[Olive Robinson]

1.     Detail how light pollution is impacting your local area and how you would engage your learners to explore this.

5th and 6th class

First off, with pupils we would discuss the topic of Light pollution, in a mind mapping exercise in what they know or don’t know about the subject. We would then debate whether the excessive or inappropriate use of outdoor artificial light, is affecting human health, wildlife behaviour, and our ability to observe stars and the planets in Ireland. It would also be a good time to introduce the topic of what is circadian rhythm and explain the body’s natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and other physiological functions over a 24-hour period. During an SPHE wellbeing class we could highlight that an increased amount of light at night can results in sleep deprivation, fatigue, headaches, stress, anxiety, and other health problems.

Pupils could do a research project in their own homes as to how to take action to reduce light pollution and bring back the natural night sky. Many people are no longer using lights in gardens to confuse animals and to control outdoor lighting to save energy and reduce light pollution. Pupils could be make aware to use outdoor lighting only when and where it is needed, to make sure outdoor lights are properly shielded and directing light down instead of up into the sky, and to close window blinds, shades, and curtains at night to keep light inside.

[Olive Robinson]

Hi Sarah

Some great ideas to blend with Geography and how to check the ever changing weather forecast in Ireland in order to predict a clear night.

With regards

Olive

[Olive Robinson]

1.     Create an observing plan for autumn that shows which planets are visible in the evening sky.

5th and 6th class

This would start a discussion on how to observe the planets in Ireland and what might be the best methods to do so in Autumn. The number one tip would be to choose a clear night with minimal cloud cover for the best visibility which can be difficult in Ireland. It would also fuel a debate on how to best find a dark location, away from city lights, to have a better view of the planets. There are a number of locations in Ireland best suited to this including Kerry and Mayo while here in the midlands we might need to get into a countryside location.

The methods we could use are binoculars or a telescope but the planets are visible to the naked eye also. However, binoculars or a telescope would enhance their viewing experience, especially for on Jupiter and Saturn. Lastly it would be important to have adult company with pupils to check the weather forecast and to be prepared for potential temperature drops, especially in the early evenings. Lastly to be patient and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness for optimal viewing.

[Olive Robinson]

Hi Sarah

The children in our school love to use chalk to draw on the pavements so drawing their changing shadows from the sun would be a great idea.

Regards

Olive

[Olive Robinson]

2. Construct a sundial in your immediate area or plan for your school grounds to see where a sundial could be placed

5th and 6th class

Our school would enjoy learning how to construct a simple sundial in a simple controlled setting. It would integrate lessons across a number of subject areas such as the history of sun dials. The geography of where they were placed in different parts of the world. To discuss Newgrange in Ireland how the suns placement at different times of the year was used to determine the seasons and crop-growing in ancient times.

We would then discuss using materials we have in school such as a paper plate, a pencil or straw, and a way to determine north like a compass. To then mark the centre of the plate, insert the pencil/straw through the centre, and decorate the plate with the numbers of a clock face. To then learn how to place the sundial in a sunny area, ensuring the “12” on the clock face points north. The shadow cast by the pencil/straw will indicate the time. It would be important for pupils to know where to place the sundial, ideally on a flat, sunny surface. The pupils would check the sundial at different times of the day to verify accuracy and get the best results.

 

 

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