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I would start my activity on space and aliens by using the picture book “Aliens wear underpants”. This is a fun and engaging book to spark interest and a great stimulus for discussions on space and aliens.
Think, pair and share – what we know about space and aliens
Brainstorm- what do you think aliens looks like and put drawings and words up on the IWB.
Template given for all children to engage with drawing their own alien- think about how we can make this – discussion on materials needed etc.
Make our aliens using a selection of 3d materials
Talk and discussion on shapes we made/ how many eyes/ mouths etc. (number work and shape and space)
Follow up – create an alien using 2d shapes – cut and stick activity – talk and discussion – did anyone use a triangle/circle/ square to make their picture? What shapes did you use and why?I like how this becomes more like a project and allows the children to investigate the moon and any changes are noted each night. It also get the parents involved and I’m sure the children would be highly motivated to engage fully with this
The activity I would choose would be on the planets.
As an intro to the topic the children would sit for circle time and look and listen to a picture book on the planets. Questions and discussion on the planets- focusing on unique features and some interesting facts using large visuals on IWB or printed pictures. E.g. Mars is known as the red planet etc.
Question: What is your favourite planet and why? (pair and group work or whole class discussion)
Activity: Using playdough make the planets of the solar system. Extension : show the mapping of the planets from the sun and on a laminated map ask the children to place their planets in the correct position.
Twinkl have lots of lovely resources and here is a cut and stick option that could be used if you didn’t have playdough- https://wordunited.com/free-resources/ordering-planets-cut-stick/This could then be extended into group/ whole class projects whereby the groups/class create larger solar systems from large spherical balls (Mr. Price). These can be painted and decorated to look like each planet and then ordered and hung from the ceiling to create a class solar system.
They can recall facts and add fact file cards to each planet also. They can also create their own planet, using a template- they decide what it is made of/ what it looks like/ who lives their etc. Draw and discuss it with peers.I love the sound of this. I think it’s so important for a lesson to spark the children’s interest. I can’t think of anything more interesting than to find the jelly thief! This lesson will be one I will use nest year for 1st class.
One of my favourite inquiry-based activities is building bridges. I completed this with a more senior class but I believe all ages would gain a lot from this activity. The activity was based around building and designing the strongest bridge. The activity is a great way to support the teaching of forces. Having looked at a variety of bridges and the way they are built to support a load, the children were allowed to brainstorm, design and explore how to build the strongest bridge – making decisions on design and materials used and why. The children were able to use critical thinking, problem solving and creativity to design their bridge. The results were amazing and they presented their finished work to the class, incorporating a question and answer session. Giving children the opportunity to have autonomy over their own learning is so important for their development and self-esteem. It allows space for creativity and control, and in my experience really gets the children excited about the project and new learning.
