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I found that putting a space week together was a fun experience. The sky really is the limit to be honest. An expwriment per day is truly possible although i didnt do this in the plan submitted. All activities can be a direct link to space or can be adapted to support a space theme. It did reveal to me that so many subjects can be integreted which covers our curricular objectives. It does require mindful planning to incorporate what is necessary. It may be possible to lost in the activities alone. Ultimately the children and teacher will have a literal blast during this week.
Here are some activities that could be used for a Space Week. I have tried to integrate SESE, art, literacy, and music.
Day 1: Introduction to Space
Teacher can utilise the mind map idea or KWL chart for focus activity.
Teacher can show a short video about space exploration from the ESA website.
Song: Fly me to the moon by Frank Sinatra could be played on this day as a nice link.Class can create a solar system model using craft materials. Students can use polystyrene balls, paint, and string to create a 3D model of the solar system. Children Discuss can visit the library where they can go on a book hunt for space reading materials.These can be displayed in class for the week.They can uses class ipads to research the planets, for example their order, and one interesting fact about each. Results can be recorded in booklet to be kept for rest of week for personal fact Book.
ESA’s Planetary Science page can be used as a supporting resourse.
Spaceplace.nasa.gov also.“Space Maths” – Calculate the distances between planets using a scaled-down version of the solar system. Convert distances into smaller units and create a chart.
For example. Many activities can be adapted to support space theme.
Read aloud “The Skies Above My Eyes” by Charlotte GuillainDay 2: Astronaut Adventures
Class Activity
The class can write a diary entry/postcard/text message/email as an astronaut exploring a new planet. Students can imagine what they see, feel, and experience.Class can research and explore about Earth’s atmosphere and how it compares to other planets. Discussion can explore what makes Earth habitable. ESA website’s educational resources on the Earth’s atmosphere can be used here.
Picture The Darkest Dark” by Chris Hadfield is a lovely resourse that can be used as a stimulusAdd favourite fact of the day learned into booklet
Day 3: To Infinity and Beyond
Class or groups can create a space-themed mural. Use different art materials (paint, collage, chalk) to create a large mural/group murals in the school corridor depicting galaxies, planets, and stars.
Activity: Learn and sing songs related to space.
Some Suggested Songs:
“The Planets Song” (to learn the order of the planets)
“Rocket Ship Run” by Laurie Berkner
“Space Oddity” (simplified version) by David Bowie
Children can create movement to songs
Revetment By Elton JohnReading Aloud
Book: “There’s No Place Like Space: All About Our Solar System” by Tish RabeAdd favourite fact of the day learned into booklet
Day 4: Space Explorers
Research famous astronauts (e.g., Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, Mae Jemison, Yuri Gagarin). Students can work in pairs to create a mini-poster about one astronaut and present it to the class.
Children can role-play as astronauts preparing for a space mission. Students can act out scenes of preparing for a launch, floating in space, and landing back on Earth.
Picture Book Reading aloud:
“Look Up!” by Nathan BryonAdd favourite fact of the day learned into booklet.
Day 5:Reflection
Have a virtual tour of space. Use the ESA website to explore different missions.
Use Resource ESA Virtual Tours and Space Exploration resources.Games – Have some a fun activires for eg a quiz based on everything learned during the week or bingo on space oral language.
Conduct experiment on rocket launching- mice rockets
Picture Book Reading:
“How to Catch a Star” by Oliver JeffersChildren can share highlights from the week via booklet or can showcase their art, diaries, and posters.
End with a sing-along to one of the space songs learned during the week. Or children can create own rap to the weeks work.Brilliant and diverse activities to explore the concept of how to move objects. I can see these experiments being carried out very agentically jn older classes
<p style=”text-align: left;”>I totally agree Felicity. The use of comic strip/cartoon strip is very effective method. I particularly love how it incorporates many areas of PLC also with use of writing genre, oral language, grammar, punctuation and is all done in a fun and engaging way.</p>
Online tools and resources
Use ESA Kids’ website for videos, interactive games, and printable resources. There are lots of visual aids like pictures, videos, and models to keep the children engaged.
Parents can encouraged to visit the ESA Kids website with their children at home by send home a QR code or note with site details.
Through this site the class can cearn about Earth observation from space and why it is important.
Earth Observation Game: Use an interactive game from ESA Kids that shows Earth from space.
Mapping Activity: Children can create a simple map of the Earth as seen from space.
Class can have a discussion on how satellites help us protect the environment (e.g., monitoring deforestation, climate change).
Another great lesson from this allowd the children to learn and understand what it’s like to live in space and how astronauts adapt to the space environment.
Teacger can Show a video from ESA Kids on how astronauts eat, sleep, and live on the ISS.
Class Discussion where children Talk about how life in space is different from life on Earth.
Have children role-play different daily activities as if they were in space (e.g., floating, eating food from a pouch, drinking, sleeping etc.
Here are some ideas from the UNAWE (Universe Awareness) international educational programmr which introduces young children, to the wonders of the universe. The site allows the teacher to create engaging, age-appropriate activities that spark their interest in astronomy and science. For example
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Constellation Art would be a lovy way to introduce the concept of simple constellations
The class can Use star stickers or glitter to create constellations on black construction paper. Teacher can first show them famous constellations like the Big Dipper and then let them create their own. This could be an open medium activiity where the class could choose their own method of representation of the constellationsSpace-Themed Show and Tell where the class can explore a space-related topic of their choice. Each child will bring in an item related to space (a book, a model, a toy) and shares why they think it is interesting.
Rocket Launch Simulation is a fun way to learn about rockets and space travel. The chilren will create simple paper rockets and have a “launch day” where students “launch” their rockets by blowing through straws or using bottles. Discuss how rockets work and what they are used for.Another site that had many great resourse for children parents and educators I discovered was https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/. It was very user friendly too.
That is an unbelievable fact Francis. I read the article tpu posted. Very poignant read and wasn’t expecting it. I could anticipate the blackness of the unknown but from my own limited perspective. Definitely not from a space afficado and the concept of the overview effect is fascinating to read. Thank you for sharing this.
Please pass on well done to your colleague Hillary. I will spend time on this with my class next year. Fantastic project 👍
Deirdre, I didn’t know about the Blackrock observatory prior to signing up for this course. I would love to take my class on a tour but my own children would love to visit also.
I choose the Aliens and Space topic. I will use the book The Three Little Aliens and the Big Bad Robot and read to class.
We will each make our own aliens as a whole class activity, using marla, googly eyes, pipecleaners etc. We will name them and design a house for them to live in. they will plan this to prepare for the weeks station activities beginning on the following day.
Area One: The children will build a home for their aliens to live in. The children can use materials from Junk Art and clas supplies. They can use their marla alien for spacing, sizing, etc. They have chosen a planet so much keep in mind the conditions.
Area Two : Draw a map: CHidren will have to draw and map space for their aleins journey. Can cna choose which medium they want to use. Start point is at home with their mum and end point will be their chosen planet
Area Three: Write a letter/postcard to mum telling her how things are going on the trip. Chidren can design picture in front of card.
Area Four: Children will describe their alien. Provide prompts such as “My alien name is…” and “My alien likes to…”
Encourage students to write a few sentences about their alien focusing on creativity and descriptive writing.Whole Class Activity: Make Big Bad Robot
I totally agree Celine, and ones to include topics that would integrete perfectly into SPHE also. During my searches, I found this one for example that keeps theme of space, planets and aliens, however yu can draw so much else form it to attend to other curricular areas.
The Boy who went to Mars.
I have been signposted to so many new and valuable resources. On my deep dive into all things space I found this little gem for books. You inspired me to share Niall. Thank you
https://www.planetary.org/articles/space-books-kids
