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I would begin by sharing Whatever Next! with the children to spark their interest in space and rockets. After reading the story, we would chat about how rockets travel and what helps them move through the air.
I would then introduce balloon rockets using string, balloons, straws and tape. The children would work in small groups to set up their own rocket tracks and investigate the question: What happens when you change the amount of air in the balloon? Before testing, they would make predictions and explain their thinking.
They would then launch their balloon rockets, measure how far they travelled and compare their results. As a class, we would discuss whether the investigation was fair and think about any changes we could make to improve it.
To finish, we would explore other examples of pushes and pulls in everyday life and talk about how forces help different objects move.Hi Niamh,
I did this lesson while working alongside 4th Class this year and they absolutely loved it. It is so engaging and hands-on.
Online resources and tools.
I think Stellarium would be a brilliant resource to use in the classroom because it makes learning about space much more interesting. One thing I really like is that it can be downloaded onto our chromebooks. I would start by showing the class how the program works on my large interactive white-board and let them explore the different stars, planets, and constellations that can be seen from where we live.
After that, I would let the children work in pairs to complete small activities, like finding the Plough, spotting Jupiter, or seeing what the sky looks like in different seasons. They could also compare what changes throughout the year and talk about why that happens. I think giving them time to explore the app themselves would make the lesson more enjoyable than just reading from a textbook. This can be done during our Technology time.
To finish, students could share one interesting thing they discovered with the class by passing a talking-object (space teddy) around. Overall, I think Stellarium is a fun way to make space feel more real and helps children become curious about what’s happening in the sky above them.Hi Coaimhe,
Thank you for clarifying this. It is my first time to use TeachNet.
I typed out my mindmap.
Thank you for this information. It is great to know.
Anna-Rose.
Thank you so much Caoimhe. I see this now! My first time doing a tecahnet course! Thank you for your help.
I typed my mindmap out in a textbox. That is great to know 🙂
Stars
I chose the “Stars, Seeing Star! Looking at the “Plough in Two Different Ways” activity because I think it would be a really enjoyable way to introduce children to space and the night sky. I like that it encourages them to observe things for themselves instead of only reading about them in class. I would begin the lesson by asking students if they have ever looked at the stars, how many do they think exist (marble jar – mentioned in these slides) and whether they recognise any constellations. We would then explore how the Plough has different meanings in different parts of the world and discuss why people might see the same stars in different ways.
Next, the children would use a star chart or a stargazing app or draw, using pencil (personal preference) to help identify the Plough. I would encourage them to continue their observations at home with a family member and keep a simple record of what they notice over a few nights. They could keep this record in their homework copies.
Back in class, students could share their observations by creating a slideshow (Google Classroom) or speaking about what they found (Scrapbook Project) or through Visual Arts – for example: The splatter painting technique (mentioned in these slides) could be used as a stimulus for their presentation. Every child learns their own way. I think this activity is a lovely way to combine science with storytelling and family involvement while encouraging children to ask questions, make observations, and enjoy learning about the world around them.I really like how you have integrated this lesson with Visual Arts but also Technology, Chromebooks. This allows for a vast amount of learning.
For this assignment, I chose the “What Makes Shadows?” activity because it is a fun and practical way for children to learn about light and shadows. I would use this activity in my classroom during a science lesson on light and the Sun. To get students thinking, I would ask questions like, “What do you think happens when light shines on different objects?” and “Why do some objects make darker shadows than others?”
Students would work in small groups using flashlights and different materials, such as cardboard, plastic wrap, tin foil, wool, sand and baking paper, to see how each one affects the shadow. They would compare what they notice and record their observations on a mini – whiteboard.
This activity encourages students to investigate, ask questions, and learn through hands-on experiences. It also helps them understand that light travels in a straight line and that different materials block or let light through in different ways. The students and I could take photos or short videos of their experiments, write a short reflection on their Chromebooks, or upload their work to Dojo or Google Classroom.
I think this activity is a great way to build curiosity, teamwork, and confidence while making science enjoyable and meaningful.
This is a brilliant lesson, I really like how it can be modified and adapted over the year groups.
The phases of the moon with Oreos is a great idea, I cant wait to test this out eventually! Super! Highly enagaging!
One inquiry-based activity I would use with my 2nd class is an investigation on Gravity and falling things experiment. I would do a KWL chart in advance of the lesson.
I would give the children a range of materials to create parachutes in their own unique ways, exploring materials. For example lighter and heavier materials. They can construct these in pairs. We will then drop them from a height in the stairwell.
After the investigation, the children would compare how some children’s parachutes fell more quickly than others. I would give some question prompts including, why?
They will then return to filling out their KWL charts.
Mind Map
What is Space, Solar system, planets, stars, galaxy, astronauts, will we be able to visit, another realm, abstract, mysterious.
Hi Niall,
I am confused to where I upload my mind map?
It will now allow me to here for some reason?I have replied to a post, introduced myself and added my reflection.
It is my first time to do a Teacnet course and I am not use to the layout.
Thank you,
Anna-Rose.I learned how space can be used as a theme in a wide range of curricular contexts. Curious minds/EsERO Framework for Inquiry, Links for SESE science to the curious minds activities, Mighty materials and gravity and falling things experiments. I will use the resources and suggested experiments to engage, investigate, and take the next step in the children’s science and space learnings.
I have no concerns or issues.
The course will help our schools digital learning plan by adding a wealth of new digital resources which can be used and linked across the curriculums of math’s, science, ethics and SPHE.