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Love the idea of using dice to decide what features the alien would have, integrating math with art in a subtle way.
Activity: stars
I would begin this lesson by getting children to do a join the dot exercise which would be of different constellations. I would then discuss the different constellations and which ones can be best seen for Ireland, for example, Orion.
I would use Orion as my focus and show the children the constellation on the IWB.For English integration I would share the story of Orion from Greek mythology, including how he was a great hunter and his place in the sky.
For Geography integration I would show children the constellation in relation to other stars and constellation. Explaining that Orion’s Belt is one of the easiest star formations to recognize and is a good guide to finding other constellations using cardinal directions.
For Visual Arts children could make their own map charts, showing the major constellations in relation to each other.
For a hands on, practical activity I would bring children to the darkened sensory room and give each student a torch and a piece of black paper, I would tell them to punch holes into the paper where the stars of Orion would be. Afterwards we would shine the torch through the paper to project Orion onto the wall or ceiling, simulating the night sky.
This is a good lesson for this age group as it gets them thinking about colours and shapes. It is also a good opportunity to increase their vocabulary, for example, full moon, crescent.
To help children understand, you can use a torch that represents the sun, a football to represent the moon, and a stationary object that represents Earth. Move the ball around the object whilst shining the light on it to represent different phases of the moon.
I would choose the activity on the planets as a focus for the lesson. My choice would be to create a scale model of the solar system, integrating art in the process. In order to do this there would have to be a lot of prior learning, the class would discuss the planets, their sizes and relative distances from each group. Children would be divided into pairs and assigned a planet to research, creating an index/information card on it.
Once children have made their own planets to scale, for example, 1 cm could be equivalent to 5 million km. I would have each group place their planet at the appropriate distance from a central “Sun’, either on poster board or hanging from the ceiling.
Following the lesson we would reflect and discuss on the learning and the scaled project would be left up for the year and used to elicit prior knowledge for future learning.I also really like the growing seeds experiment, not only is it inquiry based. But it gives children a better awareness of their own environment and how they’re connected to nature. It also teaches them about the life cycle and gives them responsibility in looking after something.
Hi, my name is Luke and I will be teaching 3rd and 4th class this coming September. My favourite space fact is that it would take 1.3 million Earths to fill the Sun’s volume. Which is astonishing when you consider that our sun is only an average sized star compared to others.
An inquiry based lesson I have done a few times is to investigate how light from the sun creates shadows and how the angle of light affects the length and position of shadows. To do this I turn the lights in the room off and pull down blinds. Children investigate shadows using torches and spherical objects. They then measure with the torch at different angles to the sphere. I would then discuss with children how the the experiment relates to the movement of the sun in the sky and the changing length and direction of shadows throughout the day.It is a good idea to integrate Green Schools into lessons on sustainability. Using the digital, online videos simultaneously gives school children an interactive way to learn about sustainability.
Our school is in a very well known area in County Mayo very close to Lough Corrib and Lough Mask. I engage my children in lessons in sustainability often in my classroom in order to build on their awareness of the area and understanding of sustainability. As a class we have engaged in the Picker Pals programme and gone on community walks throughout the local area in order to pick up litter. Children in my class have a good understanding on why this is important for local plant and wildlife. We also teach the importance of local sourcing and sustainable agriculture. For example, why local restaurants should source locally grown and harvested food.
Children in my class also have a good awareness of historical preservation. Sites such as Cong Abbey and Ashford Castle are close by our school, they are maintained not only for their historical significance but also for their potential to educate visitors about sustainable practices through history modern practices.I never thought about doing a cooking demonstration for the children myself, this is something I will have to incorporate into my teaching of nutrition, taking full advantage of the staff kitchen of course.
The nutrition of seafood can be thought to primary school children similarly to how we teach nutrition at present. Using visual aids such as posters, food pyramids and displays.For example, the class could create a display chart showing different types of seafood and their nutritional benefits, such as omega 3 content and so on. Infographics can also be used to explain how seafood supports various bodily functions, such as heart health, brain development and muscle growth.
Teaching this topic creates the opportunity for practical, hands on learning. For example, children can integrate visual arts in creating a food pyramid whereby they place seafood in the correct category, discussing its nutritional value. It can also be integrated into science, allowing the children to engage in a taste test, discussing the taste, texture, and nutritional benefits of each. The subject matter could also be integrated into English, for example children could keep a nutrition journal or engage in a procedural text on how to make a seafood recipe.I also agree with Fiona, there are many subjects on the curriculum which can be integrated here. It can even be integrated with Irish, for example, when teaching children, ‘bia’.
The ARC online lessons and resources are outstanding, designed to be both modern and highly child-friendly. They are easily accessible and engaging for children of all ages. The lessons extend beyond the STEM subjects, they offer integration opportunities with SESE, such as the Story of the Salmon of Knowledge, as well as excellent integrating opportunities in visual arts. Students are collaborating creatively, engaging in problem-solving, and participating in a variety of activities that encourage questioning and exploration. Also, students can use ICT effectively, present and assess their progress.
The lessons also link in with the Green School Committee’s initiatives, addressing local aquaculture’s impact on the community. It also opens up discussions about careers in the aquaculture industry, connecting with Geography lessons.
This approach aligns with our school’s SSE by identifying and developing scientific skills highlighted in our school plan. It helps to pinpoint what is working well and what areas need further development for the future.I also thought the map with the farm locations was very interesting. I agree that these farms play a crucial role in boosting coastal communities. Especially along the west where some of these communities need a boost to the economy.
Aquaculture farms are predominantly along the western coast of Ireland. I live on the Mayo/Galway border and was not aware of this until beginning this course. Mayo has many fish farms and takes advantage of its bays and inlets. Galway on the other hand is known for salmon fishing.
These fish farms contribute significantly to coastal regions across Ireland. They provide employment opportunities, the farms create direct jobs in management and labour. They also create indirect jobs such as retail and transport of goods. These jobs can be hugely important to these coastal communities as many of them have declining and ageing populations. Hopefully these jobs can pump some life into these regions.
There is also opportunities for economic growth as it also generates revenue for the farms and for the local businesses that supply goods and services to the industry.
Also, export of farmed fish and seafood from these regions adds value to the Irish economy in gerneral, contributing to GDP growth.Hello David, I too am completely out of my comfort zone in doing this course. However, the intro has been informative and built on my understanding of the topic. The cinematic videos have also been of great benefit to my understanding.
I agree that it is important for kids to learn about sustainable food production and community engagement.
