[Lora Murphy]

Kerry is great, that’s for sure. Now that’s coming from someone who was born and reared here in Kerry so I was always going to say that. It’s funny really as a child I assumed everyone could see the night sky the way we can and I guess unless children grow up in a dark sky area they would find it hard to comprehend that the stars and planets etc are visible from ones garden.

[Lora Murphy]

Create a short teaching resource using Stellarium

• Allow the children to download the version of Stellarium most suitable for our school devices.
• Teacher can demonstrate these steps on the whiteboard.
• Give the children time to explore the night sky using their tablet.
• Ask them to identify the different stars and planets as they move the cursor around.
• Encourage them to click on the different objects to learn more about them.
• Use the time controls to see how the sky changes at different times of the night and different days of the year.
• Explore constellations.
• Find out interesting facts about the stars and the constellations.
• Find the planets that are visible on that night.
• Invite the younger children in after a week or so of research and show them the night sky on the devices.
• Encourage the children to explain what they have discovered to their parents/guardians/older siblings.
• The area I teach would be similar to the dark sky reserve and so the children would definitely enjoy looking up and identifying constellations etc at home.

[Lora Murphy]

I agree with you Sinéad that many  children would have difficulty knowing where North/South/East/West is in relation to their home. Using Stellarium would open up a whole new universe to them.

[Lora Murphy]

Construct a sundial in your immediate area or plan for your school grounds to see where a sundial could be placed.

For the following activity I would get the children from the senior room to work in groups to undertake the following. We’re a small country school.

• Assess the site: Evaluate sun exposure.
• Choose a location that receives maximum sunlight throughout the day. Avoiding areas shaded by trees or buildings.
• Decide what will be used as the gnomon and use this to point in the direction of true north.
• Ensure the sun-dial is level and stable.
• Select a location that’s easily accessible and won’t be in harms way of footballs and sliotars at break time.
• Materials: Choose durable materials that compliment the school grounds.
• Use the sundial to create an inviting relaxing space for the children. Maybe put a bench or plant some flowers or veg near it.
• Give the children opportunities to become familiar with the compass as they discover where true north lies.
• Give the children the responsibility of maintaining the sun dial.
• Invite them to explain the concept of the sun dial to the younger classes.

[Lora Murphy]

I agree with Patrick. It’s a nice idea to give the responsibility of choosing the site to 6th class. It’s great for their confidence when they feel they have an important role to play. It’s also something that incorporates other areas of the curriculum and it will keep the children interested and engaged.

[Author]

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