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Unfortunately Space week is not something that emphasise is put on in my school. Space Week provides an exciting opportunity to explore Science across the curriculum. I would begin by discussing the Solar System, the Moon, stars and astronauts, encouraging children to ask questions and make predictions about space.
Art-
Children can create colourful planets using paint or pastels and design their own imaginative aliens or spaceships.
English-
I would ask the children to write a short story or postcard from the perspective of an astronaut visiting a new planet, developing their creative writing skills.
Drama-
children can work in groups to role-play a space mission, taking on the roles of astronauts, scientists and friendly aliens while using mime and improvisation.
Maths-
children can investigate the sizes and distances of the planets using simple measuring activities, create repeating space-themed patterns, or collect and display class data, such as “Which planet would you most like to visit?” using a bar chart.
Geography-
Compare Earth with other planets and discuss why Earth is the only known planet that supports life. During Music, children can learn songs about space and create sound effects to represent rockets, stars and meteor showers using percussion instruments.
These activities promote curiosity, creativity, communication and teamwork. In my school the children rotate to different class teachers during Science week. This allows the children to try a variety of experiments <u>,</u>also means less pressure on the teacher. This approach could be used during Science week.
This is such a well thought out plan that covers many curricular areas. I will definitely be incorporating some ideas into my Science week plan for next year.
I love the idea of creating a class neighbourhood. Using the visual arts to aid STEM is extremely beneficial. As a visual learner myself I feel this idea would work well across all age groupings.
Activity set-Animals in the cold
Class-Senior infants
I would use the Animals in the Cold activity as part of a Science lesson with my class, linking it to the topic of habitats and how animals adapt to different environments. I would start by showing pictures of animals such as polar bears, penguins and seals and ask the children how they think these animals stay warm in cold habitats. This would encourage discussion and allow the children to share their own ideas.
I would start by introducing new vocabulary such as insulation. The children would then work in small groups to investigate which materials make the best insulation. They could wrap an ice cube in different materials such as cotton wool, bubble wrap, fabric or foil and observe which one slows the melting process the most.
I feel this activity would allow the children lots of opportunities for discussion and prediction. I think this would be a fun, hands-on activity that would keep the children engaged while helping them understand a scientific concept in a simple way.
Another way to explore this topic would be to conduct ‘the blubber experiment’ this allows children to physically feel the effects of insulation for artic animals. Children enjoy making blubber gloves in their groups. Few materials are needed for this effective experiment.
I would also encourage children to record their predictions and results using drawings or photographs, making it easier to track their learning and reflect on what worked well.
Activity set: Aliens and Space
class: Senior infants
I think when introducing this topic it is important to set the scene. Today we are going on an exciting journey into space! We will begin by talking about what we know about space. Children will have lots to offer on this topic so allowing them to discuss in groups about planets, stars, the Moon, and astronauts will help.
We will then imagine what aliens might look like and think about the question, If aliens existed, what would they be like? What would they eat? How would they communicate? What would they look like?
For an art activity, each child will design and create their own friendly alien using paper, crayons, paints, or collage materials. (This could also be done in groups with each child adding something unique)They should think about where their alien lives, how it moves, and what makes it special. I would encourage the children to write simple sentences about their drawing.
Next, children will work in small groups to create a short drama scene. They will pretend to be astronauts landing on a new planet and meeting friendly aliens for the first time. Encourage them to use expressive voices, movements, and imaginative dialogue. Each group will perform their scene for the class.
To finish, it would be important to reflect on what we think about aliens and to remind them although there is no proof of aliens yet, it is not impossible.
While I don’t have Senior infants next year I think integrating drama into any curricular area is extremely beneficial.
I have always been fascinated with the idea of Aliens. It leaves so much scope for interpretation. I find these topics really develop oral language skills and encourages lots of class discussion. Integrating with art is a win win for Junior classes.
Hi Emily
I love the idea of including sensory trays for children in the Autism class. This could even be used as an activity to arrange different materials and colours for specific planets.
<p style=”text-align: left;”>Activity set: Planets</p>
Class: Senior InfantsIf I was to introduce the planets to senior infants I would try to make the lesson as hand-on as possible.
I would begin by showing the children pictures of a real planet and ask them what they already know. This would help to identify prior knowledge.
Questions I would ask
-why do you think some planets are bigger than others?
-what do you notice about the different planets?
-why do you think there is only life on Earth?
For my activity children could order planets from closed to furthest from the sun. I would support this by learning Jack Heartmans planets rap song on YouTube.
Enquiry based activity
Age: Senior Infant
Investigation: what would happen if we lived on the moon.
I would begin asking the children do they know anything about the moon. Followed with showing them images of the moon.
I would introduce simple facts about gravity, air and temperature. Children could discuss and record what they would need to survive. They could also compare their predictions with other groups.
To finish we could design moon shelters using blocks, junk art or paper. I think this would encourage children to communicate in groups and engage in space talk.