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I used the rockets activity set too, but I really like how you have encouraged critical thinking around this. I like your use of questions and I think that it would really challenge and extend the children’s thinking.
The activity set I would use is Rockets.
I would start by showing the children a video of a rocket launch, for example, NASA’s Artemis I Rocket Launch. There would be a discussion about the launch, with lots of interesting information on https://www.nasa.gov/humans-in-space/view-the-best-images-from-nasas-artemis-i-mission/
Next, we would do the rocket mice activity (integration with Art). There would be lots of discussion around this experiment, such as, how is the mouse moving? Some children would use 1 litre plastic milk containers and some would use 3 litre containers. Children would be asked for their observations on each.
Finally, we would use drama to consolidate everything we have learned. I would use a freeze frame with the children, to show what it was like for the astronauts in the rocket at the moment of lift off. I would use hot seating, so that an astronaut could be questioned about his / her background and motivation.
I like the idea of building a space bed or space kitchen with Lego. I think this is something the children could have a lot of fun with, and let their imaginations run wild.
The activity set I would use is Where Do You Live?
As I will be in an EAL position next year, this is a great opportunity to learn more about where the children that I will be working came from. I would ask each child to bring in a few photos of where they lived before they came to Ireland (this could be a sensitive issue if dealing with children from Ukraine whose homes have been damaged). We will discuss similarities / differences between homes in the native countries versus homes in Ireland.
Next, I would read the book Children Like Us: Homes Around The World by Moira Butterfield, with the children. There would be lots of discussion about features that remain constant and features that change depending on where the home is located.
Finally, I would do an Art activity where children would design where they would like to live. What I like about this activity is that there is no right / wrong answer, children are free to use their imagination to create the home of their dreams. When complete, children will be asked to present their work, and answer questions from their peers.
I really like the idea of using puppets. I chose this activity set too, but using puppets never occurred to me. I think the children would really enjoy the interactive element of this lesson.
The activity set I would use is space and aliens.
I would start off with asking the children to draw / design an alien (integration with Art). The thing that I like about this activity is that there is no right and wrong answer, everyone’s perception of what an alien is like will be different, unique and equally correct.
Next, I would read stories that I have used before in first class, which I know the children love, for example, Aliens Love Underpants by Claire Freedman, The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers and Ten Little Aliens by Mike Brownlow (integration with Maths).
Finally, I would do the investigation “Martian Landscape”. There would be lots of discussion about Mars’s surface (with photos of the Martian landscape and Earth’s landscape). Children would discuss similarities / differences. Children would then model a Martian landscape using clay, and paint it red / brown.
The activity set I would use is the planets.
I did enjoy the planet song, however a song that I have used with third class in the past is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQrlgH97v94
This song is really useful as it gives some perspective of the sizes of each compared to one another.
Another song that I have used is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCxjuDePdCI&list=RDPCxjuDePdCI&start_radio=1
This song is excellent as each planet gives some information about itself.
I really liked the planet activity involving hula hoops. This lesson is a great chance to integrate space and PE. This might be a good introductory lesson, as it doesn’t give any information as to the sizes of the planets and how they compare to one another. However, it is useful for children to learn the order of the planets, which are close to the sun and which are far away. As an assessment at the end of the activity, I would do a fun quiz.
I really like the idea of the space parade, where children role play as planets. I think they would really enjoy this, although we would probably have to take turns being the sun as I think everyone would want to be the sun!
Hi Fionnuala. I like that this lesson is so hands on. My own kids are fascinated by the fact that it could be daytime in one place and nighttime somewhere else, so I know this lesson would really capture the imagination.
An inquiry based activity in First Class would be:
“What would it be like to live on the Moon?”
Questions: Could we breathe on the Moon?
What / how would you eat / drink?
What would you see / feel / hear / see / smell?
Exploring: In pairs, children research space stations and space suits on school tablets. In groups, design a space station and a space suit for your Moon explorer, using recyclable materials. Think of all the things he / she would need to survive on the moon. Think about what he / she would have to wear.
Reasoning: Each group presents their space station and their space suit, with a question and answer session at the end.
Reflection: Discuss what the hardest thing about living on the Moon would be. Would you like to live on the Moon? Why / why not? Would anyone like to be an astronaut when they grow up?
