would really appeal to children in my class.
An activity that I would love to try out is the dancing raisins experiment. I would gather all the children around me so as they could assist with the experiment. First we would place the raisins in a cup and add some still water. I would then question them on what is happening, if anything, and why they think this might be. After that we would place the raisins in another cup and this time we would add some fizzy water and observe what happens. We would then discuss what has happened this time and what the difference was between the still water and the fizzy water. I would then enable the children to conduct this experiment in small groups themselves. I think this is a very practical activity that is suitable for many age groups.

[elizabeth henderson]

Class Plan For Space Week with infants
Monday: Introduction to Space and Rockets; What is space? Why is it exciting?
Story Time: Read “There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish Rabe
Use the website https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/launching-into-space/en/ for images and videos
Activity: Rocket Craft using materials from our Junk Art area of the classroom. Children will decorate their own toilet paper roll rockets.
Outdoor Fun: Rocket Launch Activity: Stomp Rocket Launching
Demonstrate how to use stomp rockets and let each child have a turn launching a rocket.
Rocket Science Activity: Balloon Rocket Experiment
Materials: Balloons, string, straws, tape
Instructions: Set up a balloon rocket race using a string and demonstrate how air propels the balloon. (If time allows also try the penny rocket and mouse rocket experiments
Tuesday: The Moon
Discussion: What do you know about the moon?
Story Time: Read “Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me” by Eric Carle
Activity: Moon Craters on the Tuff Tray
Materials: Flour, cocoa powder, small rocks or marbles
Create a moon surface with flour and cocoa powder, and simulate craters by dropping rocks.
PE: Moon Walk Simulation
Materials: Pillows, mats
Instructions: Create a ‘moon surface’ with pillows and mats and let children pretend to walk like astronauts.
Moon Phases
Activity: Oreo Moon Phases: Use Oreo cookies to show the different phases of the moon (full moon, half moon, crescent).
Wednesday: Stars
Discussion: What are stars? When do we see them?
Story Time: Read “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers
Activity: Star Constellations Craft
Materials: Black construction paper, white crayons, star stickers
Instructions: Children create their own constellations using star stickers and crayons.
PE: Star Jump Relay
Materials: Cones for relay race
Instructions: Set up a relay race where children jump like stars from one cone to another.
Activity: Create a Starry Sky: glow in the dark stars
Materials: Black construction paper, glow-in-the-dark star stickers
Instructions: Children create their own starry sky using glow-in-the-dark star stickers.
Thursday: Space Exploration
Discussion: Who goes to space? What do they do there?
Story Time: Read “The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield
Activity: Astronaut Dress-Up
Materials: Cardboard boxes, foil, tape, markers, scissors
Instructions: Children create their own astronaut helmets and pretend to be astronauts.
PE: Space Obstacle Course
Activity: Space Mission Obstacle Course
Materials: Cones, hula hoops, tunnels
Set up an obstacle course representing different space challenges (crawling through tunnels, jumping over obstacles).
Friday: Space Celebration
Review: What did we learn this week? Favourite activities?
Story Time: Read “Curious George Discovers Space” by H. A. Rey
Games and Activities using the ESA Kids website https://www.esa.int/kids/en/home

 

[Jane Dooley]

This looks like a wonderful plan for space week with infants. I really like how you are incorporating the topic of space into various subjects for space week, like PE and art.

[Tracy Frawley]

Space week
AISTEAR THEME:
Music: Reach for the Stars (S club 7)
Set up Role play area for ‘astronauts’ to fly their rockets/ land on the moon or planets, carry out experiments for the week.
Tuff Tray area with”moon sand’ and small world rockets, landers, moon rocks for measuring, etc.
Free/ Structured play: use Lego/ Magnet tiles to make a Moon Lander, Rocket, etc

Day 1: -introduction To Space. Brainstorm what space means to the children.
Watch Apollo 11 – The First Moon Walk | Things You Wanna Know https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbTaDOuSePk
-Read: “The Way Back Home” Oliver Jeffers. The children could pretend to be the astronaut and write to their alien friend.
-Guided Drawing activity: Draw an astronaut https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjnRYnSEuG4

Day 2:- Making a Mouse Rocket Experiment.
-Using the iPad to record expt. Use app “Book Creator” to record.
-Making paper planes to fly outside

Day 3: The Sun and The Moon
Day and Night Lesson similar to below

-Weather dependent: outdoor activity: Sun and Shadows.
-Story: Katie and the Starry Night https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26w8WJz_9dQ
-Art linked to this book

Day 4: -Planets: The planet song for kids

-Art activity: Planet Sun Catchers – Pre-K Pages (Munchkins and Moms)
-Our Earth/ What’s special about our earth/ Taking care of our earth

Day 5: Pick a planet of choice, e.g, Mars. Learning about Mars, conditions on Mars.
-Design a Martian STEM activity

[Heidi collins]

Hi Tracy

Thanks for sharing the ideas – I like the way you have a day to day plan for the week.  Will definitely use this approach for Science week.

[Heidi collins]

Topic:  Rockets

As a whole school we could possibly approach Rockets at the age appropriate levels.

Infants: Rocket Mice Activity

Assessment of fine motor skills with cutting aspect of the task.  Oral language development to discuss what colours to use, what the mouse might see in space.  After the activity a discussion about the size of the bottle/ size of the mouse and whether different results are possible

1st Class: Balloon Rockets

Using the Marvin and Milo cartoons, the IOP Balloon Rocket task experiment could be completed.  As a small group activity this could be use to build communication and team work skills.  Differentiation is possible by creating specific roles and tasks suited to individual ability.

2nd Class Foam Rockets

Resources: Radiator insulation foam cut into a variety of lengths and elastic bands, silver duck tape and card cut into triangle.

Groups can make rocket shapes, name  and  and launch using a variety of elastics to measure which rocket travels furthest and discuss why.

Variable: Length of foam tune, elastic band, weight of card.

[Sinead Field]

A really clear and succinct breakdown of how to teach rockets in a way the extends the learning each time. Once all teachers are ware of the plan, they can access prior learning more effectively and build on the learning more playfully. Thanks for sharing!

[Ellen Byrne]

Hi Heidi, I think its a great idea to use the rockets for a whole school approach during science week extending the challenge for different class groups. Maybe the final rocket designs or a record of the experiments could be all displayed together in the hall for science week? Would be a great way to engage the whole school and compare learning.

[Niall Smith]

Heidi,

You have nicely matched the increasingly more complex rockets to the older classes. See also the “Rocket a Day” from Scoil Chaitríona Renmore, who are great supporters of Space Week each year.

http://junior.renmoreschool.com/Space/Index.html

With the foam rockets for 2nd class you have the opportunity to discuss fair testing, as different lengths of foam,  different elastics and different distance the elastic is pulled will all make a difference to the distance travelled.

 

[Grace Coombes]

Thanks for coming up with the breakdown of these ideas per class Heidi. It is very useful.

[Sinead Field]

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.

I have used Chris Hadfield’s ‘The Darkest Dark’ with my first class and it was a joy to watch their enthusiasm and interest grow. There is a wealth of videos of Chris discussing Space and performing various experiments on YouTube. These are all done using child-friendly language and Chris is a character! I would highly recommend this as an introduction to the general topic of space/astronauts.

Any science experiments are a sure bet in primary school. I would use Marvin and Milo to access the balloon/penny rocket experiments with my class. We would read the comic, make predictions and carry out our own investigation. Posing a starter question is a great way to increase motivation. We could display the question on our window, assign a discussion for homework, and then complete the investigation the following day. Paper aeroplane making is a great extension to this.

[Ornaith Ní Loingsigh]

I also teach first class, Sinéad. Thanks for the recommendation of Chris Hadfield’s ‘The Darkest Dark’. Looking forward to trying this in September!

[Ellen Byrne]

I think that a rocket building lesson would be a great success with children of all ages and a lot of different ones were provided here!

With senior infants I would use the Rocket Mice experiment as it seems like it would be very achievable, as well as providing the appropriate level of challenge, for the younger age groups.

We would begin by watching a video of a real rocket launch and discussing what we notice about it. We would then begin to make our own rockets. the first step would be to cut out the template provided to make our cone shape. This would be a great fine motor activity for them to try independently. We will then tape them into the correct shape. Once this is done I’d ask the children to think of ways they could make the rocket fly? (After the first few suggestions expend this by stipulating without throwing it or holding it!) Hopefully this would lead to blowing on them and eventually we will use the bottles that the children have brought in. They will work in pairs to launch their rockets discussing how high they can travel, what happens with different bottles or different type of squeeze etc. We would finally discuss as a whole class what worked best and why we thought this was.

For science week there would plenty of ways to extend this using Aistear. The stations could include a role play area to be an astronaut launching a rocket, a small world station with rockets and maybe aliens on a different planet, and an art activity. I saw another person show an example of the children turning themselves into astronauts using a photo and a paper plate which is a brilliant idea that I will definitely be borrowing!

[Ornaith Ní Loingsigh]

Module 5: Assignment

Choose one of the activities or activity sets outlined in this module – How would you use the activity in your classroom?

I would conduct a lesson with first class students on designing a balloon rocket. Students will understand the basic principles of rocket propulsion and how air pressure can propel an object forward. They will design and launch their own rocket.

I would begin by showing the Marvin & Mile cartoon on balloon rockets. Discuss what the characters are doing and how rockets work. I would explain that rockets move by pushing air out, which makes them go forward. I would demonstrate this for the pupils.  Rockets would be designed using string through a straw. Stretch the string across the classroom and tape each end to a wall. Inflate the balloon, but don’t tie it and tape it to the straw.

Student launch their balloon rockets by letting go of the inflated balloon. I would encourage them to observce how the air coming out of the balloon makes the rocket move along the string. Use measuring tape to measure how far each rocket travels. Question the students on what they observces about how the balloons move, what made the balloon rocket fo forward?, how far did your balloon rocket travel?

To conclude, we would create a classroom chart to record the distances travelled by different balloon rockets and analyse the data together.

[Ornaith Ní Loingsigh]

Module 5: Post a reflective piece to the forum (150 words min). You may include digital records of the activities.

I really like the hands-on activities introduced in this module. The rocket making would be perfect for my first class students this coming year. I am also very interested in signing up for Space Week as this is not something we have done in my school. I am interested in trying out the activities set out for Junior classes on the website. The song, book and poem suggestions are fantastic and will be a great guide to my lessons. Activities such as creating aliens with pupils’ handprints and googly eyes to each finger is so lovely and age appropriate for my class. I have used many of Shel Silverstein’s poetry in my classroom in the past but now I have gained many more ideas on how to integrate these poems with activities, songs, books, etc. I have also used the Literacy Shed resource as recommended on spaceweek.ie and plan to use it in conjunction with more resources based on the topic of Space.

[Niall Smith]

Órnaith,

Please do register your class (or school) event at Space Week. The event can be the activity you plan for your class and does not need to be a public event for others to attend, although you may want to invite parents to visit the class to share the Space adventure their children have been on during the week.

You can register at https://www.spaceweek.ie/add/

If you would like to apply for a slot for ESERO Space Goes to School, which matches a speaker to a school, you can register your interest here: https://www.spaceweek.ie/for-organisers/for-teachers/space-speaker-in-your-classroom/

 

[Eileen Meenaghan]

Activity set – Rockets.

I would begin by asking the children to work in pair and write down what they already know about rockets. One child would act as scribe and the other the reporter. I would then write some of the ideas/words reported back to me on the whiteboard for all to see.

We would then watch the clip of the Mice rockets and the balloon rocket. I would ask them to make predictions about which rocket would go further/higher. We would discuss how it could be measured.

I would divide the class in two groups and make both rockets. We would gather the materials needed and work together to make the rockets. We would then watch the children launch their rockets and see if our predictions were correct.

To conclude, I would read The Way Back home by Oliver Jeffers and watch some clips on YouTube of rockets launching.

[Niall Smith]

Eileen,

I like how you have planned to try two quite different rocket models, the Rocket Mice and the balloon rockets.

To make the balloon rockets seem more rocket-like you could fix the string vertically. We did a similar activity last year during Space Week, building up to “Heavy Lifters.” The heavy lifting task could be a “take the next step” for children who find the balloon rocket task straightforward.

[Veronica Gardiner]

DESIGN AND MAKE A PAPER ROCKET                                                                                          Suggested Class Level Middle and Senior

Introduction                                                                                                                                            Discussion and background information with whole class                                                            Real rockets get their energy from burning fuels emitting gases from the back of them, which send them forwards. Moving air can move many things. A light breeze can move leaves on trees, while a hurricane can cause great damage to buildings and even blow ships onto rocks. Electricity is made on wind farms from moving air. Sailing ships rely on moving air to drive them.

Trigger questions What is the hardest part about going into space?). Why is this? How does something huge and heavy like a spacecraft manage to break away from Earth’s gravity? What is a rocket? How does it work? Where do these gases come from? For something to burn what do you need. But there is no air in Space! So how do the fuels burn?

Watch a launch rocket video clip on YouTube

Making the rocket:

Materials: A4 sheet of paper, straw (wide diameter if possible), scissors, pencil (of approximately the same diameter: as the straw), Sellotape and measuring tape.                  Activity Children should be encouraged to Design and Make their own rocket, given the above materials.

Cross-curricular links: maths: The children should predict how far their rocket will go. What instrument will they choose to measure the actual distance?  How will they decide what to measure in order to make it a fair test? They should launch their rockets a number of times, firstly estimating the distances travelled, and then measuring them and taking the average distance. Does the angle make a difference to the distance travelled?  Geography: Planet Earth in Space Art: Rocket Design.

Conclusion                                                                                                                                                Can you think of any other ways of making a paper rocket which might go further?  Follow-up activity: Try out different lengths of rocket. Does a longer or shorter rocket make a difference to the distance it travels?

 

[Niall Smith]

Veronica,

you can find a single page image of this activity as part of the ISS Primary Education Kit, at this link: https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/primedukit/en/PrimEduKit_ch2_en.pdf

on page 57.

There is a requirement for some fine motor skills to make this rocket, some children find it tricky to get the first part of the paper wrapped around the pencil. For those children you might consider this variant: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rockets-guide-20-321-puff.pdf?emrc=9e78ae

 

 

[Aoife McLoughlin]

Space Week Class Plan
Objective: Engage 4th class students in Space Week through inquiry-based learning, hands-on materials, and online resources to foster curiosity and understanding of space.

Day 1: Introduction to Space

Activity: Watch a short video on the solar system.
Discussion: Ask students what interests them most about space. Encourage them to write down questions they have about space.
Inquiry: Use a “wonder wall” where students post their questions and explore them throughout the week.
Day 2: Exploring the Solar System

Hands-on Activity: Create a scale model of the solar system using craft materials (e.g., Styrofoam balls, paint, and string).
Research: Utilise online resources like NASA Kids’ Club to gather interesting facts about each planet.
Discussion: Share facts and newly learned information in small groups.
Day 3: Astronauts and Space Missions

Virtual Tour: Take a virtual tour of the International Space Station (ISS) using NASA’s website.
Discussion: Discuss the daily life of astronauts, focusing on the challenges they face in space.
Writing Activity: Write a journal entry as if they were an astronaut describing a day in space.
Day 4: Space Experiments

Hands-on Experiment: Conduct a simple experiment, such as simulating craters using flour and marbles to understand the impact craters on the moon.
Inquiry: Have students predict the results, observe the experiment, and discuss their findings.
Science Journal: Record observations and conclusions in a science journal.
Day 5: Space Presentation and Reflection

Creative Project: Students create and present posters or digital presentations on a chosen space topic (e.g., a planet, a space mission, or a space phenomenon).
Presentation: Share their projects with the class, fostering a sense of accomplishment and reinforcing public speaking skills.
Reflection: Reflect on the week’s activities, discussing what they learned and enjoyed most. Encourage students to share their favourite part of Space Week and any remaining questions they have.

[Aideen Murphy]

I love the idea of using the wonder wall at the beginning of the week. Such a great way to help you to plan for what the children want to find out about space.

[Bridget O Grady]

The Activity I have chosen to look at is ” The mouse Rocket”

We would get an introduction to the them by reading some stories, especially  focusing on “Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton and also “Aliens love Underpants” by Clare Friedman.

Discussion on rockets  ,  blast off, landing, space,etc ..  encouraging the children to come up with as many words as possible to do with rockets .

Look at NASA launch Video.

Countdown to Launch.

We have a toy space station and  some rockets in our Aistear equipment.

Children get to play in this area and explore the equipment available.

After time playing with the toys and equipment available we can then explore how we can make our own Rocket . Introduce Rocket Mouse.  The children can gather in a circle  as we discuss how mouse can take off or blast off from the top of the water  bottle we place him on. Predict how far he might fly and what might make the blast off more powerful .

Have a selection of bottles and mice ready made for children to partner up . We can line up a launch our Rocket Mice.  Find which rocket mice traveled longest.

Now have fun playing with their own rockets and Rocket Mouse.

Follow up activity, children can draw a rocket and decorate it.

 

 

[Niall Smith]

Bridget,

there is a picture sequencing activity in the ISS Education Kit that might be of use in prompting the steps for a rocket launch. You can find it at https://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/primedukit/en/PrimEduKit_ch2_en.pdf

on page 54.

The full link to the whole kit is at https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Education/Primary_level_ISS_Education_Kit_-_download

[Fiona Ni Shuilleabhain]

Class Plan to engage with Space Week (Rang a 2)
The activities below would be be tailored to the class level.

English
• Postcard from space
• Acrostic poems related to space
• Diary entry while in space
• ‘If I could invent a planet’ creative writing activity

Irish/Science
• Table quiz on facts they have learned during the week.
• PowerPoints on different aspects we have studied; planets, rockets etc.

Maths
• Spaced themed maths games; subtraction, addition, telling the time.

Geography
• Study about Dr Norah Patten.

History
• Space travel through history; famous astronauts.

PE
• Astronauts and aliens in space; children create a game and teach it to the aliens.
• Meteor Ball
https://www.thepeshed.com/_files/ugd/ff464b_807905806d444fc983b9d2cf9af99035.pdf
• Meteor Battle
https://www.thepeshed.com/_files/ugd/ff464b_7d29cc54ba334b6bb1e5c169c92be089.pdf

Music
• Songs based on the planets, space and rockets in Irish and English.

Art
• Tonal aliens.
• Mindfulness collaborative work
• Space sun catchers
• 3D rockets

Drama
• Space themed stick puppets; groups create mini-stories including some of the facts they have learned.
• Hot seat as Dr Norah Patten.

SPHE
• Discussion on how they would feel about going into space and what they would be looking forward to/worried about etc.

[Niall Smith]

Fiona,

I have deleted your duplicate post.

I like how you have planned to feature Norah Patten (https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2024/0620/1455670-space-dr-norah-patten/), she is a great Irish role model, and has an active social media presence with regular video updates at https://www.facebook.com/SpaceNorah/

She is also a published author and did this Ask Me Anything in 2020.

https://youtu.be/lKmNVNCbORY?si=gb6L3C-0Rh-DotcV

[Fiona Ni Shuilleabhain]

Thank you Niall, I was having difficulties uploading it last night and couldn’t see it until today. Norah is fantastic role model and one I look forward to focusing on next year.

[Pol o hici]

Fiona, your whole plane was great. I especially liked your ideas for PE. Great to get the children to make up games and explain them to the Aliens, sounds like great fun.

[Pol o hici]

My Class plan for Space week would be the following:

 

English: Listen to the story ‘Aliens in Underpants Save the World’. Discuss what happened in the story – oral language. Write a postcard from a rocket in outer space.

Science: build a rocket – Marvin and Milo Balloon rocket.

Geography: Look at the planets and discuss what they look like, the order/distance from the sun. How long they take to orbit the sun.

History: The journey into space from the 1950s to today.

Maths: Space themed snakes and ladders game, space bingo, space themed worksheets. Blast off game from the TopMarks website.

Drama: Role play: In groups the children are astronauts on a space rocket and land in space – act out what they see, how they move in space.

Music: Space song

Art: Design and build your own rocket using the different materials. Design and build their own planets using paper mache. – Hang these planets so they are displayed in the classroom/school hall.

[Sarah Murphy]

Rockets

Introduction
Firstly I would elicit prior knowledge form the children pictures pictures form space. We would read books entitled ‘The far side of the moon’ and The way back home. Could they suggest ways to travel to space and how would we construct something like that in our classroom.
Development
We would get ideas form Marvin and Milo who build a balloon rocket.
We would also get ideas from the Alka – Seltzer rocket experiment by Marvin and Milo.
We would endeavour to construct these rockets in smaller groups.
Materials used- balloons, bluetack, cardboard, containers for water and alka seltzer.

Conclusion
The groups would demonstrate their findings to the class. We would discuss which ones flew better and why.

[Niall Smith]

Sarah,

What I like about both of these types of rockets is how they can promote inquiry learning. Children can watch them launch as the prompt, wonder and explore how they work and then investigate a factor of their choosing that arises from their own questions.

Both types of rockets are reliable, and have enough variables that can be changed to keep a 2nd class cohort going for the week!

If you want to include some Irish in this, use the Curious Minds Irish language version of the balloon rocket activity which is also in the downloads for this module.

[Maeve O’Mahony]

I look forward to completing the rocket mice activity with my Junior Infants. I will read the book “”Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker to explain the concept of force. Show videos of rockets launching.

The students will decorate their plastic bottles during a junk art activity. I will display images of rockets for them to use as inspiration. Older children could come into the class during space week to act as rocket buddies to the younger children helping them to cut, stick and place the rocket mouse on top of the bottle.

Use prompt questions such as:
What made your rocket mouse go up into the air?
Did anyone’s rocket mouse go really high? Why do you think that happened?
What did you learn about how rockets work?

[Kayleigh O’Sullivan]

Our school has a huge passion for STEM and space week is always celebrated as a whole school. In my particular classroom i try and keep space week as a theme and make it as cross curricular as possible.  I would give an area in the classroom to display all of our space week vocabulary, story books, art work etc. I have a science section all year round and it makes it really easy to refer back to informally throughout the day, for example when children are lining up, we would do a spaceship launch countdown as my timer for children to get into their spots.
To begin the week, I would use song to recap the names of the planets. When children are then familiar with the planet names and features, I would also read the aliens wear underpants book and I would facilitate a whole class art project. Children will be put into groups and will work together to make some paper mâché planets. This will be worked on over the week. When it is finished it will be painted and put on display so older classes can come down and look at it and my class can showcase all their knowledge.
I would host a bingo session and an orienteering quiz for Junior and Senior Infants. We would have lots of movement breaks that are related to space and the planets.

[Emma Cuskelly]

Space buggy (ESERO activity):

The children get an opportunity to create their own space buggy.

I would begin the lesson by reading the story ‘The way back home’ by Oliver Jeffers. At the end of the story, I would pose a problem-solving question to the children – “Could you build a space buggy for the Martian to travel around on when he gets back to Mars?”.

Following from this question, I would allow the children to discuss in pairs what they could use to create their own space buggy. We would have a class discussion on what materials may work or not work. The children could then draw the design for their space buggy and create a small playdough model of it.

Then, the pupils would have the opportunity to create their space buggy using the materials they want. Each group could present their space buggies at the end and explain how they created it and why they used certain materials.

[Niall Smith]

Emma,

Space buggies are a perfect example of a design and make that links to the child’s own understanding.

I would strongly suggest including a wheel of some sort, which will allow the children to access the Making skill of “• understand that these materials can be linked in simple ways to allow movement make a wheel and axle using a pencil and thread spools;” from SESE Science, Infants / Skills.

When we have made these with teachers at in-person CPD events, or with children during workshops a range of possibilities open up, with both fixed axle (and rotating wheels) and fixed wheel with rotating axles. Have a supply of straws and skewers and a range of round objects and wheels will happen.

[Bríd O’Donoghue]

Lesson Plan: Making Rockets.

I would begin the lesson by showing the children videos of rocket launches from YouTube to grab their attention. We would discuss as a class what we know about rockets already. We might use a KWL chart or a Mind Map to do this.

I would make up a scenario where an astronaut needs something from home (food, water, medicine etc) and we need to come up with a plan on how to get the item to them. After figuring out that a rocket would be the quickest way, I will tell the children that we are going to design our own rockets.

I would show to children how we are going to make the rockets using the Make a Spacecraft resource. Once the children have completed them, we would make some predictions as to whose rocket will go the furthest.

The children would have great fun with this activity.

[Ornaith Ní Loingsigh]

Updated mindmap at the end of the course:

[Chloe Buckley]

Space Week Plan:

Monday: Moon Day

1. Discuss and great brainstorm and video  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3YfLAAi3Vc

2. Story: Moon Earths Best Friend

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9kmN24zHLJI 

3. Flour craters experiment from Universe in a box

Tuesday: Seasons

1. Brainstorm and video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZjpI6fgYSY

2. Universe in a box experiment using globe and torch to explore the seasons

3. What clothes would you wear? Relay race to dress for the season

Wednesday: Stars

1. Learn about constallations and the children draw their own constallation ESRO resource

2. Make a star lantern ESRO resource

Thursday: Rockets

1.Marvin and Milo balloon cartoon strip

2. Make the Marvin and Milo rocket

Friday: Rockets

1. Read the story about Sadie building a rocket https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8QXnpBch2Y

2. Design and build their own rocket using the different materials.

[Niall Smith]

Chloe,

thank you for sharing such a varied and interested week of activities for an infants class. I appreciate that you have included video links, this will allow other teachers to easily find and bookmark the same resources.

A teacher in a previous year recommended symbaloo for storing links.

[Grace Coombes]

Class Plan for Space Week: Senior Infants

English:

Story: Aliens love Underpants by Claire Freedman

How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers

Procedural Writing:

1. How to build a rocket.

2. Making “Moon Rocks” using rice krispies & marshmallows.

Art:

Building Solar System using clay and painting the planets.

Creating constellation pictures using glow in the dark star stickers on black card.

Junk Art: Design and Build rockets using recycling materials.

PE: Space Missions – Create an obstacle course using hoops, beams etc., pretend to be astronauts navigating unknown planet in space.

Music: ‘Blast off’ song by Ready Set Dance https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KAGgXTZT7TM

Twinkle Twinkle song.

Geography: Planet Earth in Space: explore night/ day lesson.

Science: Light: Explore how shadows are formed

[Aideen Murphy]

Class Plan for Space Week

Monday: I would read the picture book “There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish Rabe to introduce the children to the topic for the week. The children would then use a variety of construction materials to build and decorate their own space rocket.

Tuesday: I would read the story ‘ Papa please get the moon for me’. I would then give the children black sugar paper and white and yellow chalk and have them create their own night sky to include the moon and stars.

Wednesday: I would teach the children ‘The Planet Song’. We would then examine pictures of the different planets and discuss their distinguishing features. The children would then be given a worksheet depicting all of the planets and they would colour and cut out the planets. They would then complete a sequencing activity and place the planets in the correct order as outlined in ‘ The Planet Song’.

Thursday: I would begin by reading the book ‘ Astronauts Handbook’ to the children to introduce them to the topic for the day. The children would then take a virtual tour around a space station using the NASA website. Children engage in role play, acting out being astronauts in space. The children would draw and decorate their own astronaut helmet.

Friday: Recap of the space topics throughout the week. The children would learn and perform ‘ The Eight Planets Dance along’ song. I would finish by reading the story ‘ Aliens Visit our Planet’. The children would then create their own alien and think of a cool ‘space name’ for it. They would then present their alien to the class and tell us about which planet they are from etc.

[Niall Smith]

Aideen,

what a super plan for Space Week, something for everyone with plenty of stories and references.

https://youtu.be/vez_K8GhgqE?si=-QxPc2pRX-7bUCio

https://youtu.be/t_WfJ8wEFq0?si=PqLss4IkK5aiMEzq

Do you have a link or author for the Astronaut’s Handbook?

Is this the tour of the ISS that you would take?

https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station/suni-iss-tour/

or would  you prefer this one from ESA? https://esamultimedia.esa.int/multimedia/virtual-tour-iss/

I recently saw that Neptune (as described in your first story book) is not actually as blue.

See this article: https://www.newscientist.com/article/2410954-neptune-isnt-as-blue-as-we-thought-it-was/

[Niamh Kenny]

Hi Fiona,

 

I think the integration of multiple stories is a great idea. It will allow each child to find something to relate to. The art idea of the black sugar paper and chalk is not something that I have come across before and will definitely be using in the future.

[Aaron Kavanagh]

Second Class Plan to engage with Space Week

Irish
• Ar ais ar domhain de Phlimp – scéal
• Cártaí poist a scríobh ó spás a scríobh chuig an rang/a c(h)lann.

English
• Diary entry as a martian coming to Ireland for the first time; meeting the child in the class and telling them about their home planet.
• Poems related to rockets/aliens etc in the shape of the chosen topic
• A week in Space – keep a journal for a week and describe the different activities they get up/things they see while in space (as an astronaut or tourist)
• Creative writing activity entitled ‘My Parents are Aliens!’

Maths
• 2D shapes to create rockets
• Maths themed work on addition and subtraction (board games sending a rocket from Earth to Mars for example).
• Codebreakers on the Solar System; sums.

Geography
• Study in relation to astronauts Neil Armstrong and Mae Jemison.

History
• Design a space rocket; examine how they looked in the past, now and how they imagine they will look in the future.

PE
• Space Invaders; https://www.thephysicaleducator.com/games/space-invaders
• Race to the Galaxy; https://www.ssww.com/blog/race-galaxy-cooperative-game-pe-active-play/

Drama
• Freeze frames – meeting aliens.
• Role play – aliens and astronauts
• Movement story – Adventure in Space;

Movement Story -Adventure in Space

Science/Art
• Listen to the Space Odyssey Theme song and create a piece of art in response to it.
• Make dioramas of aliens on their home planets; their homes for example.
• Create the solar system as a group using Papier-mâché.
• Solar System snowglobe craft.

Music
• ‘Journey to the Moon’ song.
• Songs about the planets mentioned on this course.
• Listening to the Space Odyssey Theme song mentioned about and discussing it.

SPHE
• Pretend You’re an astronaut activity; https://esero.ie/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Space-Picnic-2016-ENGLISH.pdf

[Niall Smith]

Aaron,

I can see a 2nd class really getting a lot from this activity sequence.

Some of the suggestions appear from Twinkl, such as https://laxey.sch.im/site/uploads/pages/114/_media/20201118_b7ecd8e8/Solar_System_Code_Breaker.pdf

Information on Mae Jemison might include Mae Jemison by Mary Nhin (https://youtu.be/tuMVjqvIuTI?si=ryx11ucXE21RxkXY) or Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed (https://youtu.be/tuMVjqvIuTI?si=ryx11ucXE21RxkXY)

The NASA Rocket Educator’s Guide has a short history of rocket design at https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rockets-guide-20-history.pdf?emrc=231d29

 

[Nicola Corcoran]

I hadn’t thought of including drama activities, my class would love this!

[Maria McNulty Hughes]

Aaron this is a great example of lessons laid out for 2nd class. I will also be teaching 2nd class this year and this has giving me plenty of food for thought. GRMA

[Nicola Corcoran]

I hope to plan some engaging and hands-on activities for my second class students this year for space week.
DIY Rocket Launch – there are some great examples in this module of creating various types of rockets. We could measure how far different types of rockets fly.
Space Kahoot quiz
Planet Scavenger Hunt – Hiding planet pictures and providing clues for each.
Space Art – Drawing or painting scenes from Space, designing a spacecraft or an alien being.Creating a Solar System model.
Working with Stellarium to examine and create star constellations. Looking at the difference between how planets and stars look.
Space Stories – Reading space-themed story books and writing our own space stories.
NASA Virtual Tours
Guest Speakers
Space -Themed Movies eg Wall-E
Maths activities – investigating the length of the day on different planets, distance between planets, weight on each planet or playing space bingo.

[Elaine Townsend]

I’ve learned some nice ideas doing this course for Space week.
Class plan for a Senior Infants class might look like the following:
English: Passport into Space, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star ( oral language, rhyming, phonics), Astronomy Picture of the day( oral language).
Aistear: Space themed stations including role play, Marvin and Milo puppets, designing and constructing spacecraft, playdoh for making aliens etc
Maths: Launching a Rocket for counting backwards 5,4,3,2,1
Space themed maths games, counting stars, counting the planets etc
Art/Science: Make a Rocket Mouse and launch it, Make star constellations
Geography: Virtual tours using Stellarium and SpaceWeek.ie
History: Learn about Neil Armstrong
Drama: Space themed role play
Gaeilge: Fóclóir and activities based on space, Twinkle Twinkle as Gaeilge.
PE: Space themed games: duck duck gooose could become astronaut astronaut alien, Make up a space dance- how astronauts would dance in space and on the moon( this would tie in nicely with gravity)

[Frances McCarthy]

Elaine,

it looks like your class will have a busy week for Space Week. Would you hold this over the official time of Space Week, which is always 4 to 10 October, or would you run this later in the school year?

If you do plan for some or all of this in early October, please do register it as an ‘event’ at spaceweek.ie

[Shona Murphy]

I enjoyed module 5 : Rockets and Alien Chemistry.

I really love the idea of making rockets and this would be a lovely activity for 1st /2nd class. I would use a story as a starter activity (as suggested) , I actually have the book ‘ The Way Back Home’.

Primary Science.ie has a wide range of suggestions for making rockets. Perhaps you could use this during station teaching and each station could make different types. I really liked the foam rockets, the balloon rockets and I think the Rocket Mice activity would go down well also …great scope for predicting and reflecting here.  I would also use the suggested investigation …launching the foam rocket. This would be a nice outdoor activity which could have a mathematical element to it –estimate and then measuring the distance your rocket went, with infants you could use steps or books to measure, with older classes maybe a trundle wheel. Lastly I would use the lesson that shows you how to make a rocket with a fizzy tablet inside. I think this would be a great hit. There are also some great clips on you tube showing footage of rocket launches and being inside a rocket, these clips could be a great springboard for a writing activity or perhaps drama.

[Frances McCarthy]

I’m a big fan of “Rocket Golf.” After the children have made their rockets (foam ideally), they should plan out a ‘golf’ hole, with a tee, a fairway and a hole for the rocket to aim at. Children can compete for the lowest score over the hole by firing their rocket, running to where it landed, then firing again until it reaches the hole, which can be a bucket or hula hoop.

Different groups might survey the school grounds and set their holes up to be different pars based on different lengths, or the use of trees as obstacles.

• This reply was modified 5 months ago by Frances McCarthy.

[Niamh Kenny]

Module 5: activities for space week that I would plan for my First Class students

Science: Rocket Launch (I would probably use the rocket mouse activity)

English: Reading books such as ‘The Darkest Dark’ by Chris Hadfield and ‘The Way Back Home’ by Oliver Jeffers.

Oral Language/Drama: Interviewing an Alien (One of the children in the role as alien and the other in the role of interviewer and recreating the moon landing (What’s in my Head activity)

Drama: Interviewing an astronaut role play

Gaeilge: Learning the vocab for discussing space.

Art: Decorating the rocket mouse launcher

History: The moon landing, learning about it, watching the video, linking in with the Darkest Dark

Maths: Paper rocket challenge (design a paper rocket to see which one will go the furthest-graphing the results using different charts

[Finola Mc Gahern]

 

Hi Niamh, such lovely ideas for Space Week.I like how you are integrating the moon landing for History and interviewing the astronaut for role play in Drama. Great ideas!

[Aideen Lineen]

There is some great ideas here and lots of integration which is great for planning. Space week is something I will definitely be celebrating next year with my class as there is lots of scope and interesting activities shared in this forum.

[Linda Buckley]

I would like to try making rocket mice with my class next year. I would do this activity during Space Week and I would introduce it by reading one of the stories I have in the library on the theme of space & rockets. I feel the children would love to work in small groups making the rocket mice and they would also love testing them to see whose works the best and why. I would make sure to teach them about having a fair test as this is key to learning. After the testing, I would get the children to write up whose mouse rocket went the furthest and why. To integrate other subjects areas, we would act out being astronauts during role play in Aistear, measure the distance the rockets went in maths, design rockets in art and learn a poem about rockets in oral language/English.

• This reply was modified 5 months ago by Linda Buckley.
• This reply was modified 5 months ago by Linda Buckley.

[Ciara Green]

Some great ideas Linda. I think the children would really enjoy this!

[Sharon Beirne]

I found module 5 Rockets and Alien Chemistry very interesting. There was lots of different ideas which could be used in the classroom.

I have found over the years that children are always really intrigued and enthusiastic about rockets. Using the ‘Spacecraft’ resource from space week is a great starting point. Children like learning about the first of anything and would love to know that it took a long time to perfect a spacecraft.

Using the simple step by step instructions  would be ideal for use in First and Second class. The lesson would begin by showing different pictures of spacecraft and showing how these have changed over time. Children will share their prior knowledge with the class and then break into small groups. The teacher will tell the class that today they are going to make their own space craft. Each group will get the same materials with some extra materials for decorating made available. The children will work together to make their own creation and then upon completion test it out for the class. Children will discuss the success of different space crafts and talk abut what they need to do differently if they were to do it the next time.

Space week resources are very engaging and easy to use – they could also be tried out at home.

[Niall Smith]

Sharon,

as you have noted, spaceweek.ie hosts resources for teachers to use in the classroom and also family activities and club activities.

Make a Spacecraft is presented as a family activity, so you may want to review which parts of the curriculum you intend it to support.

To review how rockets have changed over time, see the resource from the NASA rocket educators guide: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/rockets-guide-20-history.pdf?emrc=231d29

There is also a powerpoint on scoilnet, that is sourced from http://www.spacekids.co.uk/spacehistory.

[Finola Mc Gahern]

I would like to try the Rocket Mice activity in Junior Infants as it’s a very simple idea whereas the fizzy rocket and straw rocket would be more suitable for middle/ senior classes.

We would  look at the Milo and Mervin cartoons on different types of rockets. Children would work with a senior class when constructing the mice rockets, especially with cutting out the cone template and sticking onto the top of the bottle. We would use different types of bottle containers and the children could predict how high the mouse will travel. I like the idea that was posted previously on using towers of blocks to see how high the rockets travel.

After the investigation, the children could decorate their rockets and create little aliens using play dough. Such a lovely activity that’s ideal for Junior Infants.

 

[Lorraine Mulvaney]

I agree that the Rocket Mice activity would be very suitable for the younger classes and I look forward to trying it with my class next year

[Dayna Barry]

This is a lesson I have done with a senior infant class during space week and the star projector was a huge hit!

I would begin this lesson by reading the story ‘The Hundred Decker Rocket’ by Mike Smith. The children would then go off into groups to start designing their rockets to bring them to space! I will print off some blue print paper and allow them to use our clip boards/hard hats/goggles from out Aistear station. Our theme in Aistear for that month will be Space so they will have some prior knowledge/experience. The children will use their prior knowledge of 2D and 3D shapes to help draw out their plans. We will ask the children to bring in cardboard boxes/other recyclable materials for the month prior to this. The children will use those materials to build their rockets. To make this more challenging each group will have a different ‘task’ to include. For example your rocket must have three circle windows, your rocket must have one square and one triangle window, your rocket must include a pattern somewhere in the design. When every group is ready they will get the chance to present their rocket to the class. I will turn off all the lights and use my star projector.

[Niall Smith]

Perfect stuff Dayna, thanks for sharing. I really like the simple mathematics that you have included. Did you know that some of the rovers and spacecraft made by NASA have hidden patterns?

https://science.nasa.gov/planetary-science/programs/mars-exploration/rover-basics/

 

[Aideen Lineen]

The lesson I would use from this module would be the rockets one. I think this is a very engaging and hands on lesson that would be suitable for the Junior Infant classroom. I like the idea of using a story as a stimulus for the lesson. It sets the scene for the lesson and allows the children some time to think about the concept. The building of the mouse rocket would be a great art lesson and I think the youtube video is a great resource to have particularly for infants as it provides a visual aid which helps visual learners. I also like how the video provides prompts for discussion and extension of the lesson-What would make the rocket go higher etc? This could also be a junk art lesson in aistear the following week where the children would be encouraged to use their prior knowledge and build a rocket of their own.

[Matthew Hyland]

I think you could get a lot of nice activities for creating and alien but I think the children would especially love to make a rocket.

Building rockets with younger classes is an engaging and educational experience that sparks curiosity and creativity. The activity provides a hands-on approach to learning about science and physics, allowing children to explore concepts like propulsion and aerodynamics in a fun, tangible way.

As students design and construct their rockets, they develop problem-solving skills and teamwork, working together to overcome challenges and improve their designs. The excitement of launching their creations fosters a sense of achievement and wonder, encouraging a deeper interest in space and science.

Through this project, students not only learn about the principles of rocketry but also enhance their fine motor skillls and spatial awareness. The experience is enriched by discussions about real rockets and space exploration, broadening their understanding of the world beyond Earth. Overall, making rockets is a memorable activity that lays the foundation for lifelong learning and enthusiasm for STEM subjects.

I think this lesson could be tied in nicely with history and Neil Armstong quite nicely as well as art, PE, literacy and geography.

[Niall Smith]

Matthew,

which rocket would you think to use with your 1st class children? We have found that foam rockets stretch their fine motor skills, so making them is possible, but you may need additional older people with stronger hands to do some of the cutting.

There will also be at least two children per class who will cut three or five cuts in the end of the foam instead of four.

This could be a good opportunity to buddy up with an older class who can assist (and make their own rockets).

The simpler pop rockets with the fizzy tablet are more accessible and here the children may spend more time creating and decorating their rocket, knowing that the launch is relatively straight forward if you have a supply of new rocket bodies to be used.

[Brenda Reynolds]

Class plan for space week for senior infants
English: Listen to the story ‘Aliens in Underpants Save the World’. Discuss what happened in the story – oral language. Write a postcard from a rocket in outer space. Other books such as ‘The Darkest Dark’ by Chris Hadfield and ‘The Way Back Home’ by Oliver Jeffers could be read on the other days also.

Maths: Space themed snakes and ladders game that I have in my classroom, space bingo, space themed worksheets. Blast off game from the Top Marks website.

Science: Rocket Mice Activity
Assessment of fine motor skills with cutting aspect of the task. Oral language development to discuss what colours to use, what the mouse might see in space. After the activity a discussion about the size of the bottle/ size of the mouse and whether different results are possible
There were a lot of lovely hands on activities in this module and I would love to sign up for Space Week next year.

[Niamh Doherty]

Theme: Rockets
Class Infants: I would introduce the topic to them by reading a story to them based on the theme – Aliens in Underpants save the world. We would discuss what they already know about rockets building on the childrens prior knowledge.
In groups then I would set up various stations for the children to work at.
station 1: Children can draw a plan of how they will make their rocket mice. What container they will use – what colours they will use? There will be lots of discussion here.
station 2: Construction of the mice rocket – fine motor skills will be assessed with the cutting activity. Choosing various containers and observing which container makes the rocket travel the highest
Station 3: Construction of a rocket using paper 2d shapes – this activity links in with both Maths and art. Revision of all 2d shapes – circle, square etc

[Colette Horan]

Module 5 Assignment: Teaching Space in Junior Classes

Space Week takes place in October, so Space Travel would also be a fantastic theme for the week.
The children could be exposed to lots of videos and images of Space Travel. I have just spent an hour looking at Chris Hadfield videos and always find him so engaging. I have shown him to the kids before, so I know they would enjoy it. So, I’d engage and motivate the children with a book based on Space Travel – like Aliens in Underpants save the World, or show them some images from the ISS and get them asking questions.
My favourite quote from this module is that Every Science Lesson should start with a question that needs to be answered by exploring and investigating, so this would be a good start. Most children want to know about how to travel in space and what it’s like. The many questions the children would want to ask regarding life in Space are asked and answered in a lot of the Chris Hadfield videos.

I would then get the children discussing the ways we can fly to, or travel in, Space. We would then carry out a Rocket Launching activity, as it is hands on and would encourage so much prediction and oral language.
I particularly like the Mouse Rocket described here – it seems to be accessible to Infants, which I am teaching. Of course, we might need to help a few with the rocket’s pointy nose arrow, but my SNA is fantastic in these situations! Once we’ve carried out the experiment, this would lead to a discussion on how we got the rocket to launch, could we make it go higher or fly further?
We would watch a video of the rockets taking off and ask questions. There are lots on Youtube, but the https://www.esa.int/kids/en/home has some recent ones.
Then I might demonstrate the Fizzy Rocket launcher, or get some of the older and able students to make one too.
Once the children have a basic understanding of how a rocket takes off, that’s enough for me at this level. There will always be some children who want to know more and I would answer them to the best of my ability, even encouraging them to research with their parents at home. Again, the https://www.esa.int/kids/en/home has lots of information and videos, as well as competitions which children can get involved in.
Of course, it would be important to get the children thinking about what we need on a Space Rocket -what food, clothing, etc. Chris Hadfield does a great video on eating in space! Fun Fact – his favourite space food was dried Shrimp and something! TWe would then design and make space rockets with recyclable materials or clay. Maths could be incorporated here, by sorting the rockets in groups by colour, size, etc.
The children could then use role play to fly into space themelves!
I think that if the children are engaged and excited enough about the activities we do in class, then they will be motivated to find out more. That’s our job in teaching science, to make them want to find out MORE!

[Frances McCarthy]

Colette,

I just love Chris Hadfield too – a fellow Canadian! (here is the story of his moustache! and another account of how many astronauts have moustaches)

I agree with you on aiming just for a basic sense of forces for infants. If they can grasp the idea that the air from the milk jug pushes the mouse rocket up – that’s plenty.

 

[Orlagh Kirwan]

Lesson on Rockets:

To begin and to grasp the children’s attention I would show them this video:

I would then put a visual of a rocket on the board and brainstorm what the children already know. We would then sit around in a circle and read ‘Aliens in underpants save the world’.

Next I will show this clip of a child-friendly explanation on how rockets are made:

Following on from this I will explain to the class that I am going to set them a challenge. I will divide them into groups and give each group the various materials required to make a balloon rocket from Marvin and Milo. I will set out hoops on the ground various distances apart and see which group can launch their rocket the furthest. I will ask the children to predict what will happen.

Finally we will see if our predictions are correct and determine if it was a fair test.

[Frances McCarthy]

Orlagh,

the construction video is really nice, and could be used with the 2-stage rocket challenge for children who have succeeded in the balloon rocket making.

https://youtu.be/Xcdld35SMHY?si=0B2npYcGWM-4Rb5V

[Mary Murphy]

Space Week activities for First/Second Class.

Science Activities:
Fuzzing and Foaming experiments.

Art activities:
Starry, Starry Night picture based on Van Gogh’s art but using constellation patterns learned in class.
Handprints to make aliens.
Rocket making.
Planet making.

Writing activies:
Write a postcard from Space.
Write a weather forecast.
Write own poem or story with a space theme.

Whole school activities through school radio:
Table quiz based on Space/Moon/Planets.
Music such as Reach for the Stars, What a wonderful worlf

Maths:
Present rainfall/temperature findings on charts and graphs.

P.E.
Astronaut dressing up race with helmets and wellies.

Drama and Dance based on sunlight travelling to Earth, storms, lightning flashes etc.

Cinema: Watch a movie with the theme of space (Wall-E, Space
Chimps, Fly me to the Moon, Space Buddies). Short films from the
Literacy Shed: https://www.literacyshed.com/the-sci—fi-shed.

[Fionnuala Lyne]

Rockets

The children will learn how to rockets work and use different materials to create and launch. They will begin by discussing what rockets are and have they ever seen one. Then they will view the video below.

Activities will be based on the following:

The squeezy Bottle Rocket:

the children will work in groups and create their rockets. They will learn how the air in the bottle creates a force when squeezed and the rocket is launched.  With older classes you can experiment with the angle of how the bottle is held affects the launch of the rocket

The Paper Rocket

The children will create rocket using different types of cardboard tubes light and heavy, experimenting how to make the rocket go faster along a string.

Water Rocket

With older children this outside experiment will show how the strength of the water coming from the hose  will affect how hight the rocket will fly. Great one to use but be prepared for many soaked bodies.

All children will work at these station in turn where the will use assigned materials and using team work and skills already learned they will design, create and launch their rockets.

Each group will record their results and have a class discussion afterwards on what worked well and what could be improved.

[Fionnuala Lyne]

Rockets

The children will learn how to rockets work and use different materials to create and launch. They will begin by discussing what rockets are and have they ever seen one. Then they will view the video below.

Activities will be based on the following:

The squeezy Bottle Rocket:

the children will work in groups and create their rockets. They will learn how the air in the bottle creates a force when squeezed and the rocket is launched.  With older classes you can experiment with the angle of how the bottle is held affects the launch of the rocket

 

The Cardboard Rocket

The children will create rocket using different types of cardboard tubes light and heavy, experimenting how to make the rocket go faster along a string.

Water Rocket

With older children this outside experiment will show how the strength of the water coming from the hose  will affect how hight the rocket will fly. Great one to use but be prepared for many soaked bodies.

All children will work at these station in turn where the will use assigned materials and using team work and skills already learned they will design, create and launch their rockets.

Each group will record their results and have a class discussion afterwards on what worked well and what could be improved.

 

[Maria McNulty Hughes]

Rockets – 2nd class

In the past I have only taught senior classes and every year without fail we have made baking soda rockets with vinegar and baking soda. It has always been an memorable lesson – and one that is always mentioned in their end of year lesson highlights.

This year I am moving to 2nd class. I would indeed try the baking soda rockets but I might start with the mouse rockets – how does it travel what are the forces at play? The we could move onto the vitamin tablet rockets and baking soda rockets discussing that a chemical reaction takes place.

As I teach in a school in Co. Mayo we are very lucky lucky to have Dr. Norah Patten on our door step. I would integrate her ask me anything into the lesson to get children thinking about the life of an astronaut and the training in which they have to undergo. https://youtu.be/lKmNVNCbORY?si=eXxPO46O0-lgiNpu

In our school library we also have Norah’s book Shooting for the Stars which we would read as a whole class. We would try to imagine what it would be like to be an astronaut in space. We would watch Chris Hadfield videos  – how to brush your teeth in space. https://youtu.be/3bCoGC532p8?si=l0UtywH60cV6kIfQ

In Drama & Art we would use Shaun Tan’s creations Creature to discuss wither Aliens & other life forms might exist in space, through Hot seating and conscious Alley. Children could draw themselves as astronaut exploring space with or without their new found friends.

[Mark Colgan]

Hi Maria, you are certainly lucky to have Dr. Patten in your locality. She is brilliant and having her on your doorstep is a great way to combine your local environment with the lessons.

[Breeda Boland]

I would explore the science behind Fizzing with the class!
This topic is familiar to the children and they will all be interested in chatting about fizzy drinks! This familiarity can be used to explore some scientific concepts. The fizz or bubbles in drink are caused by carbon dioxide. I would pose the questions: Can you taste it? Can you see it? Can you feel it?
We would also try the Dancing Raisins experiment. The Science Part at the end would again be very important to discuss and I would have to ensure that they all glean some scientific facts form the fun!
The Balloon Blow up Demonstration is another one that caught my attention! This would show children how carbon dioxide can be created and then used to blow up a balloon. The Science Part using Vinegar would yet again be really important to discuss. I think that is why I can still use these ideas with the third class have incoming and some of these activities are totally usable at the middle and senior end of school.

[Ciara Green]

I found this module interesting and it had lots of great ideas that I have taken note of to use with my class in the coming year. I think that the children would especially enjoy the lessons relating to rockets as they are intriguing and interesting to young children. I would begin by reading one of the stories recommended during the presentation. I think they will particularly enjoy the aliens in underpants story. The story will serve as a stimulant to engage the children in the topic. I would then show them some examples of rockets before giving them the opportunity to explore and design a rocket themselves. I will use primaryscience.ie to guide me for this lesson. I think they would also find making rocket mice a very fun activity and enjoy comparing their rocket to others to see which works the best and why. I look forward to trying this out during Space Week.

[Caoimhe Shiel]

Hi Ciara, I also teach an infant class and agree that it was great that lots of these activities could be used with a younger class group

[Shauna Reape]

1st Class Plan to Incorporate Space Week:

English:

Reading:
Explore space-themed picture books and read-alouds, including titles such as Aliens Love Underpants, Laura’s Star, and the inspirational storybook Shooting for the Stars by aspiring astronaut Norah Patten.

Writing:
Children can enhance their questioning skills by brainstorming questions they would like to ask Norah Patten or the space station. The children could use a KWL chart to help them.

The children could also create a travel brochure for space, practising descriptive writing by detailing the excitement of space travel, essential items to bring depending on which planet, and share new space facts.

Oral Language/Drama integration:

The children could role-play as astronauts, scientists, or aliens. They can have conversations about their “space missions,” describe their roles, and answer questions from their classmates.

Pair students up to conduct mock interviews where one plays the role of an astronaut or alien and the other is a reporter. They can prepare questions and practice responding in character, enhancing their speaking and listening abilities.

Maths – Children create their own star constellations by arranging star stickers or cut-outs on paper and connecting them with string or yarn to make patterns. They learn about distance by measuring how far apart the stars are with rulers and practice counting by tallying stars in pre-drawn constellations on worksheets. Outside, they can use star-shaped cut-outs and chalk to create constellations on the ground, measuring distances between stars with measuring tapes. They count stars scattered around the playground and play a star distance game, finding and measuring distances between star markers.

Irish – integrate weather/travel with the theme of space. Counting down a rocket launch as Gaeilge.

Geography – Children explore facts about the planets by learning interesting details about each one, such as their sizes, colours, and unique features. They use books, videos, or pictures to gather information and discuss what makes each planet special. After learning, they create their own planet dioramas using shoeboxes, paint, and craft materials to represent the planets and their features. They arrange their dioramas to show the planets in order from the sun. Each group could present their diorama to the class, sharing interesting facts about their chosen planets.

Science – Children could explore crater formation by creating their own models. I have witnessed a teacher doing this lesson before using a tuff tray, flour and coco powder. Drop different-sized balls from various heights into the tray to see how craters form from impacts. Talk about how the size and height of the balls affect the craters. Afterward, children compare what they observed and discuss their findings.

History/Art Integration – Children learn about the history of space exploration by discovering how astronauts first traveled to the Moon. We could explore Neil Armstrong and the Apollo 11 mission, highlighting his famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” They could watch a short video or look at pictures of rockets and spaceships from the past. Children create their own space rockets/rocket mice using craft materials.

Music/PE integration – Listen and respond to the theme tune of StarWars/Rocket man. The children could make their own “space music” using rice shakers and other instruments.. They can also dance or move like astronauts or aliens to the music

• This reply was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by Shauna Reape.

[Frances McCarthy]

Shauna,

thanks for sharing such a detailed clear plan for 1st class. May I share it more widely in the end of course summary that I produce?

[Niamh O’Riordan]

Hi Shauna, this sounds like a great plan. Very well laid out, step by step and also very enjoyable for the children. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to using it with my class.

 

[Meadhbh O’ Hara]

Some great ideas for thematic planning  here I will definitely use these ideas with my classes in the future !

[Maeve Phelan]

An activity that I would love to facilitate to engage with science week is to show the children how to make their very own rockets and learn about how rockets take off.

In the the intorduction we would discuss what rockets are. I would ask the children if they know what a rocket is. I would then show pictures of rockets and explain that rockets are vehicles that travel into space and that rockets move by pushing gas out of their engines, which makes them go up into the sky.
Experiment: I would give each child a small plastic bottle or film canister.
Let them decorate their bottles with paper and crayons/markers to make them look like rockets. This helps personalize the activity and make it more engaging.
Fill the bottles with about 1 tablespoon of vinegar.
Add about a teaspoon of baking soda to a small piece of tissue paper or similar (this will act as a delayed-release mechanism).
Quickly put the tissue-wrapped baking soda into the bottle, secure the lid or cork tightly, and then place the bottle upside down on the ground.
Stand back and watch the reaction! The baking soda and vinegar react to create carbon dioxide gas, which builds up pressure and launches the bottle into the air.
To wrap up the activity I would gather the children and discuss what happened. Ask them to describe what they saw and felt. Reinforce the idea that the gas created by the vinegar and baking soda reaction is what made the rocket go up.I would then ask the children to draw what they think a real rocket looks like when it goes into space, or what they might see if they were on a rocket

[Frances McCarthy]

Maeve,

from experience, get decent vinegar (no discount brands) for this to work. Film canisters are very hard to find now, so try fizzy vitamin tablet tubes, or small plastic  bottles and corks.

We created a short series of videos a while ago (I can’t believe 10 years!) with my former colleague Ria and Dr Niamh Shaw (as Eunice). This one demonstrates the baking powder and vinegar reaction.

https://youtu.be/KfMOEVt2zh4?si=eF-sqPAf0uZWLwPG

[Deirdre Walsh]

Rockets and Space Exploration for Space Week
Third Class

Day 1: Introduction to Rockets and Space
Learning Outcome: To provide an overview of rockets and their role in space exploration.
Activity: Discussion: Begin with a discussion about what students know about rockets and space. Use visual aids like pictures and videos of rockets and space missions.
Story Time: Read a storybook about space exploration, such as “Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton and Ant Parker.
Video: Show a short educational video about how rockets work and their importance in space exploration.
Day 2: Forces and Motion
Learning Outcome: To understand the basic forces involved in launching a rocket.
Activity: Interactive Lesson: Explain the concepts of thrust, gravity, and aerodynamics using simple terms and demonstrations.
Experiment: Conduct a balloon rocket experiment. I will attach a balloon to a straw on a string and release the air to demonstrate thrust and motion.
Worksheet: The students will complete a worksheet with simple questions about the forces they observed.
Day 3: Rocket Design
Learning Outcome: To learn about the different parts of a rocket and design their own.
Activity: Discussion: Discuss the main parts of a rocket
Design Activity: I will give the children paper, pencils, and crayons to design their own rockets. I will ask the children to include details about the parts of their rockets.
Share and Discuss: The students share their designs with the class and explain their choices.
Day 4: Building and Launching Rockets
Learning Outcome: To build and launch simple rockets and observe their flight.
Activity: Building Rockets: Provide materials such as paper, tape, straws, and plastic bottles for students to build their own rockets. They can use their designs from the previous day as a guide.
Launch Activity: Take the students outside to launch their rockets. Use a simple launch pad or a safe area where they can launch their paper rockets by blowing through straws or using the pressure from plastic bottles. Observation: Have students observe the flight of their rockets and note how different designs and forces affect the flight.
Day 5: Rocket Relay Race: I will organise a fun relay race where students have to launch their rockets at different stations. Conclusion Discussion: Discuss what the students learned about rockets and space exploration throughout the week. Ask questions like “What was your favourite part?” and “What did you find most interesting?”

[Josie Concannon]

I love how you’ve embedded Space Week into the curriculum with diverse, engaging activities. This approach will spark the children’s interest and involve all learners. The “building and launching rockets” idea is especially fantastic, adding a creative and interactive element to the week. Great job integrating the theme across subjects!

[Margaret McNamara]

Thanks Deirdre – the rocket relay race is a lovely activity at the end of the week.

[Laura Kelly]

Activity: Rocket Mice

We would read the book ‘The Way Back Home’ by Oliver Jeffers. This would act as the stimulus for the lesson. We would have a whole class discussion on how we could get the Martian back home.

Following the class discussion we would look at a variety of different rockets. I will show the children a video of a rocket launching. In pairs or small groups the children will then create and launch their own rocket mice.

The children will launch their rocket across the floor,(prior to starting the children will record their predictions) we will integrate our maths skills of measuring to measure the distance the mouse has travelled. The children can use concrete manipulative such as unifix cubes or links to measure the distance travelled. The children will record their answers. Following the activity we will have a whole class discussion noting the findings and answering some questions i.e. which mouse travelled the furthest, why?

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Laura,

I like how you have changed the emphasis from how high the rocket mice go (which is tricky to measure) to how far away from launch do the land.

Children who want to take the next step might check to see if those two aspects are related. This will be a very early exposure to angles and has lots of spatial awareness and location, and measure from mathematics.

[Caoimhe Shiel]

I teach senior infants and I like how the activities in this module were broken down into four parts- engage, investigate, taking the next step and reflecting, as this would make it easy to plan for my own classroom. When learning about rockets, I love how the module suggested some age-appropriate texts and videos. This is a great way to introduce new vocabulary as well as capture the children’s interest in a new topic. The children could make their own simple rockets, perhaps during Aistear time, and explore how they could be launched. I think the children would really enjoy the rocket mice activity from youtube. In terms of investigating how their rockets launch, I like how the importance of discussing fair testing was highlighted, as this is an concept skill to develop. The children’s understanding could then be applied to other curriculum areas, such as javelin throwing in PE. The children could engage in this activity and share the results during assembly as part of Space Week.

[Aoife flannery]

I have used the Aliens love Underpants storybook before with senior infants, as a basis for my thematic plan for Space and the children loved this story. Of course there were numerous literacy opportunities with using this storybook, including reading the story, orally retelling the story to your partner, sequencing the events in the story, creating a new ending, etc. The children were fascinated with the idea of flying into outer space on a rocket, and thus, we made our balloon rocket as a class. During aistear, at the junk art station, the children had access to a range of materials which they could use to help design their own rocket for blasting into outer space! This allowed for integration with Visual Art also. We listened to, and learned the song ‘5 Little Aliens in a Flying Saucer’, which allowed for integration with Music, Drama and also Number with the counting element involved. I would certainly use the new resources from this module about Aliens if I were teaching this unit of work again.

[Frances McCarthy]

Aoife,

thanks for your clear outline of how you have used a popular story with your class.

There are some additional related activities here: https://www.science-sparks.com/activity-ideas-aliens-love-underpants/

[Emma O’Sullivan]

I would primarily use the books recommended as resources for this theme such as The Way Back Home and the Marvin & Milo cartoons.
We will read the books recommended during literacy time when we read together as a whole class (cross-curricular approach).
The Fizzing and Foaming activity if of particular interest to me with my Senior Infant class as I feel it will encourage their natural curiosity.

[Niamh O’Riordan]

Activity: Rockets with 1st class

My stimulus would be a video of a rocket launching. I would ask the students to tell me everything they know about what is happening in this video. We would then discuss rocket launches, where the rocket might be going, what it might be used for.  I would tell the students that today we are going to investigate how a rocket launches.

I would show them the Marvin and Milo cartoon. I would divide the class into groups and provide them with all the equipment they need to carry out the experiment. I would circulate between the groups, offering support and help when needed. Once the students have successfully launched their rocket, I would encourage them to think of anyway they might be able to change one thing in the experiment to see if the results would be different.

Conclusion: I would ask them if they can guess from their findings in this experiment what force might be behind the launching of a rocket into space. We would discuss how, in a real rocket launch, gas released from the ignited fuel pushes down hard against the ground pushing the rocket up into the sky.

Cross curricular links:

Art – construction

Math – measuring

History – sequencing

English – Comic strip

[Frances McCarthy]

Niamh,

lovely plan, which rocket launch would you use? I do like the Starship integrated tests, particularly the first one that doesn’t work too well.

One slight physics bit of pedantry – the rocket gases push against the rocket body to make it move.  “pushes down hard against the ground” – this is for people jumping, but the rocket gas is coming out of the rocket – it still works when the rocket is in the air.

If a child suggests that, you can ask them to try out what happens to the rocket balloon launched horizontally along a string. Does it move?

[Patricia Stokes]

Under the theme of Space, I would implement the lesson on Dancing Raisins again. I did this with First Class many moons ago. We are always on the look out for the next new lesson which is a good thing but keeping a stock of tried and trusted science lessons is good too.

Going forward I would use planning template system – Engage, Investigate, Take the Next Step, Reflection and the correlating sub headings to help focus on an effective inquiry based approach. Thereby getting the most out of the activity.

When we did this experiment with water and and 7Up, the children suggested many other liquids to experiment with eg. milk, washing up liquid in water, water and 7up together. They really owned and developed it further. One discovery was that the raisins need to be nice juicy ones, the cheap bag didn’t work as well. This was learning in itself! Interesting that children did not know that a raisin is a dried grape. They experimented in a follow up lesson with objects in a floating and sinking experiment and used grapes in this for comparative purposes.

A lovely poem “Raisins” by Arron Brown

Raisins

Wrinkled Morsel

Formerly plump round grape

Sundried, shrivelled, concentrated

A sweet snack savoured by grand ‘ol granny

Concentrated, shrivelled, sun dried

Formerly plump round girl

Wise and wrinkled raisin.

This poem provides lots of related cross curricular learning opportunities in literacy, SPHE, Geography and History It links with Natural Environments – climate, habitats.

In fact it links right back to what we need to live on earth – soil, water, oxygen which are not on the Moon. Hence the difference between life and no life and the link with Space theme.

 

 

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Patricia,

the beauty of inquiry is really when the children take ownership, as you have described. When one child is vigorously arguing their case, you know that they are invested and interested.

Letting the science come through means that you don’t need to be an expert on the topic – and indeed, I often find an air of slight befuddlement serves me well. I’ll say something like: “I’ve seen this with another class, but they did XX and you are doing YY so I’m not sure how it will turn out — what do you think will happen?…”

[siobhan mckenna]

Assuming we have been covering the topic of space, including aliens and other sub topics.

Also basing this lesson on my Special education setting.

Assuming we ended our last lesson by placing our alien figurine characters into trays suitable for freezing, and after having added water to the trays, questioning the children about what will happen, what it will look like if we place them in the freezer over night. Record all responses.

Learning outcome: Explore the effects of heating and cooling on water.

Introduction: gather the children in a circle, dramatically explain that our aliens have been captured and it is up to us to free them. Reveal our frozen aliens. Together we will sing a song about helping to rescue our aliens. (teacher created)

up up and away, to space we must go

as fast as we can, there’s no going slow,

our aliens have been captured, in cold, hard ice,

we need heat to rescue them

we must be precise

*****

fetch the warm water, and wait ’til you see

the aim is to set our alien friends free.

melting melting the ice slips away,

hip hip hoary we have saved the day.

****

We will act out the lyrics of the song, singing it through three times.

Main activity:

Then teacher will sing it through acting it out by actually melting the ice with warm water (set up earlier) the children will observe this time. Then each child will be set up for rescuing their own alien whilst singing the song.

Take before and after pictures of the kidnapped and rescued alien. Print them off for the children. ask the children to explain what had just happened in their own words. Using key words the children will sort vocabulary under the correct picture comparing and contrasting the experiment.

cold, warm, ice, melted, trapped, free, frozen, heat

Conclusion: Compare the responses the children gave in the previous lesson to what the actual result of placing the trays in the freezer was. Discuss what the children’s experience of  seeing things like this happen before was. Did you ever make ice at home? did you ever see ice in Winter time, how did the ice go away in Winter time? etc.

Display comparison posters in the space themed area of the classroom.

[siobhan mckenna]

[Rachel Hegarty]

Activity-Rockets

I will first use a stimulus of a sound of someone counting down and a rocket blasting off and ask the children if they know what it could be and why they think this. I will then show them some rockets and assess prior knowledge. Have you ever seen a rocket? Why do we use rockets? I will read ‘Aliens in Underpants Save the World’ as the Infant kids really enjoy this book. We will talk about the book. We will then look at rockets and how we may be able to make a few with different materials. The children will then draw their rockets and in teams choose materials to make it. We will then make predictions on ‘Which rocket will fly the highest?’ Why do you think this? We will conduct the investigation and log our findings. We will finish off by looking at other things that can fly through the air.

[Frances McCarthy]

Rachel, for infants I really recommend the rocket mice – they are easy to make, safe to use and go up like a rocket.

Start collecting the milk bottles now and you’ll have a nice set for the autumn.

Different grocery stores have different thickness milk bottle plastic, so shop around if you can.

[Elaine Kenefick]

I would use rockets and aliens as part of an Aistear theme in the infant classroom.

At the construction station the children will be instructed to create a rocket using large polydrons.

The play dough station will give the children the opportunity to create their own alien characters. They will already be familiar with the story ‘the smeds and the smoos’ and will be asked to model them based on the story.

Role play will allow the children to get into role as astronauts that go into space and encounter aliens.

At the junk art station the children can make their own rocket or alien space ship.

A games station can include a variety of number games that involve counting forwards and backwards 1-10. They can sequence number cards 1-10 and practice counting forwards and backwards. They can also practice writing their numbers at a writing station.

These are just some of the things that can be used for Aistear in the infant classroom. It’s a lovely theme and I look forward to using it.

[Sheelagh Daffy]

I love the idea of building and exploring rockets with my class! They love practical lessons so I’m really excited to try this topic out.

From reading the posts, I will start my lesson using the poem I’m Builidng a Rocket by Kenn Nesbitt. Super Simple songs are a big hit in my class so I will also use the song mentioned ‘We’re going on a Rocket Ship’ .

What works best in my class is if I demonstrate first and then allow the children time to explore with mine and SNA supports. I would love to try the Rocket Mice activity mentioned as I think they would love it. We could then explore the question of how does changing force affect how far the rocket goes. I would go to our school hall and we could use cones to mark how far our rockets go. Their are so many options to explore this topic more that I think the people will enjoy. Thanks for all the fabulous ideas in this forum!

[Frances McCarthy]

Sheelagh,

demonstration and then exploration fits so well with the inquiry approach. The demonstration acts as the prompt and gives children the experience of a successful version of whatever they are investigating. They can then find out more and deepen their understanding.

[Josie Concannon]

In this lesson for infants, we would begin by reading ‘Aliens Love Underpants,’ a story that always captivates young learners. After the story, we would discuss rockets, encouraging the children to share their ideas about how they work. To enhance their understanding, I would show a  video of Neil Armstrong’s moon landing, sparking further discussion about space exploration.

Next, I would have the children pair up to design their own rockets using junk art materials from Aistear. Each pair would brainstorm and sketch their rocket designs before constructing them.

At the end of the lesson, we would hold a show and tell session where pairs present their rockets and explain their design choices, fostering communication and critical thinking.

To celebrate Space Week, we would start each morning with a fun fact about space and engage in fun activities such as above throughout the week. This would keep the children excited and engaged, making the week an immersive learning experience.

[Mark Colgan]

I would begin teaching the children about rockets by having a whole class discussion to ascertain what the children already know about rockets and spaceships. I would then distribute templates of astronaut helmets for the children to colour and decorate. They would then place either drawings or photographs (depending on age) in the helmet templates. These would then be used in a large display rocket ship. On this display, we would have signs indicating the different parts of the rocket that the children named in the initial class discussion. These descriptive signs will be updated at the end of the unit of learning with all the new information that the children have learned. Similarly to the Aistear schedule that I mentioned in Module 2, I would place emphasis on astronauts, rockets and space travel for role-play, small world and design/ make Aistear stations.After watching the Launch of Vega video, the class would begin the Rocket Mice activity described in the Module. I would distribute bottles to groups of 4 to 5 children, but each child would get their own rocket mouse template. We would then have a reflective class discussion on what we learned during this experiment and how we can apply this learning to rockets. In a subsequent lesson, we would create rockets using balloons. There is a great activity on Curious Minds that I have carried out with several classes, and they have all thoroughly enjoyed it. It involves using string tied taut and across the classroom (usually attached to the legs of chairs). Each piece of string is fed through a straw before it is tied at the second end. Then using balloons and sticky tape, the children can make rockets and launch them across the classroom. The balloons are attached to the straw and inflated. The air is contained in the balloons using miniature clothes pegs. There is great scope for experimentation within this, as the children can examine how the speed at which the rocket is launched is affected by the level of inflation of the balloon, or the varying shapes of the balloons. This can also be expanded into races for an additional fun activity.

[Frances McCarthy]

Mark, Thanks for sharing such a detailed rockets themed activity outline.

I also like the balloon rockets from Curious Minds, called Rocket Launch in the resources you can download from this module.

[Aoife McCrory]

Class Plan for Space Week:

Geography: journeys – class will plan a trip to space using space passports designed by themselves.

Landscapes – children will look at videos of what the surface of the moon looks like. They will then make their own moon rocks by crumpling up bits of tin foil. These will be kept in our Aistear area.

Maths: Shape & Space – children will design rockets by using bits of coloured paper cut into circles, triangles, squares and rectangles. They will also make 3D rockets using toilet/ kitchen rolls and cones made out of rolled up coloured paper.

Distance – children will look at a video showing the stars that make up The Plough constellation and they will look at an activity sheet that details how far each of these stars is from the Earth’s surface.

Art: Construction – Children will carry out the fun activity shown in module 3  ‘Looking at the plough in 2 different ways’. (Curious Minds activity).

English: Topic (aliens) –  skills used such as questioning – What is it? Where does it live? How does it move?

Observing: How does it look? How does it feel?

Predicting: What would happen if it came to Earth? etc.

Books: The Smeds and The Smoos, The Way back home and The Aliens in Underpants series of books.

Diary entries: Children can write about the day in the life of an astronaut or an alien.

Drama: Role play area – pupils can get in role as an astronaut and act out scenes in their space station or rocket in The Aistear area of the classroom.

PE: Children will play games such as shadow tag, space rangers and guarding the galaxy.

[Frances McCarthy]

Aoife,

that’s a lovely set of activities, very accessible for an infant class. May I share it in the end of course summary?

[Margaret McNamara]

Rockets/ Aistear/ Science Week

I would introduce the theme on Rockets with the song from Superkids ‘We’re Going On A Rocketship’.

I would involve an older class in this theme with the Infant Classes as part of Science Week, using Issue 19 the Marvin and Milo cartoon ‘Balloon Rocket’ as the introduction to this activity. The older children can support the children with the investigation by helping to thread the straw and placing the peg on the balloon.

As part of the theme of Space in Aistear, a junk art activity on making their own rocket. The pupils can use recycled materials to create their own rocket. Afterwards as part of their literacy,  the pupils can create their own story about their rocket and what mission their rocket is going on.

A nice picture book to read to the children about astronauts going to the moon  is ‘Roaring Rockets’ by Tony Mitton. It has a nice picture dictionary at the back of the book about equipment that astronauts use e.g. oxygen helmet, lunar lander, gravity boots.

[Ciara Lane]

Class Plan for space week:

Drama:
Go Stargazing. The children can wear pyjamas. Wake up to a dark classroom with Stellarium on the board and sketch what they see. They can use props like telescopes.
They will then come up with a plan to catch a star (Based on Oliver Jeffers’ How to Catch a Star). They will build their rockets, pack for space and step into their rockets for their journey to space.
Afterwards out of role we will discuss if our plans would actually work. Why/ why not.

English:
Write postcards home from space.

Write shape poems in the shape of rockets (inspired by a participant post in the forum)

Play an oral language barrier game (space themed)

Write a procedural How to Catch a Star/ How to Brush your Teeth in Space etc

Come up with questions to ask an astronaut

Irish: space vocab, stories and drama

Maths: decode riddles sent by an alien to us (sums to decode/ shapes to decode etc based on maths topic)

History: The Moon Landing, could then link with moon content from these modules such as the flour crater activity

Geography: Life on Earth, what clothes would we wear to space, does space have weather?

Science: Rocket experiment/ crater experiment/ gravity

Art: design rockets/ clay aliens/ papier mache solar systems, splatter paining stars

Music: Space themed percussion and singing

PE: Space themed dance

[Frances McCarthy]

Ciara,

What a great set of activities to really bring Space into your classroom.

you could show them Chris Hadfield brushing his teeth in space!

https://youtu.be/3bCoGC532p8?si=jkx5AkiEwppqRMPX

Space weather has a specific meaning – you can explore it in this spaceweek resource: https://www.spaceweek.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/MagneticSunandSpaceWeather.pdf

and for space music – check out this lovely vocal activity (linked from Mission to the Moon)

[Ailbhe McNulty]

These are such gorgeous ideas for lessons. I especially love the drama lesson which I know would be a great hit with my new class. The postcard from space is also a lovely way of integrating literacy.

[Meadhbh O’ Hara]

Space week class plan for Junior infants:

English:

Read Katie and the starry night.

Eye spy space themed oral language activity.

Space themed pencil control activities.

irish: learn 3/4 space themed words using memory games.

Maths: counting up to 10 worksheets e.g count how many astronauts there are.

Music: twinkle twinkle little star

Art: starry starry night painting activity based on Van Gogh’s art.

Aistear: play dough mats based on space, cut out your own rocket, role place astronauts and aliens, build a rocket using construction connecting blocks.

Drama: role play- teacher acts as an astronaut and the children can ask questions about what it is like in space.

PE: playground game aliens and astronauts (similar to horses and Jockeys) 4 children are astronauts in each corner of the hall and the rest of the children are aliens.  The astronauts have to try and catch as many aliens and bring them back to their rocket.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by Frances McCarthy. Reason: removed extra blank lines

[Lauren Murphy]

Hey Meadhbh, I love all these ideas for an infant class for space week.  I really like how you have integrated all of the subject areas under the one theme. Another idea for maths that my children love is counting backwards from 10 to 0, while pretending to be a rocket, starting off as a ball and gradually getting up so by the time when the get to 0 they are standing and can jump for blast off.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by Lauren Murphy.

[Frances McCarthy]

Meadhbh,

What a great plan for infants for space week.

Here are handful of space words in Irish:

https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/the-irish-for-space-4731061-Jul2019/

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by Frances McCarthy.

[Lauren Murphy]

As STEM co-ordinator in my school I would be very enthusiastic and confident to organise and implement space week in my school after exploring the wonderful resources on SpaceWeek.ie.

I love that there is a range of topics and themes to pick from which the whole school could focus on for the week for example:
-Solar System
-Humans in Space
-Satellites
-Sun and Shadows etc
These different topics would allow you to organise different activities every year.

The topic which caught my attention was “Mission to the Moon” as this ties in nicely with the other activities explored in this module.
Here is a example of some of the activities I would organise for both junior and senior classes:

Junior classes
Science-Discussing rockets, observing rocket launches, acting out a rocket launch, designing a rocket, investigate who’s rocket is the best.
English-Listen to stories about going to the moon.
Aistear-Creating a role play area in the classroom based on going to space.
Music-Learning songs about going to space e.g David Bowie songs, such
as Life of Mars, Space Oddity and Starman.
PE- Train like an astronaut https://trainlikeanastronaut.org/

Senior Classes
-Science – Growing food in Space, investigate the growth of cress in different conditions.
-History – Apollo 11
-Geography – Observe and record the positions of the Sun when rising and setting and at different times of the day.
-English – Create a list of what you would bring to space with you, create questions for an astronaut.
-Art – Design a mission patch

[Clodagh Jackman]

Lauren, I loved your ideas for the senior classes. I like how you integrated growing food in space with the growing cress under different conditions experiment.

[Ailbhe McNulty]

Make a spacecraft: Learn about rockets, how they work, and their role in space exploration through interactive activities and hands-on experiments.
Trigger questions: What do you know about rockets?, Have you ever seen a rocket launch? Show pictures and videos of rockets taking off, in space, and landing. Explain the basic parts of a rocket: nose cone, body, fins, and engine. Use a simple diagram to illustrate these parts. Discuss how rockets work, focusing on the concept of thrust and how fuel helps propel rockets into space. Continue to engage in discussions asking: Why do rockets have pointed noses? and What do you think happens inside a rocket during launch? The children will then be asked to design a rocket initially on their whiteboards. They will discuss their designs within their groups and use these simple designs to create rockets using vitamin tablet tubes and card. They will be encouraged to add a nose cone and fins. Then the children will be ready for the rocket launch using the Space Week – Make a Spacecraft experiment. Explain the science behind the experiment, focusing on the chemical reaction that produces gas and builds up pressure to launch the rocket. The groups will be asked to reflect on their launch, did it work? What could have been done differently? etc. When the rockets have been tidied up and to calm the class after the excitement, I would read “Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton.

[Catherine Kavanagh]

I will use the How to Make Rocket Mice activity from the Science Museum in London https://learning.sciencemuseumgroup.org.uk/resources/rocket-mice/ with my class of Junior Infants as it is so accessible and engaging with lots of learning. The activity involves shooting a rocket mouse high into the air by squashing a plastic bottle launcher. It shows that “What goes up must come down”.

First, I will read the story Mousetronaut in Space by Mark Kelly and tell the children that today they are going to try to make their own rockets to investigate how the mouse could get into space and to the moon. I will show them the materials we have to make the rocket (bottle, template, scissors, tape and materials to decorate). As a whole class we will think about how we will make our rocket, what will make our rockets fly? What makes it come down again? How do you think a real rocket works? Working in pairs the children will make a rocket and they will each make their own ‘mouse’. They will then investigate how it launches.  Next, they will investigate how they could make their rocket travel higher? How could they make it go more slowly? At the end of the activity we will discuss who got their rockets to launch the farthest, we’re there similarities in their designs? As an extension activity the children will describe what mouse would see once they got to the moon (is it made of cheese??) to build on learning about space.

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Catherine,

You’ve reminded me of Story Time from Space where actual astronauts (and Mark Kelly was one) read stories.

https://storytimefromspace.com/mousetronaut-2/

There is a video of his twin brother Scott reading Mark’s story from the ISS.

Mark Kelly is now a US politician (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Kelly)

[Clodagh Jackman]

Activity Set: Alien Chemistry.
This activity is aimed at 1st/ 2nd classes.
Introduction:
Watch video on YouTube ‘How do Rockets Work?’ by Kiwi Co as a stimulus. This video very clearly explains how rockets work in a child friendly way. They include all the proper vocabulary such as thrust and pressure. I really liked how they explained the vocabulary such as how they used the ballon to explain thrust to the children. The children can also see what a rocket looks like and how it takes off on the video.
Activity:
Now that the children are familiar with rockets and how they work, they are going to make their own. We are going to make a fizzy rocket by following the instructions in the Alien Chemistry Activity Set. I would go through the instructions with the children first and ask to see if the children have any questions. Then, I would let the children off to design their rockets. When the children have designed their rockets, then we would bring them outside or into a hall where we have more space and blast them off using the tablets. I think the children would really enjoy this.
Conclusion:
After we have launched the rockets, we would discuss in the classroom things like how would we make this better if we did it again? How could we make them bigger? Etc.

[Frances McCarthy]

Clodagh,

that video is really nice

https://youtu.be/cMDCZWTSZvc?si=dDDA6ew20AVa0Lxq

and acts a super prompt for the investigation with fizzy rockets. I really like how you have planned a guided reflection for the children to consider

discuss in the classroom things like how would we make this better if we did it again?

[Lorraine Mulvaney]

Engage with Space Week
Monday
Introduce the concept of space and the planets by reading a story set in space or a space themed story such as Aliens in Underpants Save the World. Show pictures of each planet. Discuss the characteristics of each planet such as distance from the sun and some age appropriate facts. Finish the lesson with a crayon resist space art activity.
Tuesday
Teach students about the phases of the moon using jaffa cakes. Discuss the importance of the moon in space exploration. Listen to an audio clip of the first landing on the moon by Neil Armstrong. Finish the lesson by baking rock buns with the children.
Wednesday
Reminding the students of the audio clip they listened to yesterday, introduce the concept of astronauts and space exploration. Watch a video clip of the moon landing. Show the children different types of rockets that have been launched over the years. Finish the lesson by providing the children with craft materials to create their own rocket.
Thursday
Explore the concept of stars and constellations today. Define “star” and explain what stars are made of. For younger classes you could play the song “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. Complete a “connect the dots” activity to form constellations from stars. Finish the lesson by creating individual telescopes. If possible, use a projector to project stars on to the ceiling of the classroom and have the children use their telescopes to go star gazing.
Friday
Pupils complete a quiz online such as Kahoot as a revision of what they have learned all week. Pupils make alien slime in the classroom. Pupils then use kids art hub to draw an alien.

[Emma Furney]

I have decided to choose Space-Designing a Spacecraft based on Space Week’s content. I have already earmarked Space Week in my school diary and all the reference materials from this course to utilise, both in my own classroom and to share with my colleagues.

Firstly, I would show the pupils a picture of a spacecraft on the board and generate discussion about it. I would pose some questions e.g. What is it? What is it used for? Where does it travel to? Who might travel in it? What size might it be? What shapes can you see? Why do you think it is designed like that?

Then, I would explain to the children that the very first spacecraft left Earth in the year 1957. I would lay out materials and explain that we are going to make a spacecraft using a variety of materials i.e. paint, paintbrushes, glue, coloured paper, water, effervescent tablets and tube and a scissors. I would model how to make a spacecraft in a step-by-step manner. Then, I would display the visual pictures from page. 2 of the Spacecraft Lesson on the board for the pupils to follow (in small groups).
*We would aim to perform the task outside if possible.

To conclude, I would ask the pupils to revise the steps and complete a sequencing activity (create a storyboard of the steps involved and include drawings and key words also).

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by Emma Furney.

[Frances McCarthy]

Emma,

there is a nice simple rocket launch sequence in the ISS Education Kit, (download from https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Education/Primary_level_ISS_Education_Kit_-_download)

Please register your class activity plan at https://www.spaceweek.ie/add/

[Catherine Mulvaney]

Creating a plan to engage with Space Week:
Monday – I will start the week by sparking interest about planets and space. We will read the book “Aliens in Underpants Save the World”. We will look at picture of the planets and I will share some interesting facts about planets and space.
Tuesday – Today we will look at astronauts and the story of Neil Armstrong. We will discuss what an astronaut is and we will listen to the story of Neil Armstrong and discuss the main events on his life. We will then watch the Moon Landing video. The children will re-enact the landing. They will then design their own astronaut outfits.
Wednesday – I will introduce the phases of the moon using Jaffa Cakes. The children will then make a spinning toy as an interactive demonstration of the different moon phases. They will use 2 plastic cups each, black permanent marker, yellow paper, black paper and sellotape. The inside cup will spin to show the different phases on the outside cup.
Thursday – For today’s activity we will make our own telescopes using recyclable materials such as cardboard kitchen rolls, tissue paper, sellotape and foam stickers.
Friday – Today we will look at the star constellations. We will darken down the room. The children will put on their coats to replicate real life. We will put blankets on the floor. I will use a projector on the ceiling to show the various constellations and the children will use the telescopes they made the previous day. Afterwards the children will complete a join the dots activity of the various constellations they seen.

[Conor McGuinness]

The first thing I would do with my class would be to show them a video (possibly of space x’s falcon heavy taking off and landing again) or read them the story ‘The way back home’ by Oliver Jeffers which I love. We would then hold a discussion about the rockets and how they work. I would model for the children a couple of different ways of making a rocket such as rocket mouse, balloon rocket, foam rocket or alien chemistry rocket. The children could then get together in groups and decide which type of rocket they would like to make. When they have made them the children can predict and then test how far they can make their rockets go and what effect do different materials make? Different pressure? Different velocities? We can then look at how we can apply our learning to other areas such as P.E when looking at the velocity of a football or apex of a ball thrown in the air.

[Carolann Daly]

Class plan to engage with Space Week (4-10 October) in my Senior Infant Class

Introduce the topic of space by learning some space songs;

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B8__TFE0yObfYThlZTlkNGMtZWQzZC00MzFiLTg0NTktZDEyYWEwZDA5OTYw/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0–YfLwgdr_LUXn38Zo4xUKA

Aistear:  set up a space station, this will encourage the children’s playfulness and foster their natural curiosity and imagination.  Children can ask questions, make predictions and develop their thinking.  They’ll learn with their peers and through the fun activities provided throughout space week.

C:\Users\HP\Downloads\IMG_8075.jpg

Art:  make a paper plate model of the solar system;  children use a yellow pom pom for the centre to represent the sun and understand that the sun is the centre of the solar system and that all the planets, including Earth orbit the sun.

Oreo cookie moon phases

new moon, waxing crescent, waxing half(first quarter), waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, waning half (last quarter), waning crescent.

Children to make rockets and test how far they can go.

Read a selection of space related stories from the class library.

[Frances McCarthy]

Carolann,

could you check permissions on the google drive link?

Sorry, unable to open the file at this time. Please check the address and try again.

If you want to share an image, use the little image symbol ^^ and upload it to this forum.

Setting up an Aistear space station seems to be popular, please send me any pictures when you have so we can share them on spaceweek.ie

[Orla Reid]

A week in space theme. Ideas for the week….

To introduce children to the solar system, its planets, and basic space concepts through interactive and engaging activities.

Materials Needed:
Globe or inflatable Earth
Large poster or projector for displaying the solar system
Planet coloring sheets
Styrofoam balls of various sizes
Paints and brushes
Markers and colored pencils
String and sticks for planet mobiles
Flashcards with planet facts
Space-themed storybooks
Lesson Outline:
Introduction to the Solar System:

Show a visual of the solar system.
Explain what the solar system is: a collection of planets, moons, and other celestial objects orbiting the Sun.
Briefly introduce the Sun as the center of the solar system.
The Planets:

Name the eight planets in order from the Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune.
Provide a fun fact about each planet (e.g., “Jupiter is the largest planet,” “Mars is known as the Red Planet”).
Interactive Activities:

A. Planet Coloring:

Hand out coloring sheets of each planet.
Let children color the planets while discussing key features (e.g., “Saturn has rings,” “Earth has water and life”).
B. Solar System Mobile:

Distribute Styrofoam balls and painting supplies.
Assign each child a planet to paint.
Once dry, help children attach their planets to strings and create a mobile using sticks.
Hang the mobiles around the classroom or take them home.
C. Planet Flashcards:

Use flashcards with images and facts about each planet.
Play a matching game where children match the planet name with its picture and a fun fact.
Space Story Time:

Read a space-themed storybook to the class.
Choose books like “There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish Rabe or “The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield.
Movement Activity:

Go outside or to a large space and use the children to create a human solar system.
Assign each child a role (Sun, Mercury, Venus, etc.).
Have them “orbit” around the Sun to demonstrate how planets move.
Question and Answer Session:

Encourage children to ask questions about the solar system.
Provide simple and clear answers, reinforcing the information they’ve learned.
Craft: Create Your Own Planet:

Give children materials to design and name their own planet.
Ask them to describe their planet’s features (color, size, distance from the Sun).
Conclusion:

Recap the main points: names of the planets, order from the Sun, and a few key facts.
Praise the children for their participation and creativity.
Activities:
Planet Coloring Sheets: Provide sheets with outlines of each planet for children to color.
Solar System Mobile: Each child paints a Styrofoam ball as a planet and creates a hanging mobile.
Flashcards Game: Match planet names with images and facts.
Human Solar System: Act out the solar system with each child as a different celestial body.

[Frances McCarthy]

Orla,

have you a suggested source for planet colouring? You could use the Tiny Little Book of the Planets that was shared in Module 2, which includes simple facts.

They wouldn’t quite be flashcards, so have you a suggested place to find those, or have you made some that you might share? Armagh Observatory & Planetarium have some that could be adapted to be a bit simpler for use with younger children, I think these would be better for 3rd class+ (https://s3.eu-west-1.wasabisys.com/armagh.space/site/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/19133706/AOPS-Guide-to-the-Solar-System-FINAL-min.pdf)

Cork Art Supplies (and other craft or home shops, the Range is good, and Baker Ross have this one) have a range of sytrofoam balls, but would you look at the mathematics of measures and have the children select their own?

This would allow access to Mathematics> Measure:

Chooses an object from a group of objects for a purpose based on a particular attribute

 

[Katie Corbett]

Hi Orla! This weekly space plan  is a great way to spark children’s curiosity about our solar system. You have included lots of engaging activities like colouring, creating planet mobiles and interactive games. Children will learn about each planet’s unique features in a fun and memorable way, this is supported by the fun facts you have intended to teach and discuss with them. The human solar system activity will provide a concrete representation of the orbiting planets and deepen their understanding.

[Ciara Kelly]

Lesson on rockets for Junior Infants

Engage:
Step 1: Story – Roaring rockets by Tony Mitton. Discuss the story and rockets and how rockets launch into space.
Step 2: Watch a brief clip of a rocket launch such as https://youtu.be/Lti6a_YYQl0?si=sIn1-Vsuh3qq1h8z
Step 2: Explore a selection of rockets provided by the teacher – allow the children to explore each rocket by moving in groups to each station which will have a different rocket.
Step 3: Create their own rocket mice rocket using paper, colours, milk bottles and Sellotape. (I would use all the same sized bottles for this step)

 

Investigate:
Starter question: How could we make the mice rockets go further?
The children would be encouraged to make a prediction based on this.
They would then use different sized bottles to explore pressure.
Think, pair, share activity based on ideas on how the rockets work.

Development:
Looking again at the selection of rockets from the beginning of the lesson – exploring what other ways we could make a rocket fly.
Explore the Marvin and Milo resource about balloon rockets.
Make the balloon rocket from Marvin and Milo.
Further investigation based on the balloon rocket.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 2 weeks ago by Ciara Kelly.

[Conor O’Malley]

The activity im choosing is making rockets. To engage the children I woukd read a book I’ve used before “Astromouse” by Steve Smallman. The mouse in the story tries to get to the moon by building a rocket. After the story we would look closely at how he made his rocket and how he tried to launch it, how he had to get off the ground and work against gravity. This would open up the topic of forces for the class. We would then do some simple testing by dropping objects. The class would engage in fair testing by testing objects of the same size and weight. After observing the results, we would then consider using different heights and weighted objects.

As the book features a mouse, it links perfectly to the Mouse Rockets building task. The children would work in groups, first cutting out and decorating their mouse rocket toppers. We would then fire the cone toppers from the top of the plastic bottles by squeezing the air out. The children woukd then explore different sized bottles, different levels of pressure. We could discuss which ones worked best.

A follow up art activity would be for the children to make their own rockets just like Pip from the story – using every day household objects – toilet roll, sellotape, cones, paper and cardboard. These could be put on display during space week.

[Luke Kavanagh]

The idea of the follow up art activity is a great idea for the mouse rocket building task as it makes the learning a fully immersive experience for the children. Look at the NASA kids website for ideas on how you want children to design/build their space crafts.

[Leanne McCaffrey]

Hi Conor, that book sounds great. I’ll be sure to look into it. Thanks for sharing.

[Luke Kavanagh]

I would design a spacecraft for my class.
At first, we would discuss what we know about spacecrafts and who travels in them, we would delve deeper by discussing the different types of a spacecraft using a visual, for example, the cargo hold, the crew module and the service module.
I would attempt to get a guest speaker in or online to discuss the important features of a spacecraft, such as the communication systems, life support systems, the windows and protective features. This would conclude the first lesson on designing a spacecraft.
For the second part of the lesson we would discuss spacecraft designs, eventually moving onto designing our own ones on paper, labeling the different parts and materials in the process. I would encourage children to add certain features in their designs such as windows, solar panels, the cargo hold and an antenna. I would ensure the children design their space crafts on paper, taking into account what materials from around the classroom they could use.
For our final lesson on designing a spacecraft, we would gather what materials we need and construct our spacecraft using art materials from home and around the class. Once finished, we would engage in talk and discussion regarding the names of our spacecrafts.

[John O Connor]

Activity Set: Rockets
I think the rockets activity set allows for the perfect opportunity for a whole school space week activity. The module provided for the perfect opportunity to have everyone working on the same type of activity. The Penny rocket idea would be a great way to introduce the concept of propulsion to all classes in the junior end. The children should be allowed to make predictions before and then share observations about what happened after. It would be a great activity for children to share at home.

Infant level classes could work on the mice rockets and have 5th and 6th class help to assist them in how far their rockets travelled in the air.

1st and 2nd class could then try the balloon rocket activity. A hall or an outside playground would be ideal for investigation into their balloon rocket design. I would get the children to work in groups where they would get three attempts so that they would be encouraged to adapt their design.

I think the senior end of the school could also engage and be motivated in creating paper and foam rockets. 5th and 6th class could look at how astronauts return to earth and engage in an egg drop activity.

The week should also involve classes learning about astronauts and special moments in space travel. Children from senior classes could also conduct mock interviews with children in the junior classes about their rocket launch.

[Frances McCarthy]

John,

How much fun! It sounds like a great plan, with something for everyone.

Did you know that there is a junior school in Galway that celebrates Space Week every year by launching at least one type of rocket per day.

You can see what they have done at their website: http://junior.renmoreschool.com/Space/Index.html

https://youtu.be/YugjMA0hjg8?si=b1YOHlIwGFoef4O1

[Lorna Young]

Hi John, that’s a really good idea having a rockets theme running through the school for space week. I think the children would love it especially if they had time to show some of the other classes how successful their rockets are. It would probably build excitement for the next year too when the kids see the more advanced experiments in advance.

[Leanne McCaffrey]

I choose the activity set on Rockets. This year, I engaged the children in my class in creating and launching our own rockets.

To begin the lesson, we recalled what we had learned about Neil Armstrong and his mission to the moon in our History lesson. I explained to the children that in todays lesson we would be creating our very own rocket. I re-showed the children the video of Neil Armstrongs rocket launching into space. We discussed the video and asked and answered questions about the video. I then engaged the children in creating their own rockets using paper. The children coloured their rockets, cut them out and stuck the two sides of the rockets together. The children then experimented using a straw to launch their rocket across the classroom. We realised that the sticking of the two sides of the rocket was very important when launching the rockets across the classroom and many of the rockets had to be re-stuck before the children could get them to launch. This step was a bit tricky for infants. If I was to do this lesson again, I would definitely try out the rocket mice idea using a bottle. I think this idea is more suited for infants. After launching the rockets in the classroom, we discussed the force needed to make the rocket move and we explored ways to make our rocket go further.

[Frances McCarthy]

Leanne,

that sounds like design and make perfectly in action. Annoying for you, but learning that “many of the rockets had to be re-stuck ” if not stuck enough the first time is spot on.

[Hilary McNamara]

Rockets

1. Discussion about travel to Space. Talk about what it would be like to be an astronaut, what do they wear and why, what do spaceships look like, how would you carry out daily tasks while travelling in space? Look at pictures on Google of Space Shuttle, Space X etc

2. Watch Astronaut Chris Hadfield carrying out daily tasks while travelling  in Space-1. Washing teeth –   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bCoGC532p8  2. Sleeping – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyFYgeE32f0 3. Eating https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZx0RIV0wss

3. Books-  The First Hippo on the Moon, The Darkest Dark, The Sea of Tranquillity.

4. I teach infants so I think the Rocket Mouse experiment would be most suitable for that age group. I would read a book such as The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers to begin. I would also show a video of a rocket launch. These triggers would prompt discussions about rockets… What do they look like, How do they move, What shape are they, How do they go? How do they come down? etc.

5. I would divide the children into groups and get them to make a Rocket Mouse using the template given. I would give the children colours to decorate.

6. After the rockets are made we can conduct our experiment. Before launching their rockets I would ask the children to think about how it will behave in the air.  I liked the idea of using the tomato ketchup bottle to show how squeezing the bottle creates pressure. I would explain to the children that the container used as the rocket launcher has air inside it. When you compress this air  it pushes back and the pressure inside increases and sends the rocket mouse flying high into the air. There are also two other forces acting on the rocket: air resistance and gravity. Air resistance always pushes in the opposite direction to the rocket’s movement and gravity always pulls downwards. I would ask the children to predict what they think is going to happen their own rocket mouse. I will encourage them to think about how far will it go and what changes they can make to increase/ decrease the distance travelled.  I would get the children to try different containers and smaller/ larger mice to see if there are changes to how far the rocket mouse travels.

 

[Frances McCarthy]

Hilary,

what a really nice outline of Space activity for an infant class.

Is the Sea of Tranquility by Mark Haddon?

The Sea of Tranquility.

Rocket mice are great, and to control the noise a little bit I would consider having only a few launch bottles out at a time, and encouraging the children to work in 3s, with a launcher, a safety officer and a measurer roles that can rotate.

[Hilary McNamara]

Yes Mark Haddon wrote it. It is lovely.

[Jane Donegan]

Thank you for sharing the book suggestions Hilary. I love finding some new suggestions.

[Sam Briggs]

Hilary, The build-up activities and stimuli before the big rocket mice experiment are very engaging, and would certainly add to the fantasy and wonder of the experiment. As you said, the ketchup bottle example is a very relatable way for them to understand pressure. Getting them to try out different containers and mice, rather than just getting one go at it, is definitely a window of opportunity for them to construct their own learning

[Hilary McNamara]

1. Discussion about travel to Space. Talk about what it would be like to be an astronaut, what do they wear and why, what do spaceships look like, how would you carry out daily tasks while travelling in space? Look at pictures on Google of Space Shuttle, Space X etc
2. Watch Astronaut Chris Hadfield carrying out daily tasks while travelling in Space-1. Washing teeth – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bCoGC532p8 2. Sleeping – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyFYgeE32f0 3. Eating https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZx0RIV0wss
3. Books- The First Hippo on the Moon, The Darkest Dark, The Sea of Tranquillity.
4. I teach infants so I think the Rocket Mouse experiment would be most suitable for that age group. I would read a book such as The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers to begin. I would also show a video of a rocket launch. These triggers would prompt discussions about rockets… What do they look like, How do they move, What shape are they, How do they go? How do they come down? etc.
5. I would divide the children into groups and get them to make a Rocket Mouse using the template given. I would give the children colours to decorate.
6. After the rockets are made we can conduct our experiment. Before launching their rockets I would ask the children to think about how it will behave in the air. I liked the idea of using the tomato ketchup bottle to show how squeezing the bottle creates pressure. I would explain to the children that the container used as the rocket launcher has air inside it. When you compress this air it pushes back and the pressure inside increases and sends the rocket mouse flying high into the air. There are also two other forces acting on the rocket: air resistance and gravity. Air resistance always pushes in the opposite direction to the rocket’s movement and gravity always pulls downwards. I would ask the children to predict what they think is going to happen their own rocket mouse. I will encourage them to think about how far will it go and what changes they can make to increase/ decrease the distance travelled. I would get the children to try different containers and smaller/ larger mice to see if there are changes to how far the rocket mouse travels.

[Pamela Dalton]

For an exciting science lesson, children can work in small groups to design and build their own spacecraft using recyclable materials. Start by discussing the basic parts of a spacecraft, such as the body, wings, and control systems, and talk about the purpose of space exploration. Show pictures or videos of real spacecraft to inspire them.
Next, provide each group with a variety of recyclable materials like cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, aluminum foil, and paper rolls. Explain that their task is to use these materials to create a model spacecraft that could travel to space. Encourage them to be creative, thinking about what their spacecraft needs to carry and how it will stay strong in space.
As they build, guide them to problem-solve and think critically about their designs. They might consider how to make their spacecraft aerodynamic or how to create a sturdy structure. Once the spacecraft models are complete, each group can present their creation to the class, explaining the different features and how they used their materials.
This hands-on activity helps students learn about the basics of space exploration and engineering while encouraging teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving. Plus, using recyclable materials reinforces the importance of sustainability and reusing resources

[Katie Corbett]

Engage and Prompt
Begin the lesson by reading the children’s book “Roaring Rockets” which describes rockets and the space theme astronauts, countdowns, blast-offs and moon samples. Use the engaging rhymes and illustrations to captivate the students’ attention. After reading, ask open-ended questions to stimulate curiosity, such as: “What do you think makes a rocket rise and soar?” and “How do you imagine astronauts prepare for a rocket launch?”

Wonder and Explore:
Have students engage in small group discussions to share their observations and ideas from the book. Prompt them to think about aspects of rocket launches and space travel that interested them. Ask questions like: “What do you think helps a rocket stay on course?” and “How do you think we could test different rocket designs?” Each group should identify testable questions based on their discussions such as “How does the size of a rocket affect its flight distance?”

Investigate:
In the investigation phase, students will create and race their own rocket mice using the Rocket Mouse template, milk cartons and different sized bottles. They will experiment with different designs and bottle sizes to observe how these factors affect the performance of their rocket mice. Children will be encouraged to apply their testable questions by altering the variables and taking notes as they go.

Reflect and Share:
Each group will present their rocket mice, describe their design process and explain the outcomes of their experiments. Ask guiding questions such as: “What did you learn about how different designs impact the rocket’s performance?” and “What might you do differently next time?” This reflection helps consolidate their understanding and allows them to discuss what worked, what didn’t and why.

[Frances McCarthy]

Katie,

so much scope for fair testing in the way that you have described this.

If the children explore: How does the size of a rocket affect its flight distance?

then they need to be careful to use the same size milk bottle (I’m not sure a milk carton would work – I’d think they’d get squeezed in and not re-form their initial shape) and give the same amount of squeeze.

The mice are fun when launched straight up, but if you want to look at the horizontal distance you may need to set up a pile of books per group so that they can tilt their bottles to launch the rocket mouse sideways.

Size of a rocket might be easier to do with the balloon rockets, since there, the size is actually linked to the propulsion, since a longer balloon has more air in it.

[Jane Donegan]

Senior Infants / 1st Class 

Introduction: ‘How to Catch a Star’ by Oliver Jeffers. Read the book and link it back to what we have already covered about stars and constellations.

Stimulus: I will have a star hanging from the ceiling in the centre of the classroom. Using the materials that I have on my desk, I would pose the wonder question ‘I wonder if we could reach a star’.

Designing and Making / Group Work: Children will make ‘Rocket Mice’. Once every group has successfully launched their mouse; each group will demo their launch in an attempt to touch the hanging star.

Guided discovery: I would have given each group a different sized bottle and pose the question to the children whose rocket launched the mouse the highest and why?

Talk and Discussion: How did the size of the bottles effect the height? Introduce and discuss fair testing.

[Frances McCarthy]

Jane,

I LOVE the trying to reach a star – I am nicking that 100% for my own use.

[Oisín Dunbar]

Hi Jane,

These ideas are great! I love that Oliver Jeffers book and I think it would be a great way to start a lesson like this. Thanks for sharing!

[Deirdre Ni mhurchu]

ASSIGNMENT
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.

Space Week 2024. The Space week website is filled with great ideas and planning which makes it very accessible for teachers. It would be nice to have different activities on each day of Space Week. Twinkl and Teachers Pay Teachers also have some useful supporting resources too.

I would firstly have a Space Fact per day for the week and display this daily on the classroom door. As mentioned I work in a hospital school so I would also have print outs of the daily space facts for the children to share with parents and staff when they return to their bedroom.

The children also love making a weekly newsletter that we hand out to staff and children and patients so we can create the newsletter the week before and display it outside the classroom. The children can update the newsletter as the week goes on and make one the following week.

I would chose one experiment per day as well. In our setting it’s nice to have activities that are easily differentiated as we have many age groups and sometimes don’t know which pupils will be in that day. So having options for all abilities is great.

We have mini stem kits from Digi wiz that are so popular in our school currently so sending the kids back with a stem kit per day would be nice too.

There are so many fantastic online resources to explore too. It would interesting to explore these sites throughout the week and also allow the children to explore the sites on the ipads in the classroom too.

There’s lots of curricular integration options too. Using art to create martians, space crafts and planets. I play music during art lessons so it would be nice to incorporate some the new solar systems songs discussed on this course and add it to my usual art playlist.

[Frances McCarthy]

Deirdre,

I tallied up the favourite space facts from the course 2 years ago: not all of these are verified, but there should be enough for you to choose from:

One fact I found really interesting that the kids told me last year was that it rains diamonds on Jupiter.
My favorite space fact is that there is no sound in space because molecules are too far apart to transmit sound.
I find the fact that space is completely silent very interesting
Olympus Mons is the largest volcano in the solar system.
moon rock of huge value economically as well as scientifically was given by U.S.A to Ireland and the natural history museum but got thrown out by accident and still sits in a Dublin dump somewhere.
John and a space fact that interests me is how it would take nine years to walk to the moon.
My favourite space fact is that you could fit one million earths inside the sun
we only ever see one side of the moon!
One interesting fact I have found is that there are spots on the sun, which I’ve seen through a special telescope for looking at the sun.
A fact I love is that space is completely silent.
My favourite space fact is that spiders seem to be unaffected by gravity and can create their beautiful webs just as well in space!!!!
My favourite Space fact, that it is infinite.
I will be teaching first class next year. My favourite fact about space is that an asteroid, about the size of a car, enters Earth’s atmosphere roughly once a year – but it burns up before it reaches us!
There’s about 2000 satellites orbiting earth currently and roughly 3000 dead ones littering space.
My fun fact is that the Perseids meteor shower will be happening this year during August and the best nights should be 12th & 13th, so I’m hoping for a few cloudless nights!
and I will have Junior Infants in September. An interesting fact that I like about space is that the moon isn’t actually perfectly spherical, it’s more lemon/egg shaped!
My favourite space fact is that there are more stars in the sky than there are grains of sand on all of the beaches on Earth!
My favourite space fact is that a NASA space suit costs approximately $12,000,000!
One of my favourite facts about Space is although  Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system, it is the lightest and the only one that could float in water because it is mostly made of gas!
My favourite fun fact that I learned about space this year is that astronauts can’t burp in space!
Neptune’s moon, Triton, orbits the planet backwards. It’s the only large moon in our solar system that does this.
One of my favourite Space facts is that the largest and highest mountain in the Solar System is the volcano Olympus Mons on Mars, and it’s roughly 2 and a half times as high as Mount Everest!
The following space fact just bewilders me…there are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the beaches on Earth! Just letting a mere handful of sand filter slowly through my fingers pondering this reality is perspective inducing!
One of my favourite facts about space is that it is SILENT! Even if there was an explosion you wouldn’t hear it as space does not have air particles for sound to vibrate, it is a vacuum.
An interesting fact that I learned about space is one million earths can fit inside the sun.
My favourite space fact is that Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune don’t have a solid surface!
My favourite fact about space is that a million Earths can fit into the sun!
An asteroid about the size of a car enters Earth’s atmosphere roughly once a year-but it burns up before it reaches us!   The sunset on Mars appears blue.
The footprints on the moon will be there for 100 million years!
My favourite space fact is that the planet Mars is home to the tallest volcano in the solar system; Olympus Mons.
I love the fact that the dust cloud at the centre of the Milky Way contains particles of ethyl formate which is responsible for the smell of raspberries.
My favourite space fact is that 1 million Earths can fit into the Sun!
I love how starlight travels from the past so to speak. It is so cool to think that , since dubhe in the plough is 123 lightyears away, the light I am seeing is from long long before I was born.
I just love the fact that the nearest star is 40 000 000 000 000km away!
I find it interesting that space is completely silent and I often ask kids what they imagine hearing if they were in space to start a lesson.
It literally rains diamonds on Saturn! Uranus smells like rotten eggs due to all the hydrogen sulfide gas!
My favourite space fact is that footprints left on the moon won’t disappear as there is no wind on the moon !
I find the fact that space is completely silent very interesting.
Something I find really interesting about space is that some planets, like Jupiter , have no solid surface.
One fact I love that has always interested me is that astronauts’ footprints on the moon will stay for up to one hundred million years.
My favourite space fact is that you wouldn’t be able to walk on Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus or Neptune because they have no solid surface.
One of the facts I’ve learned from him is that the air on Venus is smelly and poisonous. It’s all I can remember off the top of my head as my son is really curious as to why it’s so smelly!
my favorite fact about space is that space is completely silent.
a fact I find interesting about space is that it is completely silent up there.
An interesting fact is that space is completely silent
A fact about Space that I find interesting is that one day on Venus is longer than one year on Earth.
I love space but my favourite thing is the position of our planet, just the right distance from the sun to not burn or freeze us but perfect!
I find the fact the sunset on Mars appears blue very interesting.
My favourite space fact is when measuring distance through lightyears astronomers are seeing what distant galaxies looked like millions/billions of years ago.
the fact that only 12 people have walked on the moon.
My favourite space fact is that one Venus day is longer than one year on Earth.
My favourite fact is that is rains diamonds on Neptune and Uranus (or is thought to at least).  One of my boys taught me this.
My favourite space fact is that footprints on the moon don’t disappear as there is no wind there.
I find it so interesting that all the different planet have their own moons, some with hundreds and some with none at all.
My favourite fact about space is that a space suit cost over $12 million to produce
My favourite space fact is that you can fit 1 million Earths inside the sun.
My favourite science fact is that there are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth. It is estimated that there are approximately 10,000 stars for each grain of sand on earth.
One of my favourite Space facts is that the gravity on the moon is weaker than Earth’s gravity because the moon is smaller than the Earth.
one fact I think is very interesting is that Space is so cold! Temperatures recorded at -270.45 celsius!
My favourite fact about space is that the moon is actually like a huge mirror reflecting light from the sun.
My favourite space fact is that the sun is 300,000 times bigger than the Earth. It’s amazing to think that the Earth is tiny in comparison to the universe as a whole.
My favourite fact about  space is that it is silent.
My favourite fact about space is that they have successfully grown some foods like rice and cabbage there.
My favourite fact is  that the universe is completely silent.
My favourite thing about space is that there is still so much unknown out there, there are so many possibilities for the future.
An interesting fact that I find interesting about space is that if you screamed in space, no one would hear you, because sound does not travel in space. Space is silent.
There are tyre tracks on the moon!  due to the absence of an atmosphere. This, in turn, means there is no erosion of mankind’s tracks and prints, which still mark the lunar surface!

 

[Deirdre Fay]

Activity Set – Rockets – Over the course of a week the children could engage in more than one activity and draw conclusions and observations around different activities and which one was best / why? etc.
A great stimulus would be to use the picture book ‘ Aliens in underpants save the world’. This would engage the children and open up discussion, question and answering around prior knowledge and ideas on space.
Focusing in on rockets and space travel- show the class some real life footage of rockets being launched (incorporate old footage and recent) this incorporates history (then and now- similarities and differences in footage (black and white) and design of rockets -size, appearance etc.)
Activity – draw and design your own rocket
Activity – mouse rocket – investigate/ predict/ discuss results/ change the size of the bottle/rocket and see what happens?
Activity – Balloon rocket – marvin and milo- investigate predict and discuss results
Compare and contrast between the mouse and balloon rocket results – discuss results and possible reasons?
Extension – fizzy rocket experiment – looking at the chemical reaction
This theme of rockets can also feed across other subjects – art junk art rockets/ english- rocket acrostic poems/ shape poems Maths – 2d shapes- making rockets from 2d shapes Geography- mapping / satellite imagery google earth stellium online etc.
So many great opportunities to link across a very engaging theme.

[Amy Kelleher]

A class plan to engage with Space Week.

Monday
Introduction- Song ‘Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, we’re going to the moon. Gather what information the children have about space, what do they know and what would they like to learn. We would then make telescopes using cardboard kitchen rolls and different materials to decorate. We would go outside and see what they can see.

Tuesday-
Story- Aliens love Underpants. Class discussion on the planets the aliens may have come from, what their homes are like, pastimes, food they eat etc. The children design postcards from a trip they take to visit the aliens.

Wednesday-
Watch videos online of rockets blasting off into space. Learn how astronauts live while they are on board. In groups build rockets using a variety of materials e.g. polygons, cubes, cardboard boxes etc…Share and describe your rocket with the class.
Teacher in role as an Astronaut and the children ask a variety of questions.

Thursday –
Story – ‘How to Catch a Star’ by Oliver Jeffers. Discuss what do we see in the sky at night – the moon, the stars and develop appropriate descriptive vocabulary.
Looking at the Stellarium website we will look at the sky at night in our area. We will the look at various star constellations. Using picture display the children in pairs will marshmallow star constellations using marshmallows and mini sticks.

Friday
Children make rocket mice using paper cones and plastic bottles. We see what rocket mouse travels the furthest and why.
Art- Using wax crayons the children color a piece of white card using colors they would associate with the sky e.g. blue, purple, yellow etc. they then paint over it with black paint. Once the paint has dried they can scrape off some off the paint in different space designs, stars, planets, sun etc.

[Grainne Soden]

In my classroom, I would use the “Rockets” activity set to help young students learn about rockets in a simple and fun way. We would start by talking about rockets, using easy words and pictures to explain how they travel into space. I would show a short video of a rocket launch to get them excited and help them understand what we are going to do.

Next, the students would work together in small groups to build their own rockets using foam pieces. They would enjoy designing and decorating their foam rockets with markers and stickers. Afterward, we would have a pretend launch where they can play and imagine their rockets soaring into space.

To make this part of Space Week, we would read a story about astronauts and rockets, watch a short video of a real rocket launch, and take a fun virtual tour of a space center. This way, students would start to understand how rockets help us explore space, making science both exciting and easy to grasp. Through this hands-on project, the students would learn important science ideas while having lots of fun.

[Niamh Hatchell]

You could also possibly use the foam javelins if they are available in the school and build a sort of space olympics into a PE lesson.  A ball landing in some sand mimicking the landing on the craters of the moon! Space themed scavenger hunt could completed and again could be multi class level to allow that sort of differentiation and opportunity for peer learning.

[Frances McCarthy]

Niamh,

I was talking space Olympics on the radio last night – Sarah McInerney had never heard of them, so I sent her this video of the 2021 space Olympics

https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2021/08/Space_Olympics_full_video

 

[Laura Carney]

Space Olympics is such a cool idea and would capture the children’s attention especially as this is an olympics year and most of the children will have watched over the summer. Definitely going to incorporate this into my planning.

[Frances McCarthy]

Laura,

if you like the idea of Space Olympics, you might want to adapt some of the Mission X physical activities to your class.

Scroll down to find the activities: https://trainlikeanastronaut.org/

[Laura Maloney]

Making a Space craft with 2nd class.
Building a spacecraft is an exciting way to blend creativity, teamwork, and foundational STEM concepts. I would begin by sparking their imagination with a discussion about space exploration, asking them to envision what their spacecraft might look like and what it needs to do. They could then sketch it out. Using simple materials like cardboard, paper, and recyclable items, students would work in small groups, fostering collaboration and problem-solving skills.
Throughout the activity, I would encourage the children to think about the different parts of a spacecraft and their functions, subtly introducing basic engineering principles. As they construct, I’d prompt them with questions: “How will your spacecraft withstand the heat?” or “What will your astronauts eat?” This encourages critical thinking and allows them to connect the physical building process with real-world challenges.

Finally, each group would present their spacecraft to the class, explaining their design choices. This not only boosts their confidence but also reinforces their understanding of the concepts discussed. Through this hands-on activity, children not only learn about space but also gain invaluable experience in teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving.

[Frances McCarthy]

Laura,

would you make a working spacecraft, or more of a decorative one?

If a working one, which of the many options from Curious Minds appeals the most?

If you wanted to consider the various functions that a spacecraft must supply for its occupants you might use this resource from Space Week:

https://www.spaceweek.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HumansinSpace.pdf

 

[Laura Maloney]

What is Space? Mind Map

https://coggle.it/diagram/ZrKe6n4duJbmkO5N/t/what-is-space

[Niamh Hatchell]

Ideas using the Aistear methodologies in the Infant Classroom for Space Week:
Construction – Build own model space craft
Small World – mini alien characters – build the planet they are from.
Role-play – costumes for astronauts, rockets, characters from space stories, carry out roleplays of specific important events in space – e.g. moon landing.
Art – playdough, star art work, rockets, planets pictures

All of these activities could stem out of literacy activities and or lead into literacy activities such as diary keeping, space passport, postcards from space. Obviously with infants these could be templated and would be shared writing experiences. Or indeed it might be possible to link up with older classes and let the older pupils write the ideas of the younger pupils.

Music can be resource in all aspects of these lessons and I for one would definitely be using various scores from famous films and other songs synonymous with space to act as a stimulus for certain tasks throughout a Space Week.

[Oisín Dunbar]

I would start with a demonstration using the ‘mouse launcher.’ I’d present a cone-shaped paper rocket decorated to look like a mouse and place it at the top of an empty water bottle. With the class watching, I would squeeze the bottle with force, launching the mouse rocket into the air. This visual would illustrate the concept of propulsion and the children could then attempt to make their own mice.

Next, I would explain the basics of rocket design, highlighting how different materials (paper, card, foam) can affect flight. I’d then break the class into small groups, providing each with materials to create their own rockets. We would discuss various launching methods, like rubber bands and balloons, before allowing the students to experiment with their designs.

Afterward, we’d conduct a launching session, encouraging each group to test their rockets and observe the results. Finally, the students would reflect on their designs and what worked or didn’t, promoting critical thinking and teamwork.

It would be nice to allow the children to make changes to their rockets and have a second attempt on a different day to see what improvements they could come up with.

[Lorna Young]

The books mentioned in the presentation are lovely and I have regularly used Aliens love underpants. I also have used a fantastic book by astronaut Chris Hadfield called ‘The Darkest Dark’ which we use alongside learning about Space and the international space station in my school. The children love that they can watch him in action in space on the Canadian Space Agency Youtube page and then hear about what he was like as a child watching the first moon landing in the book. Another fantastic book is ‘Whatever Next’ by Jill Murphy to encourage children’s imaginations when learning about space travel.

The rocket mice experiment would be a fantastic experiment to use in junior infants after teaching children about rockets, watching videos of rockets launches and reading both ‘The Darkest Dark’ and ‘Whatever next’. It would be a lovely opportunity for children to experiment and hypothesis how speed and pressure exerted on the bottle will change how high their rocket mouse will travel.

[Edel Gilmer]

Planning for Space Week in Senior Infants through Aistear:

Monday: Plan the playcentres on the first day, 4 play-centres from Tuesday-Friday.

Read the story: ‘aliens love underpants’ by Claire Freedman.
discuss what children know about space:
the sun, moon, planets, stars, astronauts, space station…
Record on chart/interactive board

1. The Sun: Show how it’s daytime in one part of the world and night time in another using a torch/light on a globe, rotate the globe to show how this changes. Children mimic the rotation of the earth through movement. Finish the lesson with the song ‘Mr Golden Sun’.
2. Look at a picture of an international space station and discuss how this could be set up using giant polydrons and blocks in an aistear station.
3. Talk about aliens, what they would like – draw a picture of an alien.
4. Brainstorm constellations – display pictures of well known constellations and discuss.

Aistear Stations:

1. Make rocket mice (teacher at this station).
– empty plastic milk bottle
– tape
– template for card mouse
– children compare how far their rocket launched.

2. International space station – using giant polydrons and blocks. Space suits and helmets provided from dress-up area. Poster and colours to create a backdrop.

3. Create aliens using playdough – use an ipad and the chatterpix app to get the alien to tell it’s story.

4. Re-create constellations using black sugar paper, stars, white paint and cotton buds. (teacher at this station).

[Frances McCarthy]

I haven’t heard of chatterpix, but it looks like an interesting app to use.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.duckduckmoosedesign.cpkids&hl=en_IE

Downloading it now to have a play!

[Niamh Kenny]

I really enjoyed learning and reading everyone’s different ideas in this module. I got some lovely ideas. I really like the idea of creating rockets. For this lesson plan I will make rockets using simple materials. Firstly I would discuss rockets, what they are for and how they go up to space.

I would then give each pupil 2 paper rocket templates that they can design uniquely. I will then ask the pupils to glue their paper rockets together (3/4 of the way) but to ensure there is no glue at the end of it so that they can then put a straw through the two stuck together.

Following on from that I would bring the children outside and ask them to blow through the straw. The paper rocket they made should fly off with the force of the pupils breath. We will measure how far each rocket goes and discuss why it happens!

[Frances McCarthy]

Niamh,

do you have a particular template that you plan to use? I have seen one from NASA education (but cannot find it now!). A quick google search gave me this one: https://buggyandbuddy.com/straw-rockets-with-free-rocket-template/, which is a straw in a straw with a rocket picture attached.

The one I am thinking of isn’t in the Rocket Educator’s Guide!

 

[Laura Carney]

I am choosing the rocket mouse activity. As a teacher this activity does not require a lot of resourcing. It can be linked to recycling and caring for the environment.

To start the lesson we will read “The way back home” by Oliver Jeffers. I would pose the question how could we travel from space to home. We will thought shower our ideas on the interactive board.

We will then progress onto discussing rockets and spaceships. We will watch a rocket ship launch to spark curiosity.

The children will then be shown the carton and asked how we could make this into a rocket. In groups allow the children to explore and examine how it could be a rocket. Discuss and share ideas. Then introduce the mouse and let the children again experiment with how to move the mouse without touching their hands off the mouse. Allow children again to experiment, investigate and explore. Talk about fair testing and how we can apply it to our experiment.

When the children have had time to investigate, I would move to the P.E. hall where the children have space to test their predictions and observe what is happening when they apply different types of forces to the carton. What happens the mouse

We will bring a meter stick and observe distance the mouse moves before falling.

Next steps I would ask the children to think about sports that involve similar actions.

 

 

 

[Robyn Doran]

I will be teaching 1st class this year, so I have chosen that class level as a focus to teach about rockets. I would begin by sparking their curiosity with a brief introduction to space and rockets:  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lti6a_YYQl0&pp=ygURcm9ja2V0cyBmb3Iga2lkcyA%3D . Then, we would move to a hands-on activity where the students could create their own paper rockets. I’d guide them through cutting, folding, and decorating their rockets, explaining how real rockets are designed and launched. I would also show the kids NASA’s kids website to encourage them to build or create at home https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/pop-rocket/en/.

Next, we would take our rockets outside to launch them using a simple straw or balloon method. I would encourage the students to observe the distance their rockets travel and discuss why some rockets go farther than others.

To reinforce learning, I’d use interactive online games where they can design and “launch” virtual rockets, linking these activities back to the physical experience. https://www.nasa.gov/specials/kidsclub/games/rocket-builder/index.html

I look forward to using this lesson outline this school year with my students! I would also love to set up a buddy system, where my class could work in pairs with an older class to improve their designs and models.

[Leah Glynn]

I like the flow of your lesson Robyn and reinforcing the learning through interactive online games is a nice way to consolidate the learning. I would even like to use the interactive games as a stimulus to engaging children in designing and making their own rockets too,

[Maria Joyce]

I love the idea of virtual rockets. The children love to break up sitting in their seats, or working in groups with some games on the IWB. Always goes down a treat!

[Erika Hopkins]

I am choosing the paper rocket activity set. This lesson will be suitable to use during space week. This lesson will focus on rockets and exploring space. We will begin with a discussion about rockets such as what they are, how they’re used in space exploration, and the science behind how they’re launched. I will consider using a KWL chart to discuss these questions with the students. We will also watch a short video about how rockets break through Earth’s atmosphere.

I will then organise the children to work in small groups, the will folded paper rockets, adding fins and a nose cone. Once the rockets are ready, we will use straws to launch them, experimenting with different angles and force to see how far they could fly. This is a simple activity and does not require many resources.

[Claire Nagle]

I really enjoyed this module and I felt I learned a lot of great ideas that I could bring to my teaching in September. First space week I do many experiments every day that allows the children to investigate a range of different topics. I usually link it in with stations for the week and I may have to take the children in small groups and they get a very hands-on experience with science week. Some of the experiments that use our floating and thinking the skill experiment temperatures and many more .

[Rachael Kelly]

I recently brought my nephew to Explorium and the thing that excited us both so much was launching the rockets so that’s what I will focus on today as I want to bring that excitement to my own classroom.

I would start this lesson by sparking the children’s curiosity with videos of rockets blasting into space from youtube. I would ascertain the children’s PRK about rockets through talk and discussion.

Then we would work in pairs to create rockets using different materials like paper and tinfoil.

We would bring the rockets outside and launch them and combining maths we would measure how far they travelled using a metre stick/trundle wheel and we would observe and record the results. We would discuss why some travelled further than others. We would finish off by drawing a diagram of our rockets to complete the lesson and decorate them (incorporating art).

[Frances McCarthy]

Rachael,

I’m not familiar with tinfoil rockets (except for these positively dangerous ones! https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/TRC/Rockets/match_rocket.html or here: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/matchstick-rockets)

How would you launch the rockets? I like measuring how far they go – with a straw paper rocket my best record is about 8 m, but that included a glide on a smooth floor. The raw distance to landing is about 6m.

 

[Aoife Roche]

I choose to create a class plan to engage with Space Week-

During Space Week the children will explore the wonders of space through hands-on activities, stories, songs, and creative projects. This cross-curricular lesson plan integrates various subjects to introduce infants to basic space concepts, nurturing their curiosity and creativity.

Day 1: Introduction to Space

Activity: Welcome to Space Week!
Circle Time Discussion: Introduce Space Week by talking about what space is. Ask the children if they have ever looked at the stars or seen the moon at night.
Book Reading: Read a space-themed book like “There’s No Place Like Space!” by Tish Rabe. Discuss the characters and what they learned about space. Ask the children to draw a picture of what they think space looks like. Encourage them to label their drawings with simple words like “star,” “moon,” or “rocket.”

Day 2: The Sun, Moon, and Stars through Science and Art

Activity: Day and Night
Talk about the sun as the big star that gives us light and warmth. Discuss the moon and stars as things we see at night.
Create a “Day and Night” collage. Provide blue and black construction paper for the night sky and yellow and orange paper for the day. Students can add stars, the moon, and the sun using crayons, cotton balls (for clouds), and star stickers. Use flashlights to create “stars” in a darkened room. Let the children pretend to be astronauts exploring the night sky with their flashlights.

Day 3: Exploring the Planets

Activity: Meet the Planets
Introduce the planets by showing pictures or models of the solar system.
For a simple Maths lesson use planet-themed counting activities. For example, count the number of stars, or count backwards like a rocket launch: “5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Blast Off!”
A nice Art lesson would be to create their own planet using paper plates and paint. They can decorate their planets with glitter, stickers, and markers, and then compare the sizes.

Day 4: Space Travel and Astronauts

Activity: Let’s Pretend to Be Astronauts
Story: Read a book about astronauts, such as “The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield, and discuss what astronauts do.
Role Play: Set up a “spaceship” using chairs or large cardboard boxes. Children can wear simple astronaut costumes and take turns being the pilot, co-pilot, and mission control.
Music: Play a space-themed song like “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon.” Have the children act out the song, pretending to zoom through space and land on the moon.

Day 5: Space Art

Activity: Create Your Own Galaxy
The children will create their own galaxy by splattering white paint on black or dark blue construction paper to make stars. Add planets and other celestial bodies using cut-out shapes.

Reflection: Gather the children in a circle and have them share what they liked most about Space Week. They can also share their artwork with the class.

Updated Coggle mindmap on Space- https://coggle.it/diagram/ZrDTX5IiZZGA57kO/t/-

[Frances McCarthy]

Aoife,

No Place like Space has such simple rhyming and the distinctive cartoon style of the Cat in the Hat.

https://youtu.be/vez_K8GhgqE?si=aGTNigdy5HY6WPun

You might use the pictures “Ask the children to draw a picture of what they think space looks like.” as assessment of learning, as the children can add to them with different colours over the week.

[Audrey Gillard]

Using the idea of Rocket mice in an infant classroom.
Using the song ‘Zoom, zoom, zoom’ as a starting point to our topic of Space / moon trip. Ask the children how they went to the moon in the song and also any other ideas of how one could travel to the moon. Explain to the children that they are going to make their own Rocket ship. Ask for ideas of how they could do this. Explain then what you are going to do and materials needed for the rocket mice also explaining that what goes up must come down. Each child will be given the opportunity to design and decorate their own Rocket mouse using paper, feathers, googly eyes, string before attaching it onto the top of the bottle. Ask them what they think will happen when they squeeze the bottle before allowing them to squeeze it. Then they can try for themselves and see what happens! As an extension activity they could time each other to see how long it takes for the mice to go / come down.

[Kathy Gleeson]

Activity Set: Rockets
I am teaching junior infants in September and I think that rockets are of huge interest to the little ones. I would start my lesson by reading the book “The way back home”. Oliver Jeffers is an excellent author and it’s a great opportunity to integrate with literacy.

Children will be prompted to think about ways to get home from space and travel in space. Once we have introduced the topic of rockets, I will show them some real rockets and I will also show them a video of a rocket launching.

The children will make a rocket using paper- they will design and make rockets using colours.
Then children will watch me make a rocket mouse and we will compare two launches and pick the best. The children will predict before we carry out the experiment. We will predict, investigate and complete an experiment called Rocket Mice and see which rocket mice will go the biggest distance.

I will then help the children explore this in small groups and they can feedback which rocket was better.

Children will design and colour a rocket.
Children will make a 3d rocket in junk art as part of Aistear.
We will do an acrostic poem for the word rocket.
We will also do a word map for rockets.

[Danielle Wilcox]

Kathy,

demonstrating the rocket mouse is such an essential part of inquiry learning. Having viewed the rocket mouse in action, the children will be able to apply their own understanding as they work in small groups to make their own and to improve on its launch and landing.

You can choose (or better yet, let the children choose) to look at vertical distance, or horizontal landing distance. Children can use non-standard measures, perhaps holding their hand to the height and then moving to a wall and placing a post it note to mark the height.

At Blackrock Castle, in our workshops, we start on the table, and as the children become more confident and the rocket mice go higher, we ask “I wonder where we could launch from that would give us a bit more space?” This encourages the children to move the launch to the floor, and fewer mice then hit the ceiling.

[Emer Bradley]

Thanks for sharing this book. I will definitely use it next year with my infants.

[Rachael Byrne]

Assignment:
Choose one of the activities or activity sets outlined in this module – How would you use the activity in your classroom?

Rockets
Engage:
– Read ‘The Way Back Home’ by Oliver Jeffers as a whole class and discuss the how the boy might get home from space (rockets) we will watch videos from NASA of spaceships being launched.
– In groups children come up with ideas to make an effective rockets to get home from space.
Investigate:
– Make predictions, share and explain reasoning.
– Children will be given a variety of materials to make their designed rocket (paper, paint, colours, junk art, balloons, straws, 2D shapes)

Next:
– Rocket races – groups have rocket races. They examine results and reflect on which materials were most effective and why.
– As a whole class we discuss findings.

 

 

 

[Danielle Wilcox]

Rachael,

to have actual rocket races I’d suggest that you use a balloon rockets that can have additional ‘rocket fuselage’ added to it. It is called ‘rocket launch’ in this module’s materials.

Children might make a rocket shape from junk art materials, but it would be unlikely to fly.

An older class could be challenged to create a heavy lifting rocket, using this guide from spaceweek.ie

https://www.spaceweek.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SpaceWeek_2023_HeavyLifters-1.pdf

[Leeanne Ni Chaomhánaigh]

This is an example of a lesson I would implement in my classroom to design and make a rocket.

Materials:
Plastic straws (for smaller rockets) or paper towel/toilet paper tubes (for larger rockets)
Balloons (for propulsion)
Tape
Scissors
Cardboard or construction paper (for fins and nose cones)
Markers, crayons, stickers (for decoration)
String (optional, for guided launch)
Rulers or measuring tape
Launch area (either inside a classroom or outside)
Target or measuring tape (to measure distance traveled)

1. Introduction to Rockets

Begin by asking students what they know about rockets. Discuss how rockets are used to explore space and the basic idea that rockets move by expelling gas (or air) out one end, which pushes the rocket in the opposite direction (show video clip).
Explain that today, they will be engineers and will design and build their own rockets using simple materials.
Introduce the key parts of a rocket: the body (main part of the rocket), fins (to stabilize the rocket), and nose cone (to reduce air resistance).

2. Rocket Design

Give students a brief overview of the materials they will use. Show them examples of simple rockets made from straws or tubes.
Discuss how the shape of the rocket and the placement of fins can affect how it flies.

Provide each student with an A4 page where they can sketch their rocket before building it. Encourage them to think about how they will make their rocket fly straight and how they can make it go farther.

3. Rocket Building

Have students build from their plans. Construct the rocket body, the fins and the nose. Then attach a balloon to the open straw or tube to act as the propulsion system. Allow students to decorate their rockets.

4. Rocket Launching

Choose a clear space for launching the rockets, either inside or outside.
Demonstrate how to inflate the balloon without letting any air escape and how to launch the rocket by releasing the balloon.
Let students take turns inflating their balloons, placing the rockets on the launch pad (or string guide), and releasing them to see how far they travel.
Encourage students to observe how their rockets fly and consider why some rockets go farther or straighter than others.
Use measuring tape to see how far each rocket traveled. Record the distances and discuss the results.

5. Discussion and Reflection

Group Reflection:
Gather the students to discuss what happened during the rocket launches. Ask questions like:
“What designs worked the best?”
“How did the fins and nose cone affect your rocket’s flight?”
“What would you change about your rocket to make it go farther or straighter?”
Reinforce the key concepts of propulsion, stability, and design. Explain that real rockets use similar principles but on a much larger scale.

[Danielle Wilcox]

Leeanne,

you seem to have two types of rockets combined in this activity outline.

The paper rocket (https://www.sfi.ie/site-files/primary-science/media/pdfs/col/dpsm_paper_rocket.pdf) uses a straw to blow a paper rocket, but is fiddly to make for very young children. I’m not sure where you would attach a balloon to it.

It has a nose cone (by folding the top of the paper over) and fins.

A balloon rocket (as described in rocket launch from this module’s resources) is an inflated balloon on a string. If you don’t use the string, then it is the same as letting an inflated balloon free. This is how we introduce it in our workshops at BCO.

I’ve not tried to add a nose cone or fins to this type of rocket, since, as the balloon deflates, they would not be fixed securely.

[Rohana Rahman]

I have used the storybook “Welcome to Alien School” with infants before. I would begin by asking the children to predict what they think the story is about. When we have finished the story we will discuss the various activities that took place and what were their favourite and also what activities they think should be involved in Alien School. We brainstormed the things that were similar and different that took place in Alien School and our school. As a class we would discuss the uniform and the rules that may be included in Alien School along with what the school would look like. The class would be split up into groups and they would role play the different activities that would take place in their ideal Alien Schools.

Theis can be integrated with Visual Arts where the children create their own Aliens by designing what they would look like and describe their characters to the class in the Artist’s Chair.

I have linked this topic with music before where the children learn the song/poem “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom”. The children would familiarise themselves with the rhyming words in the song and we would create our own actions to go with the song to help the children to remember the lyrics.

 

[Mikey Flanagan]

Wow that looks like a great idea, I did something similar last year and the engagement levels were through the roof!

[Daniel Barry]

I absolutely love your approach to using “Welcome to Alien School” with the infants! Asking them to predict the story engages their curiosity right from the start. Discussing their favorite parts and brainstorming what Alien School might be like is a wonderful way to encourage their creativity and critical thinking. Role-playing the activities sounds like a fantastic way for them to bring their ideas to life. Integrating Visual Arts by having them create their own aliens and describe their characters is a brilliant idea that ties in well with the storytelling. Linking the topic with music through “Zoom, Zoom, Zoom” is a fun and memorable way to reinforce the rhyming words and add an extra layer of engagement. Your approach seems both engaging and educational—great job!

[Emer Bradley]

This book sounds great. Thanks for mentioning it

[Niamh Smith]

Hands-on creativity. The children will be able to identify and explore how objects move and will work scientifically: observing and measuring.
Rocket Building
I would begin the lesson by sharing the story ‘The Way Back Home’ We will discuss the story and talk about how the little boy ended up on the moon. Can you remember what he flew past on the way to the moon? Clouds, stars and planets. How did he get back to earth? What tools did he need to fix the rocket?

Explain that the children will become astronauts and will be making their very own rocket. We will watch the video on how to make rocket mice. The children will then make their own rocket. During the experiment we will place a post it note on the wall to show how far into space each mouse travelled. We will discuss why some mice flew higher, was it because the bottle is a different shape? Bigger/smaller? Was more force used to squeeze the bottle? I know the children will love this engaging activity and they can even explore further by making rockets at home.

For the plenary I would show the children some video clips from NASA and ESERO Ireland showing real life rocket launches.

[Mikey Flanagan]

 

Stories:

“Roaring Rockets” by Tony Mitton

“If You Decide to Go to the Moon” by Faith McNulty

Procedural Writing:

How to create a space-themed sensory bottle.

Making “Space Craters” using clay and foil.

Art:

Designing a rocket ship collage using colored paper and foil.

Painting a night sky with sponge brushes and adding star stickers.

Junk Art: Create moon buggies using egg cartons and bottle caps.

PE:

Lunar Landing – Set up a space-themed obstacle course with balance beams and stepping stones, pretending to be astronauts landing on the moon.

Music:

Space Sounds – Explore and create “space sounds” using different instruments, like drums for rocket launches or shakers for star twinkles.

[Harriet Downes]

We have never celebrated space week in our school before, so I look forward to starting it up in my school next year after seeing these abundance of ideas!
Here’s some ideas that I will use for my class plan!

English – I would use lots of space stories such as – ‘how to catch a star’ , ‘when the sun goes home’, and ‘the kid who came from space’. we would write a whole class letter to an astronaut(maybe Chris Hadfield!) with any questions that we have about space. we will have oral language discussions on photos of space- such as photos of the planets, sunsets, stars etc.

Maths- we would integrate our maths lessons with space- by doing shape and space and discovering star constellations and use ‘Stellarium’ website. we will work on 3d shapes aswell. We will do data surveys on our favourite planets and make bar charts.

Irish- I will have an Irish ‘stasiun spais’ station in the classroom which can be used for play and children will be pre taught the Irish vocabulary for space words in Irish lessons. we would do some bingo in Irish with the new space words.

Science- we will do many space experiments- such as ‘dancing raisins’ , ‘fizzing and foaming’ and ‘messy mixtures’ for some ‘alien chemistry’.

History- I would focus on reading stories about the man on the moon and learning about the first dog to space and looking at people who have travelled to space.

Drama- this would be our Aistear theme of space – with a role play station of space!

Music- we would do many space songs- such as ‘reach for the stars’ , ‘space man’ , ‘ rocket man’

Art – We would do a class project and create a solar system. Also, we would make a space craft and launch them off!

I’m so excited to do these activities this year!

[Danielle Wilcox]

Harriet,

your plan has something for everyone – thanks for sharing it. May we include it in our end of course summary?

Have you a source for the Irish space words?  This short video made for Reel Life has some:

https://youtu.be/6fmT3ELckbA?si=lMjOHIOlyWpIC0xM

[Dawn Farrell]

Harriet your plan is very detailed and mentions and activity for each curricular subject. Just like you, my school has not taken part in Space Week to date so I’m looking forward to promoting it this year and it is great to hear from other teachers/principals and gain insight into lessons and activities that worked well and indeed sharing resources.

[Emer Bradley]

Thanks for sharing the plan. lots of great ideas for cross curriculum integration

[Dawn Farrell]

I hope to promote Space Week in my school this coming October and I have a wealth of resources and knowledge to share with my fellow teachers and students upon completing this course. I would like to create a school folder with activities, books, videos, links, games, art and general resources relevant to each class level (Infants,1st-2nd etc.) that the teachers and students can dip in and out of.

When planning a lesson/activity it is clear that we need a good ‘prompt’ stimulus to capture the children’s interest and attention and evoke conversation with their peers. I have read both ‘Aliens in Underpants’ and ‘The Way back Home’ and the children enjoy these stories. These would be a good prompt in talking about Space Theme in general. The Stellarium website or plug in light would be great for stargazing and the Planet’s Song is a great way for the children to learn the names of the planets and some information a fun way. I would incorporate the Hoop activity (Planets/Sun/Moon) in my lessons this week in PE and use alien role-play in drama and Star Splatter art as an integration across all the topics.

I would aim to include a bank of simple, fun science experiments for each class level- dancing raisins, separate salt and pepper using static electricity, the gummy bear experiment, inertia etc.

Videos of rockets launching, astronauts performing simple tasks in space such as ‘brushing their teeth, eating etc’ are more difficult due to a lack of gravity. I think these particular videos would spark great conversation and inquiry among the students.

STEM activities would include Design and Making rockets and exploring some features of how they work. Lego and coding activities could be a great tool to use with middle/senior classes to encourage them to do more project/inquiry-based projects! The Fizzy Launcher instructions are very helpful.

[Danielle Wilcox]

Dawn,

as you create this wealth of resources, don’t forget the two enormous resources that we have shared in the course:

UNAWE’s Universe in a Box (https://www.unawe.org/resources/universebox/)

ESA’s ISS Primary Education Kit (https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Human_and_Robotic_Exploration/Education/Primary_level_ISS_Education_Kit_-_download)

with just those two you’d have something for most classes.

[Dawn Farrell]

[Aisling O brien]

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.

[Lorraine Mc Namee]

Hi Dawn,

I agree totally, the Fizzy Launcher experiment goes down a treat with any class. Sometimes the simple ones are the best. The anticipation on the little faces is always fantastic. We extended that to do a comparative study on the impact different brands of liquid/sweets would have on the outcome with the children predicting, observing and recording the outcomes which linked in very well with measure and data analysis in Maths.

[Catherine Kelly]

Love this!

[Lorraine Mc Namee]

Science Week Class Plan

In advance, using school communication platform Aladdin, share with parents and guardians the aim of Science Week and give some ideas for home-school links in relation to Science and offer them the chance to share their ideas/creations .

Monday: Design a Martian. Examine images of Mars. Design in a 3D
form using dough or clay.  Early finishers: Design the landscape they would live on.
Tuesday: Shadows: Shadow tag and free play with shadows at 10 am, 12 noon and
2pm. Note the shape and size differences in the shadows (mark using chalks on the school yard in differing colours)
Wednesday: Stargazing. The learners investigate stars and
try to guess how many stars are in the universe. They create pictures
of a starry night using paint and toothbrushes to create copious amounts of
stars. Listen to Myles Smith’s Stargazing as they paint
Thursday: Creating Alien Slime: by
mixing fragranced shampoo or conditioner and cornflour together to create
a consistency that is neither a solid or liquid.
Friday: Rockets: Engage with a picture of a rocket. Listen to Chris Hadfield interview. Explore a variety of materials and plan a design to make a rocket. Use Milo and Marvin Balloon or Penny Rocket video for demonstration .

Record activities throughout the week and ask the learners and teachers to provide feedback at next staff meeting.

[Michelle Carr]

Hi Lorraine,
<p style=”text-align: center;”>I really enjoy all your activities that you have included for science week. I say they would really enjoy the Alien Slime activity. Might be one to try out with my junior infant class next year if I’m brave enough ;)</p>

[Danielle Wilcox]

Lorraine,

your space theme looks fun, and you can always hold the Shadows day for an actual sunny day.

If you carry this out during Space Week, this would be in early October. At your school do infants finish before 2pm? so would you ask them to try lookin for their shadows at home?

If you want to create this as an event for Space Week, you can add it at

https://www.spaceweek.ie/add/

If you want to carry it out during Science Week, that is in early November.

[Lauryn McLeod]

For Module 5, I decided to focus on the Balloon Rockets activity, which is perfect for young students in first class. This activity is simple, fun, and an excellent way to introduce basic concepts of movement and air pressure in a way that’s easy for young students.

In my class, I would gather the children and talk about rockets. We’d discuss how rockets fly by pushing out air or gas, just like how a balloon flies when we let it go. I’d use simple language and lots of visuals to make sure everyone understands.

After our discussion, we would make our own balloon rockets! The children would work in pairs to tape a straw onto a balloon and thread the straw onto a piece of string stretched between two points in the classroom. Once they blow up the balloon, they’d hold it tight and get ready for the big moment—letting go to see how far the balloon rocket flies along the string!

Each child would have a turn to launch their balloon rocket, and we’d measure how far it travels. We would talk about what makes the balloon go further or not as far, using words like “more air” and “less air” to describe what’s happening.

I’d also get the children to decorate their balloons like real rockets, adding a bit of creative fun to the lesson. This activity would not only teach them about movement and air pressure but also get them excited about space and science in a way that’s easy to understand and full of hands-on fun.

[Danielle Wilcox]

Lauryn,

allow plenty of time for this activity, it is one we are very familiar with at Blackrock Castle, and it takes time for the children to work out where best to place the straw and how little tape is needed to attach it to the balloon.

If the straw is a bit off centre, the balloon whizzes in a circle rather than gliding elegantly along the string. We’ve also discovered that fishing line is the best string for us. It is smooth and strong and can be pulled very taut.

[Orla King]

The activity set I have chosen is: Rockets.

I would complete this activity during our ‘Transport’ theme in AISTEAR. In the engaging section of the framework, I would begin with a simple rhyme ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ to introduce one mode of transport. The children would use the skills of collaboration and in pairs, they would come up with different modes of transport we could use both now and in the past. This allows the children’s minds to wonder and would lend to a conversation on rockets and who uses them.
To begin the learning on how rockets work, I will show the children pictures of different rockets and a video entitled ‘How do Rockets Fly?’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lti6a_YYQl0&t=150s . The children will play a game of ‘two truths and a lie’ to recall the information learned from the video.
Next, the hands on activity would require the children to use the science skills such as questioning, observing, predicting, investigating and experimenting, estimating and measuring. The children will be asked to make their own rocket in groups. This will require teamwork and use of fine motor skills. The children will complete the rocket mice activity where they will gain an understanding of air pressure, gravity and air resistance. We will set up different stations and show how the size of the containers can affect how high the mouse will fly. This will link with the video where the children learned how the oxygen and hydrogen mixed together to form a hot cloud underneath the rocket to push it upwards.

[Michelle Carr]

Hi

With a junior infant class in mine I will do the activity based on Alien Chemistry.

We will start off the lesson by showing the children the front cover of the book The Dinosaur That Pooped A Plant by Tom Fletcher. This will be our starting discussion point using a series of higher and lower order questions.

I will then read the book to the class, pausing and discussing as we go along. This will be done over one or two lessons. As their is a mention of “Martians” this will lead us onto to the next part of our lesson Alien Chemistry where we will conduct our experiment Dancing Raisins.

There will be lots of discussion and predictions with the teacher acting as scribe. We will then carry out the experiment. We will discuss our findings and we will conclude the lesson with thr children illustrating the experiment we carried out.

Thanks

[Daniel Barry]

In my classroom, I’d use making a spacecraft model as a fun and educational activity that combines creativity with science. I’d start by introducing the concept of space exploration and discussing the different parts of a spacecraft, like rockets and engines. I’d then give each student materials like paper towel rolls, colored paper, aluminum foil, and small paper cups. As the students build their models, I’d encourage them to think about how each part helps the spacecraft travel and explore space. This hands-on project helps them grasp basic engineering concepts while developing teamwork and problem-solving skills. Afterward, I’d organize a “space launch” session where each student can share their creations and explain their design choices. This activity not only sparks interest in space science but also enhances fine motor skills and builds confidence as they present their work

[Catherine Kelly]

A class plan for space week:

English

Reading: Little Comet (large picture book to be read in a whole class setting) with beautiful illustrations of each planet, the sun, comets and asteroids.

Oral language/ poetry: The children would discuss the solar system and they would listen to and recite a poem called The Planet Role Call.

Writing: the children would write sentences in their copies based on the planets eg Mars is called the Red Planet. They would also get two spellings per night for homework during Spacs Week eg Monday 1) sun 2) moon Tuesday 1) stars 2) planets.

Music: the children could listen to and sing The Planet Song.

Visual Art: the children could create their own solar systems using black card and coloured chalk using an image on the Interactive Whiteboard as a stimulus

Drama: the children could take part in role play activities based on the moon landing and aliens arriving on planet earth.

Science: the children could complete one of the lessons/ experiments from the Milo and Marvin website eg making an Alka Seltzer Rocket

Maths: the children could take part in activities based on 3D shapes (spheres) and sorting activities eg sorting planets based on size eg biggest yo smallest etc.

Gaeilge: the children could listen to and learn the words for different objects within/ parts of our solar system in Irish eg An Domhain, Satarn etc.

History: the moon landing and famous female astronauts

[Valerie Binions]

Really like the cross curricular approach with lots of engaging activities.

[Martina Prendergast]

This is a really comprehensive plan for Space week which I will take prompts from. Thank you!

[Sam Briggs]

I have chosen to focus on the Alien Chemistry activity set. The fizzing and foaming activity could be adapted to work in any class level in the junior end of the school. For 1st or 2nd class, I would tie this to a previous ART/STEM lesson where children collaborated in building a rocket ship from recycled materials. This lesson our rockets will be blasting off and it is our job to create the rocket fuel. I would provide a range of acids (Lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, cola), carbonates (eggshells, chalk, baking soda, washing powder) and maybe even some red-herrings, such as flour, sugar, water and milk. The children will roll a dice twice to randomly select a pairing of an acid (or milk/water) and a carbonate (or flour/sugar). The children will observe the effectiveness of their rocket fuel. After discussion and conferencing with the teacher, the group could choose to substitute their original carbonate or acid for another, in the aim to improve their rocket fuel’s fizziness. This could be a fun, discrete form of assessment for the teacher to gauge the children’s learning.

[Danielle Wilcox]

Sam,

I do like your fizzy rocket fuel ideas. Even if children are uncertain what will happen when two materials mix, they can incorporate their understanding from what they observe and try again. Having fizzes as the criteria means that fair testing can be considered. Once they find the perfect pair, they can explore the quantities needed.

[Valerie Binions]

Engage: I would engage the children by reading The First Hippo on the Moon by Davis Walliams or Ted’s Great Space Adventure by Elizabeth Avery or watch the cartoon episode of Paddington on Netflix about space.

Wondering and Exploring:

We would explore how dinky toys move on different surfaces using different force and wonder how rockets make it into space.

Rocket Mouse – children would each make a rocket mouse and see how high they can propel him/her, wonder how to exert force to make it fly higher.

Balloon Rocket – as a class we would set up a balloon rocket and wonder depending on the amount of air in the balloon how far/fast it will travel.

Next step: look at other objects that fly.

In PE look at objects we can propel and which one travels the furthest and (maths) measure using a metre stick.

[Valerie Binions]

[Martina Prendergast]

I would use the Rocket building activity with the junior end of the school for building Rocket Mice. I would motivate the children by showing pictures, videos or stories. I would create a sense of wonder by asking a starter question, I wonder how a rocket takes off. The pupils could predict, brainstorm, and then discuss forces that can cause movement e.g the wind, blowing paper etc. Then the children would construct their simple rocket mouse from paper and recycled bottles. We would conduct an investigation on which bottle pushes the mouse the furthest, how long it takes to drop to the floor etc. Then there could be a reflection on what conditions would change the flight of the mouse e.g. smaller bottle, heavier paper/card etc.

There is a lot of opportunity for cross-curricular links in this lesson, Art (construction), English (language, procedural discussion), Maths (measuring, counting, comparing), PE (darts/archery,) Drama (being something that can fly)

[Celine Hyde]

We haven’t in the past embraced Space Week as a whole school. It has always been left to individual teachers to engage with it – so maybe this is the year! I love the Renmore school’s rocket themed space week and I think it might be a simple way to introduce Space Week and to engage teachers and pupils in fun and exciting activities. It would generate huge excitement especially the launching of the various rocket designs.

https://www.stem.org.uk/system/files/elibrary-resources/2019/02/ESERO%20-%20Space%20Week_booklet.pdf
This ESERO booklet is a fantastic resource. It provides a step by step guide to organising a week of activities for a whole school – from selling the idea to the school leadership team, to creating a plan, implementing the plan and even provide suggestions on how to review the week when it is all over.

The resource pack provides a simple general themed guide for the week for a whole school but also has a more detailed guide for the theme Stars and Astronomy. Picture  books for example “Older than the stars” by Karen C Fox and Nancy Davis are used as a stimulus for many of the sessions with links to an online version of the book. It provides both creative activities and science focused enquiries linked to the theme. It also suggestions way to involve families in the week thus promoting positive attitudes towards science and encouraging them to get involved in the learning also. It is a cross curricular plan and even “the silly assembly games” could easily be adapted and used for fun PE lessons in the younger classes during the week.

Looking forward to a great week this year!

[Markey Jessica]

We have also never had an organised ‘Space Week’. I think it would be amazing to do this as a whole school as there are so many fantastic resources available.

[Markey Jessica]

My class for next year have a big interest in rockets so I would definitely use the “Rocket Mice” experiment for an Aistear station.

I would begin this experiment during Aistear by leaving the equipment (empty bottle, sticky tape and rocket mouse template) to provoke the children and let them question what we could do with these resources. After we have made the rocket mouse, I would ask the children to predict what will happen when the bottle is squeezed. We would then conduct the experiment, letting each child test what happens and question how the mouse is moving up and down again? We would experiment with different sizes and shapes of bottles and record any differences. The children could experiment with how high they can make the rocket mouse fly – keeping record of which rocket mouse flew the highest.

I really like this activity because it is also a simple experiment for children to recreate at home and share with their families.

[Emer Bradley]

I will teach infants next year. Here is my play based classroom plan for Space Week. I would use the Aistear framework for play. Prior to their play we would do some oral language lessons using a visual such as to prompt discussion and teach the new vocabulary.
The children will engage in one activity each day over the course of the week for 45 minutes each.

Activity 1:
Construction using recyclable materials to build a rocket. The children can work individually or in pairs in their group to chose appropriate materials to deign and make their rocket.

Activity 2:
Role Play- Space Rocket
I will set up the play corner as the inside of a rocket with controls etc / telescope/ peg boards/ number cards for blast off/ peg boards to show any star constellation they might see etc

Activity 3:
Playdoh- make things that you would expect to see from a rocket if you went on a rocket to space.

Activity 4:
Maths integration
Cutting and sticking activity. I will give the children shape stencils, paper, glue and scissors.
The children will design a space rocket using as many 2D shapes as they can

Activity 5:
Science investigation (Teacher Led)-: Rocket Mice and Make a Pop Rocket https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45hpcNv_On4

[Niamh Costello]

Cross – curricular lessons for Junior Infants carried out over a fortnight as well as Space themed Aistear stations. I would first tell the children what our new topic is (Space) and then carry out a KWL chart with them – see what the children know already about Space and what they would like to find out. Throughout the fortnight I would recreate a display board
Literacy: Teach ‘Twinkl, Twinkl little star’.
Read the book ‘The Darkest Night’ by Astronaut Chris Hadfield and also the book ‘Busy people: Astronaut’ by Lucy M. George to give the children a sense of what it is like to be an astronaut in space and also what they how they had to train to get there. Discuss orally the books – what their favourite part was, what new information they learned from them, if they would like to train to become an astronaut, etc.
Another book that can be used is ‘The Smeds and The Smoos’ by Julia Donaldson. Have a discussion with the children about what an Alien might look like.
Maths: Counting backwards from 11 (or whatever number the children are comfortable with) to blast off.
Patterns ~ Cutting and sticking patterns to a rocket ship.
History: watch videos of Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walking on the moon in 1969.

Geography: Identify and discuss the sun, the moon and stars. Discuss the differences between day and night.

Science: Explore how shadows are formed and bring the children outside so they can draw/trace around shadows with chalk.
Drama: Pretend to be an astronaut in Space with no gravity. How they would walk on the moon, how does it feel; to be wearing their spacesuit, to breath, to talk, to eat, etc.
Art: Colour in an astronaut outline – take a photo of each child, print and glue into the helmet so each child will be an astronaut.

Aistear:
Role-play: Space travel Agent – the children will be able to pretend to buy tickets for going to different planets in space.
Art and crafts: Design and make an Alien on paper and then 3D. The children will be using a variety of resources – play dough, marla, clay, wire, tinfoil, pipe cleaners, goggly eyes, felt, paper, fabric, wool and anything else they would like to use.
Make slime and use different colours (paint or food dye) and add googly eyes/beads, etc.
Play dough: Laminated mats to make stars, asteroids, saturn’s rings, craters on the moon, satellite, flames for a rocket, alien, planets (available from twinkl).
Sand/water: Using miniature space items – aliens, rockets, astronauts, plants, stars. Moon. Astroids, etc.
Contruction: make a rocket ship using lego.

• This reply was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by Niamh Costello.

[Orla Carrroll]

My class loved running a shop last year. I love your Space Travel Agent ! I’m going to try that with my girls. Thank you

[Frances McCarthy]

Niamh,

with your space travel agent, be sure to print off some of the space travel agent destinations from here:

https://exoplanets.nasa.gov/alien-worlds/exoplanet-travel-bureau/?intent=021

such as this one:

An older class might make travel brochures for the solar system, which your class could then use for selling the tickets and offering information to a potential traveller.

This is a guide that an older class might use: https://coppins6.weebly.com/

[Orla Carrroll]

Using the idea of a Rocket  in an infant classroom.

I would use the story book “Daddy on the moon” (my own four kids always loved this story !)as an introduction to our topic of Space / moon trip. Ask the children how they went to the moon in the story (Daddy on the moon) and also any other ideas of how they think we could travel to the moon. The children will then make their own Rocket ships. We would discuss how they might do this and what materials they would need. I would have previously asked the children to bring in plastic bottles etc I would also remind the children that they need to fly to the moon and also come back again!explaining that what goes up must come down. Each child will be given the opportunity to design and decorate their own Rocket using the materials we had gathered. They would then  attach string to the top of their bottle. Many questions would be asked to encourage the children to make predictions. Squeezing the bottle etc Then they would be encouraged to try it out for themselves in their own space around the classroom.

[Robyn O Brien]

I have never heard of this book and just googled it. It looks absolutely magical and will definitely be popping it in my Amazon basket. This is an adorable book and I love the activities you have chosen to accompany it! Thanks for the wonderful ideas!

[Jennifer O’Mahony]

Space week is something I wasn’t familiar with but will definitely introduce my school to and celebrate it in early October. The space week website has fantastic plans to guide teachers especially as this would be our first year introducing the celebration to the school. There are fantastic lesson plans for both Senior and Junior classes. Space Week would be a great addition to our STEM improvement plan. To celebrate Space Week a trip to Killarney Library would be a great idea for some of our classes as advertised on the space week website. They have tons of cool space-themed books and resources, colouring sheets, word searches and a lot more. Learning about space in a different environment would highlight the importance of the week for the children and also engage them more.

[Marcella Maher]

Sounds like a great whole-school plan. I love the idea of the trip to the library, that is something I know my class would love also.

[Frances McCarthy]

Jennifer and Marcella,

Nationwide libraries have been very supportive of space week for years, and set up book displays and have online connections to speakers. Do check in with your local branch to see what they have on offer.

[Marcella Maher]

I love the idea of space week and have gotten a little carried away with my space week plan! However, I do think that these activities could be spread throughout my monthly SESE plan, so as to make sure the learning objectives are met, and to allow for some guided discovery and teacher modelling. I have 2nd class.

Monday: Solar System Exploration
Activity: Create a Model of the Solar System

Description: Students work in groups to create a scaled model of the solar system using materials like Styrofoam balls and cardboard. They will label each planet and learn about its position relative to the Sun.
SESE Link: Science (Earth and Space) – Understanding the solar system’s structure and the relative positions of the planets.

Tuesday: Starry Night Art
Activity: Constellation Art and Storytelling

Description: Students learn about various constellations, then create their own constellation artwork using black paper and white chalk or paint. They will also invent a story or myth about their constellation.
SESE Link: History – Exploring how ancient cultures used the stars and created myths. Geography – Understanding how different constellations are visible in different parts of the world.

Wednesday: Rockets
Activity: Build and Launch Paper Rockets

Description: Students design and build simple paper rockets. They will then launch them using straws, experimenting with different designs to see which flies the farthest.
SESE Link: Science (Forces) – Exploring how air pressure and force can propel objects, linking to real-world space exploration.

Thursday: Moon Phases Exploration
Activity: Moon Phases with Oreos

Description: Using Oreo cookies, students will recreate the phases of the Moon. They will learn about how the Moon orbits the Earth and why we see different phases.
SESE Link: Geography – Understanding the Earth-Moon relationship and how the Moon’s phases are connected to its position relative to the Earth and Sun.

Friday: Space Exploration and Debate
Activity: Space Mission Debate

Description: Divide the class into teams to debate the importance of space exploration. Each team can research a specific space mission (e.g., Apollo 11, Mars Rover) and present arguments for the benefits and challenges of space exploration.
SESE Link: Science and History – Understanding the impact of space exploration on scientific knowledge and human history, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.

[Robyn O Brien]

Class plan for Space Week:

Art: Guided drawing of an alien in a space ship. I have tried and tested this and mounted them all onto black backing paper/noticeboard paper decorated with stars and planets in glitter and mixed media to create one huge class piece.

Play: Role play station – space ship. Stellarium used for art station where childre can recreate what they saw stargazing. Construction- building spacecrafts for aliens or alien homes.

Literacy: Create comic strips for a new story based on the characters Marvin and Milo. Read Man on the Moon and engage with the Power of Reading lessons on this book.

STEM: Build and make spacecrafts/launch rockets.

Maths: Sequencing – Day and night

Geography: Our place in Space: Talk about where we live then county, country, where we are on the planet, where we are in the solar system. Create a display to create a visual for the children.

[Frances McCarthy]

Robyn,

would you use a guided drawing like this:

https://youtu.be/YkdZ2ZNG-Ts?si=REDY9LXjgEHh8VHo

I love the idea of a mass of alien space craft!

[Michelle O’Leary]

A class plan to engage with Space Week.

My aim would be to celebrate space week in a fun filled action packed manner with lots of opportunities to learn from hands on activities. I would aim to ignite in the children a love of space and encourage their wonder and awe. I would aim to use a cross curricular approach.

Day 1: Rocket building and launching activity.
I would start the week with this fun, hands on activity. I would put the children into groups and encourage them to design and create their own rockets using materials such as plastic bottles, paper, tin foil etc.

Day 2: Interview an astronaut.
I would ask the class to imagine an astronaut visited the school and came into our class. What questions would they like to ask the astronaut? I would look up some interviews with astronauts to show the class to help with the questions.

Day 3: Space related science experiments.
I would carry out a few space related science experiments with the class.

Day 4: Space Quiz
In groups we would have a quiz with questions that are space related.

Day 5: Planet Exploration
Show the children the songs, ‘Planet Song’ and ‘We are the Planets’. Divide the class in to groups and give each group a planet to explore. In their group they must put together some facts about the planet. They will create their given planet using papier mache.

At the end of the week we would have a space dress up day. I would encourage the children to dress up as spaced themed characters such as aliens, astronauts, Mr. Sun, Mr. Moon etc

[Denise Duffy]

Here are some activities that could be used for a Space Week. I have tried to integrate SESE, art, literacy, and music.

Day 1: Introduction to Space

Teacher can utilise the mind map idea or KWL chart for focus activity.
Teacher can show a short video about space exploration from the ESA website.
Song: Fly me to the moon by Frank Sinatra could be played on this day as a nice link.

Class can create a solar system model using craft materials. Students can use polystyrene balls, paint, and string to create a 3D model of the solar system. Children Discuss can visit the library where they can go on a book hunt for space reading materials.These can be displayed in class for the week.They can uses class ipads to research the planets, for example their order, and one interesting fact about each. Results can be recorded in booklet to be kept for rest of week for personal fact Book.
ESA’s Planetary Science page can be used as a supporting resourse.
Spaceplace.nasa.gov also.

“Space Maths” – Calculate the distances between planets using a scaled-down version of the solar system. Convert distances into smaller units and create a chart.
For example. Many activities can be adapted to support space theme.
Read aloud “The Skies Above My Eyes” by Charlotte Guillain

Day 2: Astronaut Adventures
Class Activity
The class can write a diary entry/postcard/text message/email as an astronaut exploring a new planet. Students can imagine what they see, feel, and experience.

Class can research and explore about Earth’s atmosphere and how it compares to other planets. Discussion can explore what makes Earth habitable. ESA website’s educational resources on the Earth’s atmosphere can be used here.
Picture The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield is a lovely resourse that can be used as a stimulus

Add favourite fact of the day learned into booklet

Day 3: To Infinity and Beyond

Class or groups can create a space-themed mural. Use different art materials (paint, collage, chalk) to create a large mural/group murals in the school corridor depicting galaxies, planets, and stars.

Activity: Learn and sing songs related to space.
Some Suggested Songs:
“The Planets Song” (to learn the order of the planets)
“Rocket Ship Run” by Laurie Berkner
“Space Oddity” (simplified version) by David Bowie
Children can create movement to songs
Revetment By Elton John

Reading Aloud
Book: “There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish Rabe

Add favourite fact of the day learned into booklet

Day 4: Space Explorers

Research famous astronauts (e.g., Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mae Jemison, Yuri Gagarin). Students can work in pairs to create a mini-poster about one astronaut and present it to the class.

Children can role-play as astronauts preparing for a space mission. Students can act out scenes of preparing for a launch, floating in space, and landing back on Earth.

Picture Book Reading aloud:
“Look Up!” by Nathan Bryon

Add favourite fact of the day learned into booklet.

Day 5:Reflection

Have a virtual tour of space. Use the ESA website to explore different missions.
Use Resource ESA Virtual Tours and Space Exploration resources.

Games – Have some a fun activires for eg a quiz based on everything learned during the week or bingo on space oral language.

Conduct experiment on rocket launching- mice rockets

Picture Book Reading:
“How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers

Children can share highlights from the week via booklet or can showcase their art, diaries, and posters.
End with a sing-along to one of the space songs learned during the week. Or children can create own rap to the weeks work.

[Denise Duffy]

I found that putting a space week together was a fun experience. The sky really is the limit to be honest. An expwriment per day is truly possible although i didnt do this in the plan submitted. All activities can be a direct link to space or can be adapted to support a space theme. It did reveal to me that so many subjects can be integreted which covers our curricular objectives. It does require mindful planning to incorporate what is necessary.  It may be possible to lost in the activities alone.  Ultimately the children and teacher will have a literal blast during this week.

[Frances McCarthy]

You’ve said it Denise!

[Mark King]

Hi Denise. Space week is my favourite week of the school year. I find that it is perfect opportunity to be creative and to have lots of fun! Something that has worked really well in our school is to have an experiment day where the whole school spend the day conducting science experiment. Some of our younger classes get the opportunity to visit the senior classes to watch their experiments. The senior pupils are effectively the teachers for the session. The activities also allow for integration across other curriculum subject most notably literacy and maths.

[Susan Lawlor]

The activity I’m choosing is Rockets for infant classes.

I would start with the story Edward Built a Rocketship by Michael Rack and Graham Ross (I also like the big book Zoom to the Moon).

I will build the idea of creating rockets and ask how we would make them. What do most rockets look like? Do they look similar – why? What properties does a rocket need?

Lots of integration available in this area.
English – reading Edward Build a Rocketship and Zoom to the Moon.
History – sequencing
Science – experiment Rocket Mice – predicting and investigating which makes the longest distance.
Maths – measuring and recording the distance – comparing – language, longer/shorter.
Art – making rockets using different designs and materials.

Displays – 3d rockets – data display of which rocket travelled further.

[Frances McCarthy]

Susan,

thanks for sharing so clearly how you intend to connect rockets across so many subjects – and a plus from me for including science activity and inquiry!

Please do register this as an ‘event’ on spaceweek.ie – even a single class doing something once during Space Week helps to share space as an inspiration.

[Mark King]

The activity I have chosen is the Build a Spacecraft lesson

As a starter I would show the children you tube video’s of rockets and rocket launches. This would encourage the children to discuss rockets. How are they made? What are the different parts of a rocket? Where have you seen them before e.g films, video games. Children could then discuss the history of rockets and space travel. What do they know already? Who was the first man in space? Who was the first man on the moon?

Next I would ask the children to draw the rockets that they are going to make. From the drawing I would ask the children to identify materials that they might use in order to build their rockets. Once this had been established I would ask the children to work in groups to create a plan for building their rocket. A procedural writing plan could be used to do this. After the children have finished their rocket I would get them to present their model to the class. Here they could discuss materials used and their set of guidelines and instructions for building the rocket

 

[Margaret Farrell]

For this lesson I would create a space ship with my class.
We would watch the moon landing, we would read the Alien’s in Underpants Save the World.
For SESE we create the mouse rocket – discussing changes that happen different bottles are used. We also watch and observe the dancing raisins experiment. We use the fizzing rockets experiments also.
We would watch some rocket launch videos and discuss how space crafts should be created what they’d need to be made of.
We would plan our space craft and then using recycled materials we create our own space ships.

[Frances McCarthy]

Margaret,

you may be able to adapt bits of this resource for your design your own spaceships. In particular, check out the video that is shared as part of it of a home based space ship.

https://www.spaceweek.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HumansinSpace.pdf

[Frances McCarthy]

Mags,

you may be able to adapt bits of this resource for your design your own spaceships. In particular, check out the video that is shared as part of it of a home based space ship.

https://www.spaceweek.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/HumansinSpace.pdf

https://youtu.be/I7yVFZIp-Eg?si=Aa9nYyZ1iNJmMiDU

• This reply was modified 4 months, 1 week ago by Frances McCarthy.

[Catherine Kelly]

My brother in law is an aerospace engineer and is involved in the creation of a real rocket. We were talking about Time in maths and how important it is while designing and creating the rocket but also in relation to travel. Measures is an important mathematical link/ lesson also but there are definitely so many ways we can link Space to most subject areas.

[Eimear Campbell]

Engaging students in a rocket-making activity during Space Week can be a dynamic way to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while providing hands-on learning experiences. Here’s a comprehensive class plan to consolidate your experiences and action plans for Space Week, centered around a rocket-making activity.

Day 1: Introduction to Space and Rockets
Activities: Discussion on Space Exploration: Introduce the topic of space exploration, discussing key missions
Show videos or images of rockets and their launches.
Divide students into small groups (4-5 per group).
Assign each group the task of building a model rocket.
Provide students with materials (cardstock paper, straws, scissors, tape, balloons, vinegar, baking soda, etc.).
Each group sketches their rocket design, identifying materials and explaining the rationale behind their design choices.

[Roisin Jenkins]

I would use the idea of building our own space rockets as the theme for lessons during space week.

I would start with a poem e.g. Kenn Nesbitt has some good ones or reading a story such as aliens lobe underpants to engage the childre.

Then explore the idea of space and what it means to the children.

What do they know about it already. What we look up at the sky What can we see?

Introduce the ideas of telescopes etc and why these can help us see more.

This would lead onto a discussion to see if we wanted to actually see dance better how would we do it?

Children would then look at pictures , video clips of the moon landing and the more recent Mars trip to understand the role of rockets and astronauts.

They can sketch ideas for what they think they would need in their rocket ship. Then using ‘junk art’ material the children can work individually or I’m groups to create their own rockets

How would they take off? Having seeing the use of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in volcano experiments previously. I would let them expwriment outside with trying to make their rocket move.

[Irene O Mahony]

Investigating rockets,

[Leah Glynn]

I will use the activity set:Rockets
To introduce the lesson, I would start with 3 images (rocket/helicopter/hot air balloon) per outline on Explorify and ask children to discuss in groups: https://explorify.uk/en/activities/odd-one-out/funky-flyers
This activity is great for promoting observation and discussion skills. 1. Show the three images above and ask everyone to come up with as many similarities and differences as they can. If they get stuck, prompt them to think about:
appearance
what they do
where they might be found
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!
I will ask the children how long they think rockets have been in existence and share the fact that a rocket is a craft that burns fuel to propel itself. Rockets have existed since 13th century China, when they were used as fireworks but modern rockets have been used for space research and to send people into space. We will look at where China is on the globe of the world and I have Ireland marked with a little sticker so they can identify how far away or close Ireland is to the country we  are locating on the globe.
Next, I will engage the groups in the rocket mouse if they have no prior experience of this (if they do I would start with the balloon one using a long balloon as recommended and testing this at home in advance and move on to the alkasetzer rocket instead as an extension activity) , I will double-check with previous teacher as to which experiments they have already engaged with. I feel starting with a simple one is best to try and encourage discussion from all pupils.
We would discuss the results and I would show a different container to what they have used for the mouse rocket and ask each group to come with a starter inquiry before we try the different container and how this may impact the outcome. We will discuss & compare.
If it is the balloon activity will compare the random movement of the balloon as the air rushes out of it compared to the addition of the string and straw where the movement is controlled.
Extension Activity: Designing and making rockets from recycled materials (Art)
Literacy: Reading Roaring Rockets by Tony Mitton to the class – asking them to record
verbs (action/doing words) as I read it.

 

[Eimear Campbell]

This is a great lesson plan idea.

[Aideen Quealy]

Activity set – Rockets. For my class we would start by watching a video of a rocket launch. We would then learn about the different elements of a rocket before making our own mouse rocket. After the children have made their own mouse rocket and tested it on the same container. I would pose the question whether a different container would change their mouse rocket launch and ask for their predictions. I would then give them a variety of containers to experiment and investigate, reporting back their findings. In a subsequent lesson, the class would then work together in groups to make their own spacecraft using fizzy tablets. The class will discuss their designs and consider other objects that fly through the sky and their design.

[Denise Duffy]

[Chloe Fenton]

I would begin my reading the story ‘Zoom to the Moon’ as a stimulus for the activity. I would encourage a class discussion about rockets. I would allow the children to explore with balloons investigating what happens when we blow air into the balloon?, then what happens when we let the balloon go?. I would provide the children with the materials (sellotape, balloons, straws, and string) and I would pose the question to the children ‘how can we make our balloon rocket?’ and allow the children to discuss and experiment with the materials.

[Una Courtney]

Rockets in Junior Infants

I would begin the lesson by reading the story Whatever Next by Jill Murphy. An inquisitive little bear asks “Can I go to the moon”. He makes his own rocket with things he finds around the house, together with his imagination he has an enjoyable trip to the moon.

Focus discussion on energy and forces. Explore through informal activity with toys, forces such as pushing and pulling.

Ask the question how do rockets work? Discuss the appearance of a rocket as it takes off, refer to pictures from the book. The hot burning gases rushing out the back of the rockets push them forwards. Will we launch our own rockets?
Demonstrate with a balloon – The air coming out of the back of the balloon pushes the balloon forward.

Blow up a long shaped balloon and let it go. Notice what happens. (The balloon will travel off in random fashion as the air rushes out the back of it.) Now control the path of the balloon by connecting it to a piece of string. Release the balloon ……. Launch your rocket!

This activity allows for cross curricular linkage – Art – making rockets. Maths – measures – distance of rockets – Whose rocket travelled the furthest? Caring for my locality & environmental awareness.

[Maria Joyce]

I would teach a lesson based on Rocket Adventures for Seniors/First. I would link this with Art and the children could paint and decorate their rockets.

Objective:
Students will understand basic rocket principles and explore the concept of space travel.

Materials:

Plastic rockets or DIY paper rockets
Baking soda
Vinegar
Small containers or film canisters
Measuring spoons
Paper and markers
Safety goggles
Introduction:
Begin by discussing what rockets are and how they help astronauts travel to space. Show pictures or videos of real rockets launching.

Activity:

Rocket Design: Have students create their own rockets using paper, markers, and tape, decorating them with designs.
Rocket Launch: In small groups, guide students in a simple chemical reaction experiment. Put a small amount of baking soda in a container, add a bit of vinegar, and quickly cover with the rocket’s “nose” to simulate a rocket launch.
Discussion:
Discuss what happened during the “launch.” Explain how rockets use fuel to create thrust and lift off.

Conclusion:
Review the key points and encourage students to draw or write about what they would explore in space if they were astronauts.

[Elaine Breen]

Maria you’ve got some fab ideas here w🅆🄷🄸🄲🄷  🄸🅅🄴 🅂🄲🅁🄴🄴🄽🅂🄷🄾🅃 🄰🄿🄾🄻🄾🄶🄸🄴🅂 🄼🅈 🄺🄸🄳🅂 🄷🄰🅅🄴 🄱🄴🄴🄱 🄼🄴🅂🅂🄸🄽🄶 🅆🄸🅃🄷🅃🄷🄴 🄺🄴🅈🄱🄾🄰🅁🄳 🄾🄽 🄼🅈 🅃🄰🄱🄻🄴🅃

[Elaine Breen]

In my classroom, I would use the “Rockets” activity set to teach young students about rockets in a simple and enjoyable way. We’d begin by discussing rockets, using simple language and pictures to explain how they travel into space. To spark their interest and give them a clear understanding of what’s to come, I would show a short video of a rocket launch.

Next, the students would collaborate in small groups to build their own rockets using foam pieces. They would have fun designing and decorating their foam rockets with markers and stickers. After that, we’d have a pretend launch, allowing them to play and imagine their rockets soaring into space.

As part of Space Week, we’d read a story about astronauts and rockets, watch a brief video of a real rocket launch, and take an exciting virtual tour of a space center. This approach would help students grasp how rockets enable space exploration, making science both engaging and easy to understand. Through this hands-on activity, the students would learn important science concepts while having a great time.

[Nora Stritch]

I will be teaching First Class next year, so based on the advice shared by Frances in the start of this module, I hope to make balloon rockets with them.

• https://www.sfi.ie/site-files/primary-science/media/pdfs/col/rocket_launch.pdf
• https://www.sfi.ie/site-files/primary-science/media/pdfs/irish/col/roicead_a_theilgeadh.pdf
• SpaceWeek_2023_HeavyLifters.pdf

Engage:

Prompt: Firstly we will read some space-themed books, e.g.

• Seachain do Bhrístín
• Rita agus an tEachtrán
• Turas sa Spás (Céim ar Chéim 8)
• Anseo atá Muid
• Seachain: Na heitil chuig an ngealach ar an Apollo 13!
• Spluff Splaifeirtí agus an tIonradh ar an bPláinéad MARZ

and watch the video of the launch of Vega which was shared in this module.  We will chat about ways of travelling into space, including rockets.

Wondering: We will then look at and chat about this cartoon: https://spark.iop.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/19%20-%20Marvin%20and%20Milo%20-%20Balloon%20Rocket%202019_0.pdf (translated to Gaeilge) and chat about how a balloon rocket might work.

Exploring: We will then explore a selection of balloon rockets and how they are launched.

 

Investigate:

Starter Question: The pupils will be encouraged to think of a starter question, e.g. will the amount of air in the balloon will make any difference to how fast the balloon rocket travels (faster or slower or no difference)

Predicting: Pupils will be asked to predict the result of the investigation

Conducting the Investigation: Pupils will create balloon rockets as outlined in the videos below:

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfZsGy_q9zA
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT_Y6LmXBgU

They will complete a fair test on the question selected for investigation so only one variable will be changed: e.g. if we are testing whether the amount of air in the balloon will make any difference to how fast the balloon rocket travels, the type and size of balloons used, the type and length of straws used, the type and lengths of string used, the amount of tape used, the type of clothes pegs used, will all remain constant.

Sharing/ Interpreting the Data/Results: The children will measure the time the balloons take to travel from one end of the string to the other and record this.

 

Take the Next Step:

Applying Learning: We will discuss how the air coming out of the back of the balloon pushes the balloon forward and this is how rockets work – the hot burning gases rushing out the back of the rockets push them forwards, so they need enough fuel to burn in order to move fast enough and far enough to travel into space.  The pupils will then watch this short clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6cy1iCyqKA to see how this concept could be developed further.

Making Connections: The children will learn about the first animals and people in space as part of history.  The facts shared will be kept quite basic given that the pupils will be in First Class, but they will be shown footage of Neil Armstrong walking on the moon for the first time and watch this short video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pHH_tJBRf70

[Nora Stritch]

Space – MindMeister Mind Map

[Sarah Murphy]

Well done Fiona. This is an excellent lesson. There are huge opportunities for cross curricular links. I like they way you introduced a quiz in order to consolidate the learning that took place.

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