Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
Hi Yvonne, I think this lesson activity sounds really fun and engaging and would make any class excited to involve themselves into the scientific and STEM elements of the lesson. I would love to do this or something similar with my class.
I would use the Activity Set: The Planets as part of a whole-class plan to celebrate Space Week with my 2nd class. I believe this activity provides an excellent opportunity to develop pupils’ curiosity through inquiry-based and hands-on learning while integrating Science with other areas of the curriculum.
To begin the week, I would use a KWL chart to explore pupils’ prior knowledge and encourage them to generate questions about the Solar System. Throughout the week, pupils would work collaboratively to investigate the planets using models, images, fact cards, and digital resources. They would compare the planets based on their size, colour, and position in the Solar System before creating their own labelled models or posters. We could also integrate Art by constructing papier-mâché planets, English by writing fact files, and Mathematics by ordering planets according to their distance from the Sun.
To conclude Space Week, pupils would present their projects to the class and reflect on what they learned by revisiting the KWL chart and discussing any new questions they have about space. This reflection would reinforce that scientific inquiry is an ongoing process of asking questions, investigating evidence, and developing new understanding.
This activity aligns with the Primary Science Curriculum (1999) by developing the Working Scientifically skills of questioning, observing, predicting, recording, communicating, and evaluating. It also reflects the vision of the Primary Curriculum Framework (2023) by promoting collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. A dedicated Space Week would provide pupils with memorable, engaging learning experiences that foster a lifelong interest in science and encourage them to see themselves as active explorers of the world around them.
I think this is a great lesson idea and really enjoyed reading about how you would link it to the theme of weather and homes, it helps make the concept really practical for senior infants and I believe this lesson would definitely get them involved and excited about STEM.
I would choose the Hands-on Classroom Themed Activities as they provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to develop scientific knowledge and inquiry skills through active learning. One activity I would implement with a 2nd class is a simple engineering challenge where pupils work in small groups to design and build a bridge using paper, straws, and tape. Before beginning, I would encourage pupils to predict which designs they think will be the strongest and explain their reasoning. During the investigation, they would test, evaluate, and modify their bridges, developing resilience and problem-solving skills through trial and improvement.
After the activity, pupils would reflect on what worked well, what challenges they encountered, and how they improved their designs. They would share their findings with the class, promoting communication and collaboration while learning from one another.
This activity aligns with the Primary Science Curriculum (1999) by developing the Working Scientifically skills of questioning, predicting, observing, investigating, recording, communicating, and evaluating. It also reflects the vision of the Primary Curriculum Framework (2023) by promoting curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and collaborative learning. As part of a STEM-focused School Self-Evaluation (SSE), I would encourage colleagues to incorporate more inquiry-based STEM activities across class levels and use pupil voice, teacher reflection, and samples of children’s work to evaluate their impact. This process would help identify strengths, areas for development, and opportunities to further embed STEM across the school curriculum.
I think this lesson is a great hands on lesson that really conceptualizes abstract concepts for the students. The use of the torches would really engage the students and help them to understand the concepts better.
For first class I would choose the Activity Set: Space and Aliens as it provides an engaging and imaginative way to introduce children to early scientific concepts.
<p class=”isSelectedEnd”>Introduction: I would begin with a class discussion about what pupils already know or wonder about space, encouraging them to ask questions such as, “Could aliens exist?” or “What might a planet look like?” I would then use this discussion as the basis for a KWL chart and we would create this as a class.</p>
Development: The Children could work collaboratively to design and create their own imaginary alien using recycled materials before describing how their alien survives in space. This activity integrates Science, Visual Arts, Oral Language and Drama, promoting creativity alongside communication skills. Following this the students will sort pictures of real and imaginary space objects, helping pupils distinguish between facts and fiction.Conclusion: The class will share their creations and reflect on what they learned about space. We will then fill out the rest of the KWL chart. I believe this activity would foster collaboration, imagination and scientific curiosity while creating an enjoyable, inclusive learning environment for young children.
That’s such an interesting lesson Louise, I love the idea of using the outside space to investigate shadows!
For my lesson I would choose the Activity Set: The Planets which would introduce 2nd class pupils to the solar system through an inquiry-based approach. The aim of the activity would be to encourage children to explore, question and discover scientific concepts related to the planets in a meaningful and engaging way.
Introduction: To begin the lesson I would use a KWL chart to identify the pupils’ prior knowledge and generate questions about the planets. This will help me to identify what the students already know and build on that.
Development: I would then split the class into groups and provide the groups with planet fact cards, images and simple models to investigate asking questions such as ;which planet is closest to the sun?’, ‘which is the largest planet?’, ‘why do the planets look different?’ etc. Students will then record their findings using labelled diagrams, drawings or comparison charts before sharing their discoveries with the class.
Conclusion: The students will come up in groups and present their findings and then as a whole class we will revisit the KWL chart and engage in a class discussion.
This is such an interesting lesson prompt and a great way of incorporating something relevant to the students such as the cars movie to keep them engaged!
To implement an inquiry-based lesson into my classroom I would use a hands-on investigation exploring the solar system. This activity would encourage students to ask questions, make observations, and develop their understanding of space through exploration. By using models, images and simple resources, children can actively construct their own knowledge rather than simply receiving information.
Engagement: I would begin by displaying images of the planets and ask pupils what they already know about space. Using a KWL chart, I would encourage them to share their ideas and generate questions such as ‘why are some planets bigger than others’ or ‘which planet is closest to the sun’ etc, which will help to activate any prior knowledge the students have.
Investigate: Working in small groups, pupils will explore models, fact cards, and visual resources to answer their questions. I would get them to compare the planets based on size, colour, distance from the sun and other observable features. The students would then be tasked with recording their findings through drawings, labelled diagrams or simple charts, encouraging collaboration, communication and scientific inquiry.
Construction: The students would then use their new knowledge to engage in a hands-on task where they create a model or poster of the solar system, explaining one interesting fact about their new chosen planet.
Conclusion: The class will come together and discuss what the students discovered and revisit the questions from the KWL chart and identify any new knowledge they have about space and answer any questions they had.