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Love this idea and the integration across subjects!
I especially like the “Draw Your Own Constellation” activity. Using black sugar paper, gold star stickers, and chalk is a fantastic, hands-on way for infants to learn. I currently teach first class and will definitely use some of these ideas! I would extend this by incorporating constellation myth stories. Children could research and present short stories about the myths behind different constellations.
I would like to plan a lesson on the planets. I would use Norah Patten’s book, Shooting for the Stars’ as a stimulus.
To start, I would assess the students’ prior knowledge by asking them what they already know about the planets and space. Then we would read “Shooting for the Stars,” sharing Norah Patten’s inspiring journey as an Irish scientist and aspiring astronaut. I think the planet song would serve as an excellent brain break. It would help them remember the names and order of the planets in a catchy way.
Following the song, we could create a large solar system model. The children could be divided into small groups and tasked with making a representation of a planet using a range of materials. We could then sing the song again and place them in the correct order from the Sun while discussing their unique features.
To integrate math, we could compare planet sizes using objects to represent their diameters, helping the students understand scale and proportion. We could end the lesson with a “space walk” where each group presents their planet to the class, sharing interesting facts they learned.
Love the idea of drawing their shadow! I am also excited to create a sun dial. I would integrate drama here by introducing puppets to the children and having them create a drama all about shadows!
Hi Orlagh, that is such a creative and age appropriate idea! I love how you used Paddington Bear and his wellington boots to make the lesson engaging. The hands-on investigation with different materials is a great way to spark curiosity and critical thinking. I could see how this approach could be integrated with maths, like exploring capacity or measurement with the different materials. I’m definitely going to try something similar in my class. Thanks for the inspiration!
Introduction:
Hello, I’m Shauna, and I teach first class. I am passionate about inspiring curiosity and a love for exploring the world around us.
Favourite Space Fact:
If you could fly a plane to Pluto, the trip would take more than 800 years. I like this fact as it highlights just how vast the solar system truly is.
Reflection on Inquiry-Based Activity:
One of my favourite inquiry-based activities would revolve around the Northern Lights. Inspired by my recent sighting, I would introduce the topic by showing images of the Northern Lights as a stimulus and asking the children what they think is happening/causing this.
Using coloured cellophane and flashlights, children could create their own light displays, shining the flashlights through the cellophane to see how different colours appear on white paper. This hands-on activity would help them understand light refraction and the science behind the Northern Lights. For infants, I would focus on the visual experience and a basic explanation of light and colours. I think this lesson would integrate with geography well as we could partake in a country study of Iceland and even art with using black paper and pastels to create a northern lights landscape.
