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With my 2nd class, I would use a hands-on rocket activity to spark curiosity about science, math, and engineering. We would start by discussing what rockets are used for and the forces that make them move, introducing terms like “thrust,”and “gravity,” in age-appropriate language. Pupils would then work in small groups to design and build simple paper or straw rockets. We would test them by launching with a straw or air pump, measuring how far each rocket travels. This gives them a concrete way to connect cause and effect — for example, how changing the shape of the rocket’s nose or fins can affect its flight. Afterward, we would reflect together: What worked well? What changes might make it fly further? This activity encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and creativity while grounding STEM concepts in a fun, tangible experience that pupils are excited to talk about and build upon.
In my class classroom, I would use the hands on activities as an engaging, hands-on way to explore our planet’s structure, surface features, and environmental systems. For example, we could create a 3D Earth model using layers of coloured clay to represent the core, mantle, and crust, allowing pupils to physically “cut” through and see what’s inside. Outdoors, we could map a mini “Earth walk,” where students identify land, water, and vegetation zones in our schoolyard, then compare their observations to a globe.
To deepen the STEM focus, I would integrate simple experiments—such as demonstrating erosion with soil, water, and trays. Further steps could include using digital tools like Google Earth for virtual exploration, inviting a local environmental scientist to speak, and linking our findings to climate change and sustainability projects, fostering curiosity and real-world connections.
I Love this lesson. I think 2nd class in particular is fascinated with stars in our galaxy. I will definitely be using this idea in the coming school year.
Last Easter, our 2nd class classroom was transformed into outer space for our “Space and Aliens” activity. We began with a short discussion about what we already knew about space, planets, and what aliens might look like. The children’s ideas were wild and wonderful—from friendly, rainbow-coloured creatures to tiny, invisible aliens who live in teacups!
Next, I played atmospheric space sounds in the background while we worked. Pupils designed their own alien on paper, gave them names, powers, and favourite foods. Some even created “alien passports”. We then used craft materials—pipe cleaners, googly eyes, and foil—to make small 3D alien models.
To finish, each pupil recorded a short video introducing their alien in character. We played this back to the whole class. The activity encouraged creativity, storytelling, speaking skills, and teamwork, while bringing plenty of laughter and imagination to our day.
I love this lesson and as you said it’s a plus bringing them outside three times that day! Great reinforcement showing them the shadow with the teddy also.
I always do a space project with 2nd class.
This year I introduced my 2nd class pupils to Gustav Holst’s The Planets, and it turned into a magical journey through space and sound. We started by talking about the planets in our solar system—what they look like, how far away they are—and then I told them that Holst wrote music to imagine what each planet might feel like. When the Mars song began, I asked them to close their eyes and “travel” in their minds. Some imagined marching robot armies, others heard stomping dinosaurs on another planet! With Venus, the room became calm; one child pictured floating on a cloud, another thought of a space garden with sparkling flowers. After listening, they each drew a scene inspired by the music, using bold colours for Mars and soft shades for Venus. With the help of my SNA we photographed their artwork and created a digital slideshow, adding the music so families could enjoy their children’s cosmic adventures at home. The activity sparked not only their listening skills but also their creativity, storytelling, and sense of wonder. It reminded me how music can transport us far beyond the classroom walls.I would use a simple inquiry-based activity with 2nd class called “What is the Moon Made Of?” to explore space. I’d start by asking students what they already know about the Moon, prompting questions like “Why does the Moon look different every night?” or “What do you think the Moon is made of?” This encourages curiosity and taps into their prior knowledge.
Next, I would have students explore different materials (sand, rocks, flour, etc.) to create a model of the Moon’s surface. They could hypothesize which materials might match what they think the Moon is made of, based on their observations of photos or videos of the Moon.
Throughout the activity, I’d guide them to ask further questions, such as “Why is the Moon so rough?” or “How do we know what’s on the Moon?” The hands-on exploration and questioning deepen their understanding of space while fostering critical thinking in a fun, engaging way.Hi, My name is Laura. I teach 2nd class and have done for the past 4 years. That age group in particular is fascinated with space, the universe and the planets. They love doing their space projects at the end of the year. One space fact that they find fascinating is that there are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on the beaches of Earth!
What is Space? Mind Map
