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Hi Barry
I too have done lessons with Van Goghs starry night and the song by don mcklean so nice to see it mentioned here. It’s a great bit of cross curricular activity and useful for the topic of dark skies.
In my classroom, I would implement the “Design Your Own Dark Sky Park” lesson by dividing students into groups of four or five, each assigned a different area in Ireland to base their dark sky park. Using iPads, students will research their region, focusing on aspects like local biodiversity, light pollution levels, and ideal stargazing locations. Children will take on a stakeholder role within their groups (e.g., Lighting Planners, Conservation Rangers), ensuring a variety of perspectives.
Students will compile their findings and ideas using Google Slides or Padlet, creating a digital presentation. They will design a map and a brochure, highlighting their dark sky park’s features, such as viewing sites, safety measures, and nocturnal wildlife. This project encourages collaboration, critical thinking, and digital literacy, while connecting students to Ireland’s unique natural heritage and the importance of preserving dark skies. The final presentations will be shared with the class, fostering discussion and peer feedback.
To engage primary school learners in exploring biodiversity and the impacts of light pollution in their local area, I would start by using some of the videos explaining what biodiversity is eg the one by Laois county council. Next we woud explore local biodiversity by taking nature walks around the school and nearby green spaces, observing and documenting different species of plants, insects, birds, and other wildlife.
We are lucky enough to have forest schools as an extra program for 4th class in our school. It would be great to use this nearby park area for a survey and to see if we could identify any areas where bats might be active. Autumn can be a great time to find bats as they’re active hours can be early enough for children and bats are not yet hibernating so having an evening where we try and find bats would be great.
Using resources from the Dark Skies Association, I would introduce students to the concept of light pollution, explaining how artificial light affects nocturnal animals and plant growth.
Hi Patrick.
A motion activated camera is such a great idea and would have a huge impact in helping children to get the feeling of ownership of the project. I know a school that set up cameras in nearby bird boxes and it had an amazing impact on enthusiasm for wildlife throughout the school.My school is in an urban area in Dublin and so the light pollution is about as bad as it can be in Ireland.
I also live in an urban area so I know all too well what this can be like. A great idea would be for the children to survey their own area and see what particular aspects of light pollution might be impacting them. Skyglow is obviously the first issue I can think of with so many stars not being visible. I often experience light trespass when a neighbours back garden light turns on and off at night due to motion outside. I also find that there are many iMessage street lamps. I live in a cul de sac and the light from numerous street lamps shines directly on the front of our house. This is concerning as it can disrupt a persons natural daily rhythm and possible effect sleep. I’m currently on a trip to an island in the west Ireland and the difference in the sky is incredible. To engage learners I would have children survey their own area and discuss ways to improve the area using some resources like the light pollution map and Esero 09 Light & Darkness activity sheet.I love the idea of the composite photo especially, a lot of great ideas on this course. I’m also envious of those who can take full advantage of a dark sky as I live and work in an urban area.
Hi Sineád. I agree Stellarium is a great app. Being able to set a particular time and date to study is a great resource for the classroom.
I used NASAs Skycal for a calendar of lunar phases. I September there is a full moon on the 18th so the week after might be a good time to see the moon in the morning. I would also make sure to be observant and go out and see what the moon is doing closer to the time to be more prepared and to confirm that this is I’ll be a good time for observation. Each student will receive a Moon Observation Log to record their findings. This log will include sections for drawing the moon’s shape, noting its position in the sky, and writing any additional observations. We’ll also discuss the significance of these observations, such as understanding the moon’s cycle and how it affects Earth.
To further enhance engagement, we can incorporate storytelling, relating myths and legends about the moon from different cultures. I would also incorporate an art lesson and make papier mache moons, a great way to get the class to engage in the topic in a hands on way.I chose activity 2; Construct a sundial in your immediate area or plan for your school grounds to see where a sundial could be placed
I would begin with an interactive lesson on how sundials work and their historical significance. Using a globe and a flashlight to simulate the sun, I’d demonstrate the movement of shadows throughout the day. We’d then move outside for a hands-on exploration, observing how shadows change position and length as the sun moves. In small groups, students would use chalk to mark shadow positions at different times. Back in the classroom, we’d discuss our observations and choose a location with unobstructed sunlight. In our school the rooftop garden might work best. As it’s a city school not many outdoor spaces are without shade at some point in the day. Then using materials like cardboard, sticks, and markers, 3 or 4 groups would design and create a miniature sundial, which we’d later test outside. Finally, we’d collaborate with parents (perhaps a parents with building or woodwork skills) to build a larger, permanent sundial in the chosen spot, giving students a sense of ownership and pride and linking with the whole school community.