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Stars activity.
I would begin the lesson with a KWL chart to find out what the children already know and what they would like to learn. What does the sky look like at night? We would speak about the word constellation and it’s meaning. Do they know the name of any constellations? I really like the activity of making the plough. There is so much learning in it and a lovely creation at the end. I am always looking for ways to kill 2 birds with 1 stone so its a great way of doing length at the same time as learning about the stars. & Art!
I would love to display them in the classroom or as someone else mentioned in the hallway, for all students to see. The children could observe the sky and look out for the different constellations as part of the homework. I think designing their own constellation would be a lovely extension activity.
These are lovely, hands-on activities for the children. I think they would really enjoy this type of lesson. Great idea!
I agree with your last statement Ellen. As there aren’t lots of expensive resources needed it makes these lessons so much easier for all teachers.
Day and Night activity.
I think this is a brilliant way to teach the children about why and how we have day and night. I would begin with a discussion about the sky in the daytime and what we can see. What does it look like? Will it look the same at both breaks? This would be a good opportunity to go outside and take some photos to compare the sky at different times of the day. This is an easy way to introduce technology and a movement break to the lesson. I thought that sticking the bears on the globe(ball) and shining the lamp was a really good way of showing the children how it is day in one country but night in another. I also liked that the children could face and turn away from the light depending on if the teachers calls day or night. It is a very interactive and inclusive activity. I would like to do the Art activity using the fabric to conclude.
I also really like the Earth mosaics and the Planet song. I will definitely use those in my class next year.
Hi all, my name is Eileen. I was teaching 1st and 2nd class this year. I am hoping to get some new ideas from the course for next year.
One of my favourite inquiry based learning science activities I have used in the past is a photo hunt. When teaching about materials and their properties, I first discuss what materials the children know about, their uses and where they might see them around school. Then we walk around the school and take photos of different materials with the iPads. When we get back to the classroom, we discuss & sort them by their materials or functions. We discuss why some materials are used for different things e.g. metal is used for the sink, why not wood or plastic?
Photo hunts are also great for Maths & are a great way of getting a movement break in too.
My favourite space fact is the average star is between one and ten billion years old!
