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Great selection of songs and poems there Niall. When you start to think about it, there are many different songs, poems, art that reflect the night sky and how it can fill us with wonder and hope.
For thousands of years, people have looked at the night sky for inspiration. Stars, the Moon, and the heavens have inspired poems, songs, books, and paintings that help us feel connected to nature and to each other.
President Michael D. Higgins’ poem Stardust reminds us that we are all made from the same elements as the stars. It is a powerful way of showing that we are part of the universe.Many well-known works share this idea, including poems by W.B. Yeats and Walt Whitman, songs such as Starman by David Bowie and A Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay, books like Cosmos by Carl Sagan, and paintings such as Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.
Together, these works remind us that looking up at the night sky can fill us with wonder, hope, and a sense that we all share the same home beneath the stars.you are lucky in that you are located so close to woodland areas. Having said that, we have some lovely parks on our doorstep that will allow for lots of exploring of nature.
- “Stardust” by Michael D. Higgins – explores our connection to the universe and reminds us that we are made from the same elements as the stars.
- “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry – reflects on finding peace in nature under the night sky.
- “Bright Star” by John Keats – inspired by the beauty and permanence of a star.
- “Stars” by Sara Teasdale – celebrates the wonder of the night sky.
These were the songs that I think would be suitable for children.
- “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” – a classic children’s song introducing stars.
- “Vincent (Starry, Starry Night)” by Don McLean – inspired by Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.
- “Fly Me to the Moon” – made famous by Frank Sinatra.
- “A Sky Full of Stars” by Coldplay – celebrates the beauty of the stars.
You have some great ideas going on there Niall. Our school is in a an urban area and our outdoor space has all astro surfacing but we have local parks nearby. The children would enjoy exploring and this is all very much in line with the new curriculum which encourages us to use our surrounding environment and resources.
To engage learners, I would take them on a short walk around the local neighbourhood, school grounds, or nearby park to identify plants, birds, insects, and other wildlife. They would record their observations using a checklist or photographs.
To explore light pollution, learners would observe areas with bright streetlights and compare them with darker green spaces. We would discuss how artificial light can affect wildlife, such as bats, moths, and birds, by disrupting feeding and sleeping patterns.
Learners would then share their findings and suggest simple ways to protect local biodiversity, such as reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting and creating wildlife-friendly spaces. This practical activity helps learners understand how urban environments can support biodiversity and how people can reduce the impact of light pollution.
I am very interested in doing this with the class and I do think that it is so relevant and helpful in becoming more environmentally aware.
In my local area of Knocklyon Dublin, there is a lot of light pollution from streetlights, houses, shops, and nearby roads. This makes it difficult to see many stars, although the Moon and bright planets can still be seen.
Learners will observe the night sky from home and record what they can see. In class, we will compare our observations with pictures of dark skies in rural Ireland and discuss how artificial light affects our view of the stars. Students will also identify ways to reduce light pollution, such as turning off unnecessary lights and using outdoor lights that point downwards.
I love the idea of a moon diary. I think the children would really enjoy this and find it very interesting.
The children will observe the evening sky once a week during autumn, about 30–60 minutes after sunset. They use a star chart or astronomy app to identify any visible planets and record the date, time, weather, and the planets they see. At the end of autumn, the children can compare their observations and discuss any changes they noticed in the planets’ positions.
Emer, this would be a great activity for the class, fun and engaging, easy to make and practical. Thank you for sharing.
Children observe the Sun at different times during the day (e.g., morning, midday, and afternoon) and record its position using simple drawings or a recording table. They note the time, where the Sun appears in the sky, and any changes in shadows. If possible, children also observe the Sun at sunrise and sunset from home with family support. After comparing their observations, they discuss the pattern that the Sun appears to rise in the east, move across the sky, and set in the west. Throughout the activity, children are reminded never to look directly at the Sun.