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Consider how many Songs / Poems /Art can you think of to connect us with the Night Sky? For example: Look up President Michael D Higgins’ “Stardust”
Poems and Rhymes for younger kids:
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
2. Star Light, Star Bright
3. Mr. Sun
4. Zoom, Zoom Zoom, We’re Going to the Moon.Songs:
1. Bruno Mars: Talking to the Moon
2. Coldplay: Sky Full of Stars
3. Katy Perry: Firework
4. When you wish upon a star : Pinocchio
5. Moon River
6. One Republic : Counting StarsArtists:
Vincent Van Gough : Starry Night
Henri Matisse: Stars MoonsI like how you plan to introduce the lesson. I also like the link between protecting nocturnal wildlife and keeping people safe in the dark. There is plenty of opportunities for the children to work collaboratively and to discuss the topic.
I like the idea of a sensory walk and the use of picture book to introduce the topic. This is a good way to introduce biodiversity to younger learners. The sorting activity is also a good way to get the children thinking about animals of day and night.
Engaging Learners to Explore Biodiversity and the Impacts of Light Pollution
To help learners explore biodiversity, I would use an inquiry-based approach that combines classroom learning with practical outdoor activities. Learners would take part in a biodiversity survey around the school grounds or a nearby park, where they would identify and record different plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife. Working in small groups, they would collect and compare data from different habitats to see how biodiversity varies across locations.
To introduce the topic of light pollution, I would explain how artificial light can affect nocturnal animals such as bats, moths, and owls. Learners could compare areas with higher and lower levels of artificial lighting and investigate how this might impact local wildlife using their own observations or existing data. After analysing their findings, they would discuss practical ways to reduce light pollution. This approach encourages learners to develop scientific investigation skills, work collaboratively, think critically about environmental issues, and gain a better understanding of the importance of protecting biodiversity.I really like your idea of “light detectives” as it encourages the children to explore and observe. The use of storytelling is also a great way to make the learning more meaningful for the children.
- Explore where artificial lights are used in the city and why its on the increase.
Street lights, housing developments, sports facilities, commercial areas.
2. Discuss how too much artificial light reduces the visibility of stars and planets, making it more difficult to observe the night sky. Discussion on how it affects wildlife, such as birds and insects. Talk about the how too much light wastes energy.
- Pupils can investigate light pollution by comparing the night sky in different locations, for example, a built-up area and a darker rural location, with the help of a parent or guardian. In school, pupils use light pollution maps and satellite images to identify brighter and darker parts of Cork.
- In school, pupils use light pollution maps and satellite images to identify brighter and darker parts of Cork. They can predict where the most stars would be visible and discuss the reasons. As a class, pupils can carry out a simple experiment using torches to demonstrate how excess light reduces visibility. They record observations, analyse results, and suggest ways to reduce light pollution, such as using shielded lighting, switching off unnecessary lights, and using energy-efficient outdoor lighting.
An autumn observing activity can be carried out in the school grounds. Before the lesson, use a planetarium app or sky map to identify which planets will be visible in the evening. During class, discuss where these planets will appear after sunset and compare their positions with the Sun’s path. If a planet such as Venus is visible during daylight, pupils can observe it safely under the teacher’s guidance . Pupils can use a model of the Solar System, star charts, and a compass to predict where Jupiter or Saturn will appear that evening. They can mark the directions on the playground using chalk and practice locating east, south, and west. Pupils record predictions in a science notebook and compare them with images from astronomy websites or a planetarium app the following day. This develops observation, prediction, recording, and spatial awareness skills while making astronomy practical and accessible.
Caitriona’s plan is very achievable and the children would really enjoy being outside. The idea of a moon diary would be very effective. Also having the dates would really help with this lesson.
I really like Niall’s ideas as they provide the children to work collaboratively together and share their own background knowledge on the planets. Its a good opportunity for peer learning.
I like the idea of using a book or story to begin the lesson. It gets the children thinking, generates discussion and encourages them to ask questions.
I agree!!
I think the idea of using the activity as a year long activity is a great idea. They will not only see the seasonal changes but also shows them how change can happen over a period of time as opposed to instantly.
Gravity/Weight – Assemble an Earth Tube and one other planet tube – decorate in a suitable manner.
I would introduce the lesson with talk and discussion around the planets. Id use pictures to generate this discussion. Focus of discussion would be around similarities and differences of the planets- colours, temperature, surfaces and moons. I would then present the hands on activity, giving clear instructions and a modelled example of how to decorate the tube.
The children would be asked to present their work to the class afterwards. They would be asked to explain why they made certain decisions, chose certain colours, and share some of the attributes of their chosen planets.