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This is a lovely lesson and is one that I would love to do with my own class. I didn’t realise the link between Ireland and the White House and the children would definitely find it engaging and a great starting point for their own investigations.
The local person that we would investigate for a 4th class lesson would be Richard Lovell Edgeworth (Longford) and his Inventions.
Beginning: We would begin with a discussion: “What do inventors do?” and look at pictures of common inventions (e.g., bicycle, telephone). Following on from this, I would introduce Richard Lovell Edgeworth and give a brief story of Edgeworth’s life and some of his inventions e.g. caterpillar track and telegraph.
Middle: Then I would introduce a few types of simple machines with images and real-life examples (e.g., seesaw = lever). I would ask the students to match classroom objects to these machines (e.g., scissors = lever + wedge) and discuss how machines reduce effort. Using a ruler and eraser to make a basic lever we would test lifting a small object. The students will then build their own simple lever or pulley in pairs and investigate whether they can lift something heavier with their machine? I will ask them to design a machine to help in school – just like Edgeworth would.
End: The children will present their test machines and discuss what they learned about how machines help us.I think visiting bridges if possible is a great idea and one that I would definitely do with my class. We have some lovely historical bridges in our locality which would be the basis for some great investigations and also a fun and memorable day out.
Beginning: To introduce the lesson, we would look at famous bridges in Ireland and around the world and discuss why we need bridges and the problems that they solve. We would discuss the different types of bridges – beam, arch, suspension and truss. I would then show the class a bridge in our locality, one of the canal bridges and the lock houses that can be near them.
Middle: In pairs / groups, the children would choose the bridge type that they want to make and sketch their design on some paper. They would discuss what they would need to construct it and what will make it strong. Following this, the children build their bridges using various materials. I would generate discussions with the groups such as asking them how to make it stronger, where does the weight go etc. After this, as a whole class we would test each bridge to see what weight it can hold.
End: As a whole class, we reflect on which designs were strongest and why. We can discuss problems that the groups had, how they reached solutions and what they would do differently the next time.
I also really like the sound of this and like Mary said, this has the potential to turn into a great class project documenting the changes through the seasons. It would be lovely to look back on and discuss at the end of the year.
Getting class involved in citizen science projects.
After investigating our local environment and with the help of Wild Connections to identify animals and flora, we would identify where would be suitable habitats for various animals and then get involved in citizen science projects. Taking part in the Irish Hedgehog Survey where pupils create hedgehog tunnels and monitor them to see hedgehog activity around our school would be both fun and educational. Birdwatch Ireland also conducts surveys to see what birds appear in our gardens. This is very doable in a school setting and the construction of bird feeders and feeding and learning to identify them would be a fun whole class activity, especially during the winter months. We actually grew giant sunflowers this year but I didn’t know about the Great Sunflower Project which is something that we can definitely incorporate into next years learning.
I think that’s a great idea, pairing younger and older pupils together for an activity like this. From my experiences, activities like these always work well and it’s a novelty for the children. As well as this, it’s a great way of developing patience and sharing skills for the children.
Lesson for 1st class about map making.
Beginning: I would begin the lesson by asking the children what they know about maps? What do we use maps for? And can they give me some examples of maps e.g. of our local area, treasure maps etc. I would then show them both a physical and digital map and explain the basic elements, land, oceans etc.
Middle: I would then ask the children to select our village where the school is on Google Maps and show them how to use Street View to virtually look around and find different locations.
End: To conclude the lesson, I would get the children to work in pairs to make a simple map of our school using pencil and crayons showing the key features i.e. roads, trees and play areas. We will then display our maps in the classroom.Hi Patricia,
I will be teaching 4th in September and think that I could definitely use your lesson to great effect. The resources that you use are simple and easy to source for the lesson and as well as that the children would love using them. I like how you finish with a nice art activity too.
Beginning: Ask the class if anyone has ever looked up at the night sky? What did they see? Make a list on the board. Ask the children did they ever wonder how stars and planets came to be?
Explain the main components of the night sky to the children and the differences between them i.e. the moon, the stars and the planets.
Middle: To expand the lesson, use star charts or apps like SkyView to show the pupils what the night sky looked like last night / during the current week. In pairs, ask the children to note down what they see – any constellations, planets, the moon etc. A simple art lesson would be easy to integrate here e.g. cut out the various moon phases and colour and label them.
End: Homework that night / each night that week could be to observe the night sky and write down what they see and we can discuss it each morning.