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I would use the moon in the classroom in the following way.
First of all I would write the word Space on the whiteboard and find out what the children already know and would like to know on the topic.
We would then look at a picture of Neil Armstrong and listen to a short piece about his life and why he is so famous and we would draw a picture of him.
In the next lesson we would watch a youtube clip of the moon landing and we would take turns re-enacting the first steps on the moon. I think this would be a fun activity for the children and you could maybe have a little areas with blankets, bubble wrap etc where they could practice their walk.
In the final lesson, we would complete a short and simple sequencing activity on the life of Neil Armstrong. Cutting and gluing would also enhance motor skills.
Likewise Orla, have used chalk to teach about shadows but this might be a new way to teach the same concept.
Hi all,
My name is Anthony and I am currently a support teacher with 3rd/4th but will be making the move come September to work with the younger classes in Junior and Senior Infants so thought this course choice would be a good way to get me thinking about the pitch of lessons going forward in my new role.
I think the inquiry based lesson on waterproof materials would be very effective in the infant classes. It is simple and does not require a huge amount of resources and those that it does require would be more than likely easily gathered.
I think the idea of getting the children to clean up small spillages would also tie in very well with the life skills they will be learning in the classroom and how to clean up after themselves which takes an awful lot of training.My favourite space fact is that the sun is in fact a star. Something that I do know but something that causes shock and surprise amongst children every year without fail.
Hi Sinead,
This a lovely lesson I could see working very effectively and stimulating interest. Thanks for sharing.
Create a dark sky space in your school
Firstly you would have to identify a space where this could be done effectively. For us, the only option might be to use a corner of the pe hall as everywhere else is occupied. This in itself would be a challenge straight away as there are high up windows. Then possibly using something along the lines of a temporary clothes line, hang up from wall to wall. Cover these with dark blankets or quilts that will block out the light. Then the fun starts, using leds or fairy lights have some fun in the space recreating a night sky. You could also used those glow in the dark stars that are used on childrens bedroom walls. You could try to recreate different constellations and explore further learning on this in class. Alternatively, arrange a visit to another school that may have a planetarium.
Like you Deirdre, would never have taught about light pollution before so it would be new content for the classes.
I am lucky to live in an area that boasts a diverse array of ecosystems and species, influenced by its coastal location, varied terrain, and temperate climate. Here’s a glimpse into the biodiversity of Tralee:
Coastal Habitats: Tralee Bay and its surrounding coastline are home to a range of marine and coastal species. Seabirds such as gulls, terns, and cormorants can be spotted along the shores. The bay also supports a variety of fish and shellfish species.
Wetlands and Rivers: The River Lee and its tributaries provide habitats for freshwater species. Wetlands, such as those found in Tralee Bay Wetlands Nature Reserve, are important for migratory birds, waterfowl, and aquatic plants.
Woodlands and Parks: Tralee is dotted with woodlands and parks, including Tralee Town Park and Ballyseedy Wood. These areas support a mix of native and introduced tree species, providing habitat for birds, mammals, insects, and plants.
Flora and Fauna: The biodiversity in Tralee includes a variety of plant species adapted to the local climate, from coastal dunes to inland woodlands. These support diverse insect populations, which in turn are crucial for pollination and ecosystem health.
All of these are impacted by light pollution are previously detailed in module 3. Use of sensors, dim lighting, led lighting, timers and light pollution plans would help.
Growing up in an Urban area I was always accustomed to going to sleep at night with an orange glow in the room from street lighting. When I moved to a rural setting a nymber of years ago, the dark at night took time to get used to… I walk out the back and can see clearly on a clear night and feel saddened for those who can’t. The night the arora borealis was readily seen in May, I was out studying the sky, like everyone else and really noticed the orange glow above the town, approx 7km away. It was only on reading the environmental impact and the human impace of this sky glow that I realised how harmful it is, also how costly. To explain this to kids, I would look up the dark skies website and show them the various sites around Ireland. There was a lovely experiment detailed on https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/constellations-light-pollution , It details setting up a classroom as dark as you can, using a flashlight with sugar paper covering the light source and a few pin holes in it… gradually increasing the amount of natural light being left back into the room and the effect then on the light coming from the flashlight. Kids will probably be familiar with smog and smoke pollution, but light pollution might be a new concept to them.
Construct a sundial in your immediate area or plan for your school grounds to see where a sundial could be placed
Location: Choose a central location like the school’s main courtyard or a nearby open space that is easily accessed.
Orientation: Ensure there is enough open space around the sundial to avoid shadows from buildings or trees.
Design: Include a circular stone or concrete base with hour lines engraved or painted on it. Make sure the sundial is fixed properly to the base.
Educational Integration: Place educational signs around the sundial explaining how it works and how to read it. Include facts about the history of sundials and their use in ancient times.In our school we already have one in the sensory garden, though it is underutilised there as you need a key to gain access to the garden. Would be better to look at a new location next year.
