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For this assignment, I have chosen to look at the rocket based activities. I would introduce the lesson by reading Aliens in Underpants Save the World, as I think a fun story with colourful pictures would be a great way to capture the children’s attention and get them interested in the topic.
We would then talk about how we could make our own rocket using simple materials such as string, a straw, scissors, tape, a balloon and a peg. Before showing the children how to make it, I would give them the opportunity to share their own ideas and make predictions. We could record some of their suggestions on the board and discuss what they think might happen.
I would then show the children the Marvin and Milo cartoon where they create a balloon rocket. The children could work in small groups to make and test their own balloon rockets.
We could extend the activity by changing different things and seeing what effect they have. For example, we could investigate whether the size of the balloon or the amount of air in it affects how far or how quickly the rocket travels. We could also explore whether the length or angle of the string makes a difference.
The children could record their results in a simple table or drawing and then share what they discovered with the class. I think this would be a fun and engaging STEM activity as it gives the children the opportunity to predict, test, observe, problem-solve and work together, while introducing the idea of force and movement in a way that is enjoyable and suitable for young children.
I would choose the **hands-on classroom themed activities** as I think children learn best when they are given the opportunity to explore and have fun while learning. I would use these activities to introduce topics such as stars, the Moon, planets and day and night in a way that is suitable for younger children.
For example, I could do a simple activity on constellations where the children create their own constellation using stars and then talk about what they think their pattern looks like. This would allow them to be creative while also developing their observation and questioning skills.
I would also encourage the children to ask questions and share what they already know about space. Their questions could then be used to lead into further activities or investigations. I think this would help to develop their natural curiosity and interest in STEM from an early age.
Hi Denise, This sounds like such a fun lesson! I would Alines love underpants and it would really get the childrens attention and have them so excited to learn about aliens!
I would use the activity set on stars.
I would begin by using childrens natural curiousity to develop a deeper understanding of the mystical lights in the sky. I would start with questions such as “what do you notice, what do you wonder” using a video of stars and consellations. I would ask questions such as “when do we see stars, what colour are they, are they big or small” I would use a KWL chart to record their exisiting knowledge, ideas and also some misconceptions.As the main activity, we could delve deeper into constellations. I would begin by explaining that constellations are like patterns in the sky. We could explore familiar constellations, look at their shapes, question how they got their name. I would focus on the big dipper, little bear & orion. The children could then create their own constellations using chalk, star stickers and black paper and name them to present to the class.
As a follow up activity the children could record some stargazing activities at home using see saw.
Sounds like a great activity Denise- I love how hands on and engaging the lesson is. There is huge scope there for integration across lessons
Planet
I would first introduce the lesson with the Planet Song. It is lively, engaging & informative. Then I would introduce each planet and gauge the childrens exisiting knowledge on the planets. We would then choose 5 planets we would like to learn about in more detail and focus on that- allowing the children to choose the planets they find most interesting.
I would then split the children into small groups and let each group “adopt” a planet. Then each group would be given the task of creating a habitat for that planet. They would be given various materials and total autonmy to choose how they visually want to represent their planet. They can then present their planet to the other groups.
Hi Everyone,
My name is Oonagh & I am going into my third year of teaching Junior Infants. I love the curiousity infant classes have & their unique wonder of the world. Last year, during July Provision, I helped a senior child with a project on space & found myself fascinated by it all.
My space fact is there is such thing as a Raspberry Milky way. It is massive gas cloud near the center of our galaxy contains ethyl formate, a chemical that tastes like raspberries and smells like rum.
An enquiry based approach to space may be to set up a tuff tray with “space rocks”, rockets, astronauts, planets, magnifying glass and to start a conversation with “what do you see/ what do you wonder”
I am looking forward to sharing my knowledge with the children and other staff members.