[AISLINN Murphy]

When I read the assignment above first I was struggling to think of more than one to two for a lesson. Then I see you wonderful list and of course they all come flooding back to me.

Some excellent poems and songs that can be used in varying class levels and integrated so easily into so many areas of the curriculum. Thank you

[AISLINN Murphy]

Some really important things highlighted in your lesson. I think teaching children about the effects of light pollution and how it is affecting the environment is a really important lesson. While lighting has its needs and is important. It really gets children thinking about making changes or how we could improve things in the future to protect the world around us. . thanks

[AISLINN Murphy]

Hi Sean

A really good lesson idea. I love the idea of working in the lunar eclipse.. hopefully some children will have there own experience of it during the summer holidays. Talking about the moon at the day and night is a great topic. At the moment my own three year old associates the moon at night but has started spotting in during the day and sayings it is still awake.  I look forward to being able to explain and use the same resources available for the classroom to him at home when he will have a better understanding.

Thanks for sharing your great ideas

 

 

[AISLINN Murphy]

<p dir=”ltr”>I really enjoy looking at the moon and stars at home and am lucky enough to have a telescope. I really was amazed at the eclipse during the week. So when I saw the assignment about observing the moon I was excited and hope that my class might be too.</p>
 
<p dir=”ltr”>The best time to observe the Moon during the school morning is when it is in its waning phase, particularly around the Third Quarter and Waning Crescent. At this time, the Moon is visible in the morning sky before it sets later in the day.</p>
 
<p dir=”ltr”>As a class, we could discuss this and choose some suitable dates throughout 2026 and 2027 school year to observe and record the Moon. Suitable key dates in 2026 I found include the Third Quarter phases are on September 4 and December 1 when school  is due to be open. There is one on October 3rd a Saturday and November 1st but they could be talked about and observed from home.  It would be good to observe for several mornings before and after each date to watch the Moon change shape.</p>
 
<p dir=”ltr”>For each observation, children could record the date, time, weather, Moon phase, shape and position in the sky. They could draw what they see in a Moon observation diary. We could compare observations over the year and discuss why the Moon appears to change shape and position. This investigation would help children learn about the Moon’s phases and its movement around Earth.</p>

[AISLINN Murphy]

I have chosen to make a plan for a sundial in my school. It will obviously need to be constructed in a sunny, open area of the school grounds where buildings and trees do not cast shadows for most of the day.

This could be nearly a full year of observation as the sun positions will change with the seasons. As a class the first thing to do would be First, observe the grounds and identify a place that receives direct sunlight from morning until afternoon.

To start we could use paper and PE equipment and chalk to mark the different locations of the sun. This space when identified can be observed every hour or so and The suns position be recorded.

During this observation period in class discussion about what a sundial might look like and talk with the children about the designs they think and discuss what might work or not. What would need to be on the sundial to identify times. How to know what the time is?
Look at examples of sundials discuss what is similar with them all. Introduce word gnomon, discuss marking hour lines.

I would integrate an art lesson at this point using paper plates and a straw in the middle to cast the shadow. Children can complete the observation to complete the sun dial as the day goes on.

Discuss the importance of the sundial facing the correct direction, with the gnomon pointing towards true north and angled according to the school’s latitude. This could also become an educational feature, allowing students to learn about the Sun, Earth’s rotation, timekeeping, and changing seasons through practical observation.

[AISLINN Murphy]

I really like this lesson idea. I think making the predictions would be really interesting it would be clear if any children have any prior knowledge. It’s something you can come back to time and time again through the year.

[AISLINN Murphy]

I have made a plan for a -Rocket Launch lesson

Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the lesson, children should be able to:

* Recognise that a push can make an object move.
* Predict what might happen when they blow through a straw.
* Observe and describe how their rocket moves.
* Use simple scientific language such as *push, air, move,* and *rocket*.

Resources:
Rocket templates, paper, crayons, scissors, tape, straws, and pictures of rockets.

Introduction
Begin by showing pictures of rockets and asking the children what they know about space. Explain that rockets travel into space using a very powerful push. Ask the children to predict what will happen when they use air to launch their own rockets.

Development
Children decorate their paper rockets before attaching them to a straw. They take turns blowing through the straw to launch their rockets. Encourage them to observe which rockets travel the furthest and discuss whether blowing harder or softer changes how the rocket moves. Prompt children to make observations and share their ideas with their classmates.

Conclusion
Gather the class together to discuss what they discovered. Reinforce that air is a force that can push objects and that real rockets use powerful engines to create the force needed to travel into space. Invite children to describe what they observed using their own words.

[AISLINN Murphy]

I love the use of a book. With so much to cover and always struggling for time integrated learning is key. A great idea.

[AISLINN Murphy]

I decided to explore the online resources. The ESA and ESA Kids websites are really valuable online resources can be used in the classroom. I found the ESA Kids website especially engaging because it explains scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way through games, videos, quizzes, and interactive activities. I think these features would capture children’s interest and encourage them to become curious about space and science.

I also found the main ESA website useful for my own learning and lesson planning, as it provides reliable and up-to-date information about space missions and scientific discoveries. I believe using these resources would help me make STEM lessons more engaging by connecting classroom learning to real-world events.

I will definitely save and use both websites to support inquiry-based learning, develop students’ digital literacy, and encourage critical thinking. They have shown me how the right websites can make learning more interactive, meaningful, and enjoyable while inspiring children to explore and ask questions about the world around them.

[AISLINN Murphy]

Children would have so much fun engaging with this activity. A lovely lesson for a class to get creative and work together. A great lesson- well done

[AISLINN Murphy]

What a fun lesson. This is such a lovely idea. It allows children to be so creative and show so many different interpretations of what an Alien might look like.

[AISLINN Murphy]

I am using the Activity Set: Stars

I would start the activity with a discussion about stars, encouraging children to share what they already know and where they have seen stars, such as in the night sky, on flags, or in storybooks.

Children in infant classes could then take part in hands-on activities such as sorting stars by size or colour, counting stars, making patterns, or creating star pictures using paint, glitter, or coloured paper. These activities help to develop early mathematical skills, fine motor skills, and creativity. Teachers can also include songs and rhymes about stars, such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, to encourage listening, memory, and participation.

The star theme can be linked to literacy by reading stories about space or the night sky and encouraging children to describe the characters and events. Outdoor activities could include a star hunt, where children search for star shapes around the playground, promoting physical activity and observation skills.

Overall, the Activity Set: Stars provides a fun, engaging, and inclusive learning experience that supports children’s social, emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development while encouraging curiosity and imagination.

[AISLINN Murphy]

This is a lovely lesson idea. What magic it would create in an infant classroom. Little imaginations will think they have zoomed to the moon.

[AISLINN Murphy]

I would use the sun and shadow activity. It is such a simple yet very engaging activity which can allow for alot of questioning, learning and discovery

Begin with discussing shadows and what children know.
On a sunny day, the class can go outside and observe their own shadows.(or torches indoors) Children can work in pairs to trace each other’s shadows with chalk and compare their sizes and shapes.
Children can also investigate how different objects create shadows by using toys, blocks or natural materials. Look at some youtube videos of shadow puppets. (Extra activity for children to do)
Indoors, torches can be used to create shadows in a darkened room, allowing children to explore.These inquiry-based experiences promote observation, prediction, communication and problem-solving skills while supporting the Primary Science Curriculum. The activities also integrate well with Maths through measuring shadows and with Visual Arts through creating shadow drawings and silhouette pictures.

[AISLINN Murphy]

Hi Stephaine

I really love this lesson idea. I am sure it would be so engaging for the children and really make them look at the materials all around them. So practical and relatable for children.

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