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Hi Rachel, I like your research question. I agree that it makes excellent cross-curricular links while giving children a meaningful real-life investigation. As I will be teaching Junior Infants, I would adapt it by having the class observe the rain gauge each day and record the weather using simple pictures or symbols, with plenty of discussion about what they notice. I also think comparing rainfall across different seasons is a great idea, as it helps children begin to recognise weather patterns over time.
As I work with Junior Infants in a country school, I would frame the inquiry with a simple and engaging question such as: “Trees help keep our Earth cool so what do you think might happen if lots of trees were cut down?” To make it meaningful and relevant for young children, I would link the discussion to a local area in Donegal— a forest near the school.
I would tell the children that we are going to become detectives and investigate this question by looking at pictures and videos showing what happens when trees are removed. Together, we would create a mind map to explore questions like: “Why do people cut down trees?”, “Do animals miss the trees?”, and “Does cutting down trees make the Earth warmer?”
We would visit a local park or forested area in Donegal to observe and record what we see. The children could compare how it feels in a tree-filled space versus an open area with few or no trees—especially focusing on temperature and shade. Back in the classroom, we could discuss our findings and reflect on what they tell us about the importance of trees.
To extend the investigation, we could use Google Earth or online maps to compare aerial views of places in Donegal or other regions where large numbers of trees have been removed. This would help the children visually understand the impact of deforestation and support their critical thinking about environmental changes in both their local area and beyond. I would then finish with an art activity or story focusing on the importance of trees.Hi Dolores, this is really insightful. I agree that using a satellite tracking app is a fantastic way to spark children’s curiosity about space and how satellites help us in everyday life. As I will be teaching Junior Infants, I would adapt the activity by focusing on simple discussions about what satellites do and looking for the ISS, helping to introduce basic space concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate way.
Elevator Pitch:
EO Browser is an interactive online platform that gives users access to satellite images of Earth from a range of space missions. It allows you to view how different places have changed over time by exploring images of forests, rivers, weather events, cities, and more. The platform is easy to navigate, making satellite imagery accessible for learners of all ages. It could be used with any class level, teacher led for younger classes and could be child led for the senior classes.
Using EO Browser in the Classroom:
I would use EO Browser to help children develop an understanding of the world around them through real-life examples. Pupils could examine satellite images of familiar places or investigate natural events such as floods, wildfires, or seasonal changes. Comparing images from different dates would encourage discussion, observation, and questioning while helping children make meaningful connections between geography, science, and environmental awareness.Hi Criona, I agree that ‘HOME’ is a very powerful film and that carefully selected clips could really encourage meaningful discussion in the classroom. I also like your idea of linking the learning to the children’s local environment, as it helps make climate change more relevant and encourages them to think about simple actions they can take to care for the planet.
The film HOME is a beautiful and powerful documentary that shows how all parts of our planet are connected and how human actions have changed the Earth. The aerial videos and clear explanations make it interesting and easy to follow. It helps viewers understand why it’s important to take care of the environment. The other videos in the module, like the Paxi animations, are great for younger children as they explain tricky ideas like greenhouse gases and global warming in a fun and simple way.
With a younger class, I would start by showing the Paxi videos to help them understand the basics. Then, I would show short, age-appropriate parts of HOME to spark curiosity. After watching, we could talk about what they saw and how it made them feel. To follow up, the children could draw pictures of the Earth, act out caring for nature, or tell stories about how to help the planet.Hi Linda, I agree that the Paxi video is a great way to introduce climate change in a simple and age-appropriate way. Although I will be teaching Junior Infants, I could adapt the activity by focusing on class discussions and simple art activities, such as creating posters about caring for the Earth. I also like your suggestion of including more hands-on activities, as these help children engage with the topic in a meaningful way.
I think Activity 3, ‘Climate Reporters’, is an engaging way to introduce young children to the ideas of climate change and greenhouse gases. The Paxi video explains these concepts in a simple, child-friendly way, making it suitable for the Junior Infants class I will be teaching in the coming school year. I could use the temperature prediction tool as a whole-class activity, encouraging the children to talk about what might happen if the Earth becomes warmer.
To make the lesson more appropriate for Junior Infants, I would follow the video with a class discussion and invite the children to draw pictures showing simple ways to care for our planet, such as planting flowers, recycling, or walking to school. We could combine their drawings to create a colourful classroom display celebrating ways to help the environment. I think adding a picture book related to climate or caring for the Earth would further support children’s understanding and provide another opportunity for discussion.
Hi Lauren, I agree that STEM is most effective when it is integrated across subjects and gives children opportunities to explore and work together. As I teach Junior Infants, I particularly like the emphasis on hands-on, collaborative learning, although I would adapt the activities to suit younger children by focusing on simple weather observations and discussions rather than recording and analysing data. The ‘Weather vs Climate’ activity would definitely be for an older class.
The ESA activities, particularly ‘Nose Up High in the Sky’ and ‘Weather vs Climate,’ offer engaging, hands-on learning experiences. In the classroom, these can be enhanced by setting up a simple weather station on school grounds. Younger students could use thermometers to record daily temperatures, while older students could collect additional data such as rainfall, wind speed, and cloud cover. This practical approach helps students distinguish between short-term weather and long-term climate trends, while developing key STEM skills—scientific observation, technological use for data recording, engineering in setting up instruments, and mathematical skills through data analysis.
To lead the school in exploring weather and climate, I would initiate a whole-school inquiry project using the module’s content. Students could collaborate across year levels, share findings in assemblies or digital platforms, and take turns managing the weather station. This would promote collective practice, curiosity, and a strong foundation in environmental science.Hi Nicola, I love this! I really like this investigation because it is simple, exciting, and encourages children to make predictions before observing what happens. Giving children different ways to record their learning is a great idea, as it supports a range of learning styles and allows them to reflect on the investigation while sharing their work with their families.
Activity: Rockets
I would introduce this lesson by reading ‘Sadie Sprocket Builds a Rocket’ by Sue Fliess to spark the children’s interest in space and rockets. During the story, we would stop to discuss what rockets are used for, where they travel, and who flies in them, introducing simple vocabulary such as rocket, astronaut, launch, and space.
After the story, the children would design and build their own rockets using recycled materials such as cardboard tubes, coloured paper, foil, tissue paper, and glue. As they create, I would encourage them to talk about where their rocket is travelling and what they might discover in space. This provides opportunities to develop oral language, imagination, and creativity while exploring an early STEM concept.
When everyone has finished, we would display the rockets around the classroom to create our own “space station.” Each child would introduce their rocket, give it a name, and explain its mission. During their free play time, I would designate an area in the classroom as the space area and they could use their rockets to pretend they are blasting off into space. It gives them a great sense of responsibility that they created a rocket and can use it to play using their imagination!
Hi Amy, I really like how this lesson encourages children to explore both the physical features of houses and the idea of what makes a place feel like home. Creating a model village together is a fantastic hands-on activity that promotes collaboration while making meaningful links across several curriculum areas.
Activity: Weather & Animals in the cold for Junior Infants.
I think this type of lesson would work really well during the winter term in the lead-up to Christmas, when children of this age are already noticing colder weather and talking about warm clothing daily as part of the calendar. I would begin by reading ‘How Do Penguins Stay Warm?’ by Nancy Furstinger to introduce the topic and encourage discussion about where penguins live and how they survive in freezing conditions. Together, we would explore how penguins keep warm by huddling together and how their feathers and layers of fat help protect them from the cold.
To reinforce the learning, the children would complete a simple art activity by creating a penguin using paper, paint, or collage materials, adding fluffy cotton wool to show how penguins stay insulated. We would finish by comparing how people and animals keep warm in winter, discussing why we wear coats, hats, and scarves while penguins rely on their own natural adaptations. This lesson combines science, literacy, and art in a fun and seasonal way.
Hi Colin, I really like how this lesson integrates literacy, drama, art, and oral language in a way that is engaging for young children. Asking the children what they would show a friendly alien is a great way to encourage imagination while helping them appreciate what makes Earth special. The drama element is also a lovely addition, as it builds confidence and communication skills through play.