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Activity Set: Space and Aliens
I would use the create an alien activity with my junior ASD class as it is a fun way to encourage creativity while developing communication and observation skills. Before starting the activity, I would show students pictures of planets and discuss whether they think life could exist in space. We would talk about what living things need to survive and compare this to what an alien might need if it lived on another planet.
I would then give each student a template or blank page to design their own alien. Students could choose the number of eyes, arms, legs and other features. They could colour their alien using crayons or complete the activity digitally on a tablet if appropriate. Once finished, each student would describe one or two features of their alien using words, visuals or their communication system.
This activity could also be linked to maths by counting body parts and comparing sizes. It would support oral language by encouraging students to describe their alien and explain why they chose certain features. I think my class would really enjoy this activity because it allows for creativity while being flexible enough to meet a range of learning needs. Using visual supports, choice and hands on learning would help all students to participate and stay engaged throughout the lesson.For this assignment, I chose the Activity Set: The Moon, What Does the Moon Look Like? activity. I think it is an excellent way to introduce young children to astronomy as it encourages them to observe the Moon and develop curiosity through their own discoveries rather than simply being given information.
In my classroom, I would begin by introducing key vocabulary such as crescent, full moon and crater. The children would then observe the Moon at home over several nights and record what they see in a Moon journal. Back in class, we would compare our observations and discuss how the Moon appears to change shape. This would help develop observation skills, communication and scientific thinking. To extend the activity, I would link it with art by creating Moon pictures using different materials and with literacy by reading stories about the Moon from different cultures. I would also create a digital slideshow of the children’s drawings to show how their observations changed over time. I think this activity is a fun and meaningful way to promote inquiry-based learning while supporting science, literacy and art in an engaging way.I would use the Gravity and Falling Things activity in my junior ASD classroom as children learn best through practical, hand on experiences. I would begin by letting them explore different objects before asking them what they think will happen when each one is dropped. The children could make simple predictions using pictures or by pointing to their choices, making the activity accessible for everyone. After testing each object, we would talk about what we noticed and compare it with our predictions.
I like that this activity encourages curiosity and gives every child the opportunity to participate at their own level. It also supports the development of communication, observation and turn taking skills alongside science learning. I could extend the lesson by sorting the objects or counting how many predictions were correct, linking it with maths. I feel this type of inquiry based learning keeps children engaged as they are actively involved in discovering the answers for themselves rather than just listening to an explanation.