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Module 5
For this module, I chose the Balloon Rocket activity. I think it would really engage my Second Class. I liked how the ESERO resources use the Curious Minds inquiry approach. The children learn by asking questions, making predictions and testing their own ideas.
Engage: I would begin by reading Aliens Love Underpants Save the World!, which was recommended in the module. We would then watch the short ESERO Vega rocket launch video. I would ask questions such as, What makes a rocket move? and Do you think a bigger balloon will always travel further? The children would share their own ideas before making predictions.
Investigate: In groups, the children would make a balloon rocket using string stretched between two chairs, a straw, tape and a balloon. We would only change one thing, such as the amount of air in the balloon, to keep it a fair test. The children would observe, measure and discuss their results.
Take the Next Step: We could link the activity with Maths by measuring distance and with Art by designing space-themed rockets. Children could improve their rockets and test them again.
Reflection: We would compare our results with our first predictions and discuss what we learned about forces. I like that the ESERO inquiry approach encourages children to think, question and improve their ideas.
Hi Laura,
This is a very clear, detailed and structured plan with great ideas. Thank you for sharing!
Activity Set: Investigating Children’s Coats (Curious Minds)
Engage:
I would begin by asking the children to look at the coats they are wearing. We would discuss the different materials and talk about which coats they think would keep them warm and dry. I would also use a feely bag with different fabrics. The children would make predictions before we started.
Investigate:
In small groups, the children would test the fabrics using water droppers. They would observe which materials were waterproof and which absorbed the water. We would record our results and compare them as a class. The children would explain their thinking using new scientific vocabulary.
Take the Next Step:
The children would design a waterproof coat for our class teddy bear. They would choose their materials and explain their choices. We would then test each coat outside in the rain or with watering cans. The children would discuss which design worked best and how they could improve it.
Reflect:
I think my Second Class would really enjoy this lesson. It is practical, fun and encourages teamwork. It also allows children to predict, investigate, test and reflect on their learning.
I also really enjoyed the universe awareness programme and getting the children to draw what they can see in the sky.
Hi Michelle. I love the idea of a Martian visiting the classroom and the integration of a STEM challenge.
Activity Set: Stars – Constellations
Engage:
I would darken the classroom slightly and show images of a starry night sky. We would read How to Catch a Star by Oliver Jeffers and discuss what the children already know about stars. I would record their ideas on a KWL chart before introducing the Plough.
Investigate:
The children would work in small groups to explore pictures of different constellations and listen to the story of the Plough and the Research Ireland YouTube video on looking at the plough in two different ways. I would then shine a torch through simple constellation templates with small holes punched in them so the star patterns appear on the wall. The children would identify the constellations before recreating one using star stickers on black card. Finally, they would design and name a constellation of their own and explain what they can see.
Take the Next Step:
We would compare our constellations and discuss how people from different cultures have created different stories about the same stars. This would link well with History and SPHE as we explore traditions from around the world. I would encourage the children to look for the Plough at home with an adult.
As an extension activity, the star lantern mentioned in the course would also be a lovely idea.
Reflect:
I think this activity would really engage my Second Class. Families could email photographs of constellations they spot at home, and we could compare them in class the next day. We could also display the children’s constellations alongside the stories they created, helping them see that the same stars can inspire many different ideas and stories across cultures.
Hi Aisling, I love the integration of Maths in your lesson. There is plenty of opportunity for discussion and I really like the inclusion of the story too.
Module 2 The Spherical Earth
Engage: I would begin by showing the children a globe, a toy penguin and a toy polar bear. I would ask, “If the Earth is round, why don’t they fall off? The children would complete a Think-Pair-Share before sharing their ideas with the Investigate: The children would use the globe to find where the animals live. We would then complete the Earth Mosaic activity from the course. When all the pieces are joined together, the children can see that there is no fixed “up” or “down” on Earth.Take the Next Step: I would place small Blu Tack figures around the globe. The children would predict if they would fall off. We would then discuss gravity and how it pulls everything towards the centre of the Earth. Finally, we would find Ireland and other countries on the globe.
Reflect: I think this lesson would really suit my Second Class. The practical activities would keep them engaged. As a follow-on activity, the children could make their own playdough Earth and place small figures around it to show how gravity works. This would reinforce their learning in a fun and memorable way.
Inquiry-Based Activity: Could Humans Live on Another Planet?
One inquiry-based activity I would use in my classroom is based on the question, “Could humans live on another planet?”
Engage:
To introduce the lesson, I would show the children some pictures and short videos of the different planets in our solar system. I would ask them if they think people could ever live on another planet and why they think that.? I would encourage them to share any questions they have before we start. I think this would get them interested and excited to learn more.Investigate:
The children would work in groups and each group would research a different planet. They could use books, tablets and fact sheets to find out about the planet’s temperature, atmosphere, gravity and if there is any water. As they work, I would encourage them to record interesting facts and discuss their ideas with each other.Take the Next Step:
Each group would share what they found with the class and decide whether humans could live on their planet. They would explain their reasons using the information they discovered. We would then compare the planets and talk about why Earth is the best place for us to live.Reflect:
I like this type of activity because it gives the children the chance to find out information for themselves instead of being told all the answers. They are asking questions, working together and explaining their thinking. I think this would make the lesson more enjoyable and help the children remember what they have learned.