Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I really like the Rocket Mouse activity as it combines science with hands-on learning. I agree that allowing children to change one variable at a time is a great way to introduce the idea of a fair test. The links with Maths and oral language also make it a very useful cross-curricular activity.
Using Space Activities in Second Class
I would choose one of the space activities from this module and use it with my Second Class pupils. I think space is a topic that naturally interests children and gives them plenty of opportunities to ask questions, make predictions and investigate.
I would begin by discussing what the pupils already know about space, including the Sun, Moon, stars and planets. I would then use a hands-on activity to allow them to explore the topic rather than just learning facts. For example, pupils could investigate the phases of the Moon using different objects to represent the Earth, Moon and Sun. They could observe how the Moon appears to change depending on its position.
I would encourage the children to work in small groups and explain their ideas to each other. I could also use videos, photographs and an interactive resource on the whiteboard to support pupils who learn better through visual methods.
To record their learning, pupils could draw and label what they discovered or create a short digital page using Book Creator. This would allow them to show their understanding in different ways. I think these activities would make learning about space enjoyable, practical and memorable for Second Class.I really like your idea of using the children’s own coats to investigate how animals survive in cold climates. It makes the activity very practical and relatable for younger pupils. I also agree that keeping the fair test simple is important for infants. The two ice cubes in different locations would make it much easier for them to understand what a fair test means.
Using Hands-on STEM Activities in Second Class
I would choose the Hands-on Classroom Themed Activities because I think children learn best when they are given opportunities to explore, investigate and learn by doing. In Second Class, I would use hands-on STEM activities to encourage pupils to work together, ask questions, make predictions and find solutions to simple problems.
For example, I could give groups of pupils a challenge to design and build a bridge using materials such as lolly sticks, paper, cardboard or Lego. Before starting, the children would discuss what makes a bridge strong and predict which design might work best. They would then work in groups to create their bridge, test it and make changes if necessary.
I would encourage pupils to talk about what worked well and what they would change. This would develop important science skills such as observing, predicting, investigating and communicating. It would also link Science with Maths, Engineering and Digital Learning.
As part of STEM-focused School Self-Evaluation, I would record pupils’ work through photographs, short videos and examples of their designs. I could use these records to reflect on how well pupils are developing STEM skills and to identify areas for further development.I love the idea of thr KWL chart I often use them it really helps the students become aware of what they have learned.
Activity Set: Stars
I would use the Stars activity set with my Second Class pupils to introduce them to stars and encourage them to become curious about the night sky. I would begin by asking the children what they already know about stars and what questions they have about them. I would record their ideas and questions so that we could return to them at the end of the activity.
I would allow the children to explore images and information about stars and discuss what they notice. We could then investigate questions such as why we can see stars at night and whether all stars are the same. The children could work in pairs or small groups to share their ideas and make simple observations.
I think this activity would work particularly well because it encourages children to ask questions and find answers rather than simply being given information. I could also use technology to support the learning by allowing pupils to create a digital record using photographs, drawings, voice recordings or short sentences. This would give children different ways to show what they have learned and would make the activity enjoyable and accessible for everyone.
The Sun and Shadows
I would use the Sun and Shadows activity with my Second Class pupils as a practical way of exploring how the Sun affects the shadows we see around us. I would begin by asking the children what they already know about shadows and whether they think a shadow stays the same throughout the day. I would encourage them to make predictions before carrying out the investigation.
As a class, we could place an object outside and observe its shadow at different times during the day. The children could work in small groups to measure or draw the shadow and record what they notice. They could use a simple table to record their observations and compare the results from different times.
I like this activity because it allows the children to learn through questioning, predicting, observing and discussing. It also gives them an opportunity to work together and explain their ideas. I could use photographs or a digital book to record the investigation and allow the children to add drawings, photographs or voice recordings explaining what they discovered. This would make the activity accessible to all pupils and provide a useful digital record of their learning.
One inquiry-based activity I would use in my Second Class classroom is an investigation into which materials are waterproof. I think this would be a simple but effective way of introducing children to inquiry-based learning, as it allows them to ask questions, make predictions, carry out an investigation and discuss what they have discovered.
I would begin by showing the children a selection of materials, such as paper, cardboard, plastic, fabric and tin foil. I would ask them what they think will happen when water is placed on each material. The children could make their own predictions before testing the materials in small groups. They could record their results using drawings, words or a simple table.
I would encourage the children to explain why they think some materials are waterproof while others are not. Rather than simply giving them the answer, I would allow them to explore and discover it themselves. This would help develop skills such as questioning, predicting, observing, recording and communicating. It would also make science more practical, engaging and enjoyable for my Second Class pupils.Hi everyone! My name is Andy and I teach Second Class. I’m looking forward to learning more about the Curious Minds/ESERO Framework and getting some new ideas that I can use in my classroom.
My favourite space fact is that one million Earths could fit inside the Sun! I think that is amazing and it’s something that would really capture the interest of children in Second Class. I’m looking forward to hearing everyone else’s space facts and ideas throughout the course.