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I would choose the “Hands-on classroom themed activities” option. I would use this activity to create a STEM-focused School Self Evaluation (SSE) in my classroom by incorporating hands-on, inquiry-based learning experiences that align with the science skills and school themes. For example, I could set up a “Design a Bridge” station where students have to design and build bridges using different materials, testing their strength and durability, and then reflect on what they learned about structural integrity and engineering principles. This activity would allow students to develop their problem-solving skills, work collaboratively, and think critically about real-world applications of STEM concepts. As a follow-up, I would also conduct a reflection activity where students would write about their design process, what they learned from the experience, and how they could apply those skills to other areas of their lives.
I would choose the “Stars” activity set to use in an infant classroom. This activity is suitable for infants as it encourages exploration and discovery through sensory experiences. I would set up a darkened room with twinkling lights or glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling to create a night sky effect. Infants would be able to explore and discover the stars using their senses, making connections between the visual and auditory stimuli. I would also provide soft, star-shaped objects for them to touch and manipulate, further developing their tactile sense. This activity would be a great way to engage infants in learning about the concept of the stars and night sky, while also promoting their cognitive and motor skills development.
I would use the “The Spherical Earth” activity in my classroom to help my students visualize and understand the concept of a spherical Earth. I would begin by introducing the idea that the Earth is a sphere, and then provide students with a ball (or a globe) to physically demonstrate this concept. I would then ask students to work in groups to design and create a model of the Earth using different materials such as clay, paper plates, or Styrofoam balls. This hands-on activity would allow students to visualize the curvature of the Earth and gain a deeper understanding of its shape. Additionally, I would use this activity to tie in with other concepts such as day and night and seasons. The activity would be designed to be fun and engaging, while also promoting critical thinking and creativity.
My name is Eimear and I teach senior infants. I recently completed a dissertation on the use of picture books to promote IBL for science investigations. we read picture books that linked to teaching the children about materials. This led to lots of child led discussions where they came up with that experiments they wanted to do. It was amazing to see the children take autonomy over their learning.
My favourite space fact is that there are apparently more stars in the universe than grains of sand on all the beaches on the Earth!
