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We used balloon rockets in my class this year and children loved them. Your scientific method is great here, a fantastic basis for other experiments too.
I would use the mouse rocket lesson with the children in my senior infant class. I find it very hands on and the children would enjoy making and designing their rockets, but also learning about the ketchup bottle and using that as a stimulus would be a good trigger question. I would also ask the children to explore whether they can apply their learning / theories to their own toys – are here any toys you own that also work like this? Then I would allow the children to bring them into the classroom and create an investigation table with them. To extend their learning I would ask hem could the change any aspect of their mouse rocket to go further? Which rocket goes the farthest? I would also encourage the older children to engage with or class – could you think of any way to improve their design? Would you use anything different to create your own rocket? I hint adding their thought process to their digital portfolios would be an excellent assessment tool for them to look back on in years to come. I would also encourage rockets to be something we focus on at our class level for science week. This course has given me loads of ideas and hands on experiments for science week!
I love the home-school link in this lesson and I think parents would be really interested in it as well. I also appreciate that you’ve included some child-lead learning.
I would use the ‘What Clothes to Wear’ lesson. I like how this lesson is fun and hands on – a great use of the dress up box! I also appreciate how many cross-curricular links here are with oral language, teanga o bheal in Gaeilge and materials in art. To extend this lesson, I would have the children learn the seasons and weather song. This is something the y often struggle with in maths in the junior classes. The song includes each season and the months included in each season. As well as that I would build on the thematic unit and link it with materials and what materials are waterproof. We have a class teddy and I would include a playful learning station on making a waterproof coat for teddy. They could then link this with pattern and shapes in maths and complete a station based off this as well. A truly useful lesson with great links to the rest of the curriculum.
I totally forgot about the additional benefits of improving their fine motor skills. Sounds like a great lesson.
I would use the Special Life lesson as a basis for my lesson in senior infants. I would begin with reading the children ‘Aliens in Underpants’ as a stimulus for discussion around what an alien is, what they look like, what do he do etc. Then I would encourage the children to discuss this with their partners. I would then ave them draw their own alien. I would follow this with a gallery walk for them to see both their own and other people’s aliens. Then we would have a circle time to discuss the similarities and differences between each alien. I love the act it out segment in the lesson plan as this links in with drama. Children love to explore through play and use their imaginations. Lastly, I would encourage another class to come and help our class in making an alien landscape. The children will work in small groups and use art materials to create their landscape. These could then be presented during assembly.
Thee activity that I would use with my class is the ‘Journey Through the Solar System’ activity. I would begin by completing a KWL chart with the class to assess their prior knowledge. The next step would be introducing them to the planet songs. I think this would be a lovely activity to share with the parents for homework as well. However, my favourite aspect of this lesson is how hands on it is with the hoola hoops. This really brings the learning to life. To extend the lesson, I would have a child call out the words for the planet game. Following on from that, to consolidate their learning, I would have my class perform the planet song either at assesmbly or team up with an older class to play the games. I also like that this lesson has connections with the new maths curriculum, using the oral language and mathematical language of spatial awareness.
I love that you are using materials in the children’s environment. This is really helpful for parents as well.
Science Lesson Plan: Exploring Temperature
Learning Objective: Children will investigate different temperatures by making predictions, observing, and describing how objects feel using simple scientific language.
Begin by showing children a selection of items, such as a cup of warm water, a bowl of cold water, a metal spoon, a fabric cloth, and an ice pack. Ask, “Which objects do you think will feel warm or cold? Why?”
Encourage children to share and record or draw their predictions. Allow children to carefully touch each item (ensuring all materials are safe) and compare how they feel. Prompt inquiry with questions such as, “What do you notice?”, “Which object feels the warmest or coldest?”, and “Why do you think they feel different?” Introduce the words temperature, warm, cold, predict, and observe.
Conclude by asking children to find an object in the classroom, predict whether it will feel warm or cold, and explain their reasoning using what they discovered during the investigation.
My name is Marcella and I’m teaching senior infants next year. I am looking forward to gathering a few hands on lesson ideas for my younger class. My favourite space fact is that stars are different colours based on their temperature.
Sounds like a great whole-school plan. I love the idea of the trip to the library, that is something I know my class would love also.
I love the idea of space week and have gotten a little carried away with my space week plan! However, I do think that these activities could be spread throughout my monthly SESE plan, so as to make sure the learning objectives are met, and to allow for some guided discovery and teacher modelling. I have 2nd class.
Monday: Solar System Exploration
Activity: Create a Model of the Solar SystemDescription: Students work in groups to create a scaled model of the solar system using materials like Styrofoam balls and cardboard. They will label each planet and learn about its position relative to the Sun.
SESE Link: Science (Earth and Space) – Understanding the solar system’s structure and the relative positions of the planets.Tuesday: Starry Night Art
Activity: Constellation Art and StorytellingDescription: Students learn about various constellations, then create their own constellation artwork using black paper and white chalk or paint. They will also invent a story or myth about their constellation.
SESE Link: History – Exploring how ancient cultures used the stars and created myths. Geography – Understanding how different constellations are visible in different parts of the world.Wednesday: Rockets
Activity: Build and Launch Paper RocketsDescription: Students design and build simple paper rockets. They will then launch them using straws, experimenting with different designs to see which flies the farthest.
SESE Link: Science (Forces) – Exploring how air pressure and force can propel objects, linking to real-world space exploration.Thursday: Moon Phases Exploration
Activity: Moon Phases with OreosDescription: Using Oreo cookies, students will recreate the phases of the Moon. They will learn about how the Moon orbits the Earth and why we see different phases.
SESE Link: Geography – Understanding the Earth-Moon relationship and how the Moon’s phases are connected to its position relative to the Earth and Sun.Friday: Space Exploration and Debate
Activity: Space Mission DebateDescription: Divide the class into teams to debate the importance of space exploration. Each team can research a specific space mission (e.g., Apollo 11, Mars Rover) and present arguments for the benefits and challenges of space exploration.
SESE Link: Science and History – Understanding the impact of space exploration on scientific knowledge and human history, fostering critical thinking and communication skills.I would extend the ‘What clothes to wear’ activity for my 2nd class.
Objective:
Students will create outfits appropriate for each season, reinforcing their understanding of weather, seasons, and suitable clothing.Materials:
Large paper or cardboard
Markers, crayons, coloured pencils
Magazines for cutouts (optional)
Glue, scissorsIntroduction
Discuss the different types of weather associated with each season (spring, summer, autumn, winter). Ask students to recall what clothes are suitable for each season.Activity
Divide the class into four groups, assigning each group a season. Each group will design an outfit appropriate for their assigned season on a large sheet of paper. They can draw, color, or use magazine cutouts to create their outfit. Encourage them to think about layers, accessories, and weather conditions.Presentation
Each group presents their outfit to the class, explaining why the clothing choices are suitable for their season. Discuss the differences between the seasons and how clothing helps us adapt to weather changes.SESE Curriculum Link:
This activity supports understanding in Geography (weather and seasons) and Science (materials and their uses), fostering creativity and practical application of seasonal knowledge.
