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I would use an inquiry-based rocket activity with my junior class. To introduce the lesson, I would show the children a simple paper rocket and encourage them to ask questions about how rockets travel. Together, we would discuss possible answers and make predictions about which rocket might travel the furthest.
The children would work in small groups to test rockets made from different materials, such as paper and card. Before launching the rockets, they would record their predictions. They would then carry out the investigation, observing carefully and comparing the distances travelled by each rocket.
After the activity, the children would discuss their findings and compare the results with their original predictions. This would help them understand that scientists learn through questioning, investigating and testing ideas.
This activity would develop important science skills, including observing, predicting, investigating and communicating. It would also encourage teamwork, problem-solving and discussion while making learning about space engaging, practical and fun.
Hi. My name is Fionnuala and I teach SET. I have a child who has a particular interest in Space and look forward to using ideas and resources with hime next year.
I think children are more aware of climate change than ever before. We have so many storms in ireland every year and weather disasters around the world. They love lessons on climate and how they can help prevent climate change.
Research Question: How climate change is affecting Polar Bears and their habitats
The junior classes love stories about animals. A lovely story to use is “Polar Bears” by Gail Gibbons; a beautifully illustrated book that introduces young readers to polar bears, their habitats, and the challenges they face due to climate change.
This would be a great resource to create discussion about Polar Bears.
We would investigate the life of a polar bear, environment , food etc. The children would watch short videos about polar bears and how climate change is changing their habitats and feeding habits.
The WWF also has fabulous resources for the Climate Detective question being researched.
The children would become familiar with temperature and how we as humans have changed the temperature for the polar cap which the bear depends on. We would also use the satellite tracker for polar bears on the WWF Website
https://www.arcticwwf.org/wildlife/polar-bear/polar-bear-tracker/
We would create a climate change environment within the classroom to show how reducing energy would help with the temperature of our planet.The children would create posters to using pictures to show how climate change is affecting the polar bear and other groups would show how we could help reverse climate change for our polar bears.I love the title Nose in the Air and can imagine how this topic would generate a lot of conversation on climate change and air pollution.
Satelite Tracker
The satellite tracker I used was N2YO.com
1. Lemur 2 Johnnytruong USA launched 3/4/2024
This satellite is equipped with Polarimetric Radio Occultation (PRO) sensors to detect and characterize precipitation
2. Lemur-2-Nichol launched September 28th 2020 USA
This satellite orbits between 400 to 600 km in height its mission is radio occultation sounding and ship tracking
3. Spacebee-172 USA launced 16/12/2023
The SpaceBEE 172 satellite is part of a constellation of picosatellites developed by Swarm Technologies. These satellites are designed to provide two-way satellite communications and data relay. The primary purpose of the SpaceBEE satellites is to offer low-cost, global connectivity for Internet devices
4. The ISS (International Space Station) launched in 1998
It is a large space station assembled and maintained in low Earth orbit by a collaboration of five space agencies and their contractors: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada)
This satellite is a science laboratory dedicated to helping humans learn how to live in space, figuring out how the space environment affects biology–and human bodies. Other onboard experiments are carried out to have a better understanding of how the cosmos works.
5. I have to admit I struggled to find a good tracker using the browser and ended up using this one to find satellite no 5, satellite chasers app.
OBJECT WK launched 1998 from Kazakhstan
This one is a bit of a puzzle. It says on the satellite tracker that it is active but other websites say it is space debris.The film Home by Yann Arthus-Bertrand, despite being over an hour and a half long, feels like just 10 minutes due to its compelling message that captivates the viewer. I would need to present it in segments to a class to allow for questions and discussions. It carries a vital message about our responsibility for the future of our planet in the coming decades. It’s essential to understand that even small changes in our daily routines can make a significant difference. This could lead to a discussion about Greta Thunberg and her efforts to combat climate change. The video would inspire the children to become role models for younger students and engage them in assisting junior classes with recycling initiatives at school. Utilizing a carbon footprint calculator would be an excellent tool to raise the children’s awareness of their environmental impact.
I agree it would benefit the childrens wellbeing while also forming a connection with the film and an awareness of climate change
I also like the extension idea of the carbon footprint project and creating campaign posters. They would prompt everyone to examine their own carbon footprint while passing the display. One we will definitely try.
Activity 3
The kids possess a vast amount of knowledge regarding climate change. This lesson is quite hands-on, allowing them to brainstorm what they’ve learned about climate change and greenhouse gases. Many children are already familiar with recycling practices in their school and how recycling is implemented at home. Numerous kids are now taking their bottles to recycling drop-off points and are increasingly mindful of the bottles that remain unreturned. Additionally, they recognize the concept of zero grazing in agriculture and understand that the higher consumption of beef leads to an increase in methane gas in the atmosphere.
The Paxi video is both informative and entertaining, primarily aimed at older students. It helps children understand the greenhouse effect through the use of engaging images and clear explanations. The video doesn’t just focus on negative aspects; it also conveys an uplifting message that even small changes we make can positively impact climate change. Students would likely appreciate the temperature predictor tool, allowing them to explore how temperature is influenced not only by global factors but also by local conditions. I expect a a great discussion to arise, especially since we are situated in a rural/suburban area. This could lead to a productive debate.The idea of a weather committee is a great one. All help when going for a green flag for the school.
Module 1
After reviewing “Unravelling STEM: Beyond the Acronym of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics” (Liston 2018), I can recognize several STEM concepts and activities that I incorporate into my teaching. While my classroom does have areas that promote creativity, I find that the students are more engaged when they participate in teamwork and problem-solving activities outside the classroom. Experience serves as a strong motivator for them, especially when the tasks involve building and construction. I acknowledge that tracking these activities is an aspect I need to improve in!
Is it weather or climate.
The videos are very informative and also incorporate a fun aspect. I plan to use the weather watcher next year. “Nose up high in the sky” is unfamiliar to me, but the kids will have a great time while learning about weather and climate.
Weather detectives
I really enjoy the concept of creating an anemometer and documenting daily observations. This is something that would greatly benefit all grade levels, from the basic idea of using paper cups to more advanced designs that older students might devise. In our school, we were provided with an electronic weather system, but to be honest, the students don’t connect with it. It was part of a green flag initiative, and now it just sits unused. I have utilized classroom materials that allow students to choose how to describe the weather, and we have some thermometers. We might use a rain gauge next year. One year, we made windsocks, and we even had one attached to a fishing rod. The excitement in the classroom was palpable whenever it changed direction.It is a wonderful contribution to your community involving the school in the beach clean up. When children see how they can help it becomes more clear that it’s the future generations they are helping. Landlocked here so our resources are limited.
In our community, sustainability is certainly gaining traction. We have initiated projects such as recycling bottles at our school with support from the broader community, conducting litter clean-ups, and establishing our school garden. I am eager to delve into sustainability through the introduction of the GIY programme, which would provide the school with resources from a company located in Waterford. A walk around the school last year allowed us to identify issues like litter, green spaces, and potential projects to pursue. We compiled our findings and assessed areas for improvement. My hope is that by taking small steps and learning through trial and error, the children will recognise what is effective and what needs refinement. School committees play a crucial role as they enable students to learn from one another and express their opinions. Expanding our garden to cultivate vegetables would be a significant milestone for the school. It truly requires a community to back school initiatives, and the most effective way to achieve this is by understanding the origins of our food.
