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Using “The Sun and Shadows” activity set in my classroom presents an exciting opportunity to blend science and hands-on learning. Here’s how I’d implement it:
Introduction to Concepts: Firstly, I’d introduce the basic concepts of the sun’s movement, the earth’s rotation, and how shadows are formed. Using a globe and a flashlight, I’d demonstrate the earth’s rotation and how it causes day and night.
Outdoor Shadow Exploration: We’d then move outside for a practical exploration. Students would work in pairs to trace their shadows at different times of the day—morning, noon, and afternoon—marking the shadow positions with chalk. This hands-on activity not only illustrates how shadows change but also engages students in observational learning.
Data Collection and Analysis: Back in the classroom, students would record their findings in a shadow journal, noting the time of day and the length and direction of their shadows. They’d compare their data with their peers to identify patterns.
Discussion and Reflection: A class discussion would follow, where students share their observations and reflections on how and why shadows change throughout the day. This encourages critical thinking and verbal articulation of their understanding.
Integration with Technology: To enhance understanding, we’d use an app or software that simulates the sun’s movement and shadow formation, allowing students to manipulate variables like time and location to see the effects.
Cross-curricular Connections: I’d integrate this activity with art by having students create shadow art, tracing objects and then coloring them to understand how light and shadow affect perception. In language arts, students could write a reflective piece or a story about their shadow exploration experience.
Assessment and Feedback: Assessment would be through their shadow journals, participation in discussions, and the creative projects. Providing feedback would be crucial, focusing on their observation skills, data analysis, and ability to draw conclusions from their findings.
Conclusion: Reflecting on this activity, I’d note how it fosters a deep understanding of scientific principles through active participation and cross-curricular integration. The hands-on approach not only makes learning fun but also ensures that students grasp and retain the concepts effectively.
Hi Sinéad,
Thank you for sharing your introduction and the fascinating fact about Mars. Junior Infants are lucky to have such an engaging teacher!
I love the inquiry-based activity you’ve suggested. “How to grow a rainbow” sounds like a wonderful way to combine art and science, and it’s perfect for capturing the curiosity of young learners. The explanation about capillary action in the kitchen roll is clear and easy to understand, making it a great educational moment.
I would say the kids will have a great reaction to these exciting activities!
Hi, My name is Kevin . I currently teach First Class and lot’s of the kids in the class have a huge interest in STEM, doing experiments and space so this course was of interest.
My favourite space fact is: ONE MILLION EARTHS CAN FIT INSIDE THE SUN
The inquiry based activity that I have chosen to discuss today is the fingerprint experiment. I feel this experiment would create great excitement and interest.
I would begin with the trigger: A Youtube video showing a thief leaving his fingerprints on a window.
Wondering: Asking the children what a fingerprint is? What mistake did the thief make? How can the guards use this information from the print ? What if the print is not on file? How can they solve the crime ?
Starter question: How could the guards get the print from the window?
Predicting: Record answers.
Conducting the experiment: Secret thief .. I would pick a child to leave his/her fingerprints on the classroom window without the other kid’s knowledge of who it is. All the children would print their fingerprints on sheets and then try to investigate the prints and find the thief.
Interpreting results: Look at the results and interpret the data (fingerprints on the board before matching the fingerprints to the thiefs.
Extension: Free Writing : The thieves fingerprints
Teacher reflection with children.
