[Patricia Campion]

To conduct a seasonal biodiversity project throughout the school year, I would use the Biodiversity in Our School Grounds resource pack, SESE curriculum guidelines, and the Green-Schools Biodiversity Toolkit. Pupils would record observations using a Seasonal Changes Recording Sheet, Plant and Animal Survey Sheets, and nature journals. Each term, we would focus on a different season, bringing learning outdoors at least once a fortnight to observe changes in flora, fauna, and habitats in our school environment.

We would explore biodiversity through science (identifying species, habitats, life cycles), geography (mapping habitats, using aerial photos), and maths (graphing seasonal data, tally charts). English integration would include nature poetry, report writing, and oral presentations. Art activities might involve leaf rubbings or habitat dioramas. ICT could support research and data presentation. This cross-curricular project would foster environmental awareness and develop observational and recording skills in a meaningful, hands-on way.

[Patricia Campion]

Working with real life data as you have mentioned is so beneficial to bring the learning to life.

[Patricia Campion]

Task for module 2: For younger classes, describe how you would plan and conduct a lesson on map making and explain how you might incorporate some online tools such as Google maps or Geohive
I would first introduce the class to maps, prompt by asking what their prior knowledge of maps is, where would you see them, have they used them before etc.  I would show examples of different kinds of maps (paper maps, treasure maps, maps in books and Explain that maps help us find our way and understand the world around us. Using a large map displayed on IWB and/or printed maps I would teach the features on a map, symbols for roads, rivers etc.
Using Google maps on the IWB and the class ipads I would show the class our school, town, and local features. Show satellite view vs. map view. I would allow the class time to explore and spot familiar places: their homes, local shops etc.
Map of the Classroom
I would first introduce the idea of making a map of the classroom, discussing what is included in the room and the symbols we will use to include them on the map and including a legend to explain the symbols.  Then letting children walk around the room and sketch a simple map layout.

Map of Their Neighborhood or Journey to School

Have students draw their route to school or layout of their street using Google maps as their prompt. Again we would first discuss what symbols could be included and a legend to explain the symbols. Encourage use of compass directions and symbols.

In my school previously after looking at mapping in class, I have created an orienteering course for our school playground. The child would be given an aerial photograph of our school area with a particular symbol they would then need to collect. This brought the learning to real life and an element of fun.

[Patricia Campion]

I agree integrating Stem across the curriculum is very beneficial in making the learning more engaging than having it as a stand alone lesson.

[Patricia Campion]

I will be teaching 3rd class from September, I have looked at some of the resources shared in the module and have made a brief lesson plan to introduce the topic of mirrors, lenses and telescopes to my class.

Introduction: Engage, wonder
To engage the children in the lesson I would start with a prompt question e.g. Have you ever looked at the stars or planets at night? How could you see it more closely? Show a photo of a telescope and ask if anyone has used one. Briefly introduce the idea that mirrors reflect light, lenses bend light, and telescopes use both to help us see far away into space.

Main Activity: Explore
1. Mirrors
Give pupils a small mirror and have them reflect sunlight or a torch beam onto a surface (safely). Discuss how light bounces off mirrors in straight lines. Create a simple maze on paper and ask pupils to try reflecting light through the maze using a mirror.

2. Lenses
Let students use magnifying glasses to look at text or objects. Demonstrate how lenses make things appear bigger by bending light.

3. Telescopes
Show a simple diagram of a telescope. Explain how it uses both mirrors and lenses to help us see planets, stars, and galaxies. Show real images of what a telescope sees and compare them to the naked eye. Design and make element using the make a periscope resource from Discover Primary Science.

 

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