[Rebecca Finan]

I like how co pilot gave you the cross curricular link of subjects. The activities given all sound so engaging and fun while the children will be learning

[Rebecca Finan]

I have planned a lesson using co pilot for 3rd class. I have linked the lesson to geography, english and art. I have created a reading comprehension and quiz through co pilot as well as a diagram for display through co piolot. There will also be a follow on art activity with the lesson in drawing the water cycle.
LLearning Objectives
• Students understand the water cycle stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection.
• Students use geography skills to identify water sources and weather patterns.
• Students practice English literacy through reading and responding to a text.
• Students express understanding creatively through art.
🌍 Integrated Subjects
1. Geography
• Introduce the four main stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, collection.
• Show Ireland’s water sources (lakes, rivers, rainfall patterns).
• Discuss why Ireland gets a lot of rain.
2. English
• Reading comprehension (included below).
• Vocabulary: cycle, vapour, droplets, clouds, rain, sun.
• Writing: Students write 4–5 sentences describing the water cycle.
3. Art
• Students create a Water Cycle Wheel or Lift-the-Flap Diagram (instructions below).
🕒 Lesson Structure (45–60 minutes)
1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)
• Ask: “Where does rain come from?”
• Show water in a cup—ask what happens if we leave it in the sun.
2. Teaching Input (10 minutes)
• Display a water cycle diagram.
• Explain each stage clearly.
• Link to local weather in Roscommon.
3. English Reading & Questions (10–15 minutes)
(See reading comprehension below.)
4. Geography Activity (10 minutes)
• Students label a blank water cycle diagram.
• Identify water sources in Ireland.
5. Art Activity (10–15 minutes)
(Instructions below.)
📘 Reading Comprehension: “A Trip Around the Water Cycle”
Text: Water is always moving, even when we cannot see it. When the sun shines, it warms water in rivers, lakes, and oceans. The warm water turns into tiny bits of vapour and rises into the air. This is called evaporation. As the vapour rises higher, the air becomes cooler. The vapour turns into tiny droplets that form clouds. This is condensation. When clouds become heavy, the droplets fall as rain. This is precipitation. The rainwater collects in rivers, lakes, and oceans again. Then the cycle begins once more.
Questions
1. What happens to water when the sun heats it?
2. What forms when vapour cools down?
3. What is precipitation?
4. Where does rainwater go after it falls?
5. Why is it called a “cycle”?
🧠 Quiz (10 Questions)
1. What is the first stage of the water cycle?
2. What does water turn into during evaporation?
3. What forms clouds?
4. What do we call water falling from clouds?
5. Name one place water collects.
6. What gives energy to the water cycle?
7. True or False: Condensation happens when water gets warmer.
8. True or False: The water cycle never stops.
9. What stage comes after condensation?
10. Why is the water cycle important?
🎨 Art Activity: Water Cycle Wheel
Materials
• Paper plates
• Markers/colours
• Split pins
• Blue tissue paper (optional)
• Cotton wool (clouds)
Instructions
1. Students divide a paper plate into four sections.
2. Label each section: Evaporation, Condensation, Precipitation, Collection.
3. Draw each stage using colours and craft materials.
4. Add cotton wool for clouds and blue tissue for water.
5. Attach a second plate on top with a window cut out.
6. Use a split pin to create a rotating wheel.
⭐ Optional Extensions
• Create a class mural of Ireland’s water cycle.
• Write a short story from the point of view of a raindrop.
• Conduct a simple evaporation experiment.

[Rebecca Finan]

I would introduce Scratch to my senior class as an engaging way to explore coding, creativity and AI. I would begin by discussing what AI is, how it is used in everyday life and the importance of using it responsibly. I would explain that Scratch is a coding platform that allows pupils to create interactive stories, games and animations making it an ideal introduction to programming concepts.
As a class, we would first explore the Scratch interface and complete a simple guided project together. Once pupils are familiar with the basics, they could design their own game that incorporates simple AI concepts, such as decision-making using variables, sensors or extensions. Pupils would work collaboratively in pairs or small groups, encouraging problem-solving, communication and creativity.
Throughout the project, I would encourage pupils to test and improve their games reflecting on how technology can solve real-world problems. Opportunities for peer assessment and self-assessment would allow pupils to evaluate their work and identify areas for improvement. This approach supports the development of digital literacy, computational thinking and collaboration, while building confidence in using technology. It also provides an excellent opportunity to discuss the ethical use of AI and the role it will play in their future.

[Rebecca Finan]

I have tried scratch junior with classes in the past but do not feel fully confident myself in using them so I will certainly be using some youtube videos to help both myself and children alike

[Rebecca Finan]

I think OSMO would be a super app for the SET room. With smaller children numbers it will be so useful. It sounds fun, enganging and I love the fact that it encourages children to keep trying again even when they make mistakes

[Rebecca Finan]

I am really looking forward to using twee alongside youtube videos. I also have a number of children who speak different languages so I think youtube translate will be so helpful

[Rebecca Finan]

I think that is a great idea of using some of these resources in literacy stations. I was not familiar likewise with alot of them and also teaching the senior classes I agree they will all be so useful.

[Rebecca Finan]

I think that is a great idea of using some of these resources in literacy stations. I was not familiar likewise with alof of them and also teaching the senior classes I agree they will all be so useful.

[Rebecca Finan]

Two AI tools I would use to improve teaching, learning and assessment are Microsoft Reading Coach and Diffit. Microsoft Reading Coach will support pupils in developing reading fluency through personalised practice and instant feedback, helping me identify areas where additional support is needed. Diffit will allow me to quickly adapt reading materials to different ability levels seeing as I have 3 class levels in my classroom this will be so useful. Also making lessons more inclusive and ensuring all learning abilities can access the curriculum.

These tools, along with others such as Copilot Image Creator, MagicSchool, Gamma, Microsoft Speaker Coach, Microsoft Search Coach, Twee and YouTube AI Translation have the potential to make my teaching more engaging, accessible and efficient. I love how AI can reduce our teacher workload by creating resources, differentiating content and providing feedback, while also supporting pupil creativity and communication skills. I believe these tools can enhance assessment also by offering timely insights into childrens progress and helping me to provide more personalised learning experiences for my class.

[Rebecca Finan]

I find sharing any nuggets of information around AI I have, apps I’ve come across or pretty much anything I have tried in my classroom with other staff members during informal conversations or during Croke Park hours very useful for our school

[Rebecca Finan]

I think this is going to be great in my classroom having lessons more individualised to the classes own interests. Therefore they will be far more engaged throughout

[Rebecca Finan]

I believe AI has the potential to transform the teaching and learning experience by making learning more personalised, engaging and efficient. ChatGPT can be used to create quizzes, provide personalised feedback and generate lesson plans to suit students’ strengths, interests and abilities, making lessons more effective and enjoyable. Microsoft Teams can improve classroom collaboration by simplifying communication, homework tasks and feedback. OneNote Class Notebook helps organise resources and student work in one accessible space. Tools such as Immersive Reader help aid children with their reading and Microsoft Learning Tools can support students with diverse learning needs by improving accessibility and literacy. Flip encourages students to share their learning through creative video responses, increasing engagement and confidence. AI can also reduce teachers’ administrative workload by assisting with lesson planning, grading, attendance and maintaining student records. However, implementing AI successfully may be challenging due to concerns around safe and responsible use, student privacy and limited access to devices and reliable technology and internet connection within schools.

[Rebecca Finan]

I am so looking forward to trying out using the AI resources for classroom displays and assessment rubrics. So often, I find displays cant be sources for what we really want displayed on them so this will be a fantastic addition to me classroom

[Rebecca Finan]

I also agree that ChatGPT will be so useful in helping to set targets and the wording of some plans. Also I am looking forward to using Vidnoz as I had never previously heard of it before.

[Rebecca Finan]

What I found most interesting about the potential use of AI was how it can enhance teaching and learning while still keeping the teacher at the centre of the classroom. The Khanmigo tutor bot shown in the TED Talk was particularly impressive because it demonstrated how AI can support students by guiding their thinking rather than simply providing answers. I also think tools like Vidnoz could significantly increase student engagement by creating more interactive and accessible learning experiences. What stood out to me was the idea of AI acting as an assistant rather than replacing teachers. It can save time with tasks such as lesson planning and report writing, allowing teachers to focus more on students. I also learned how important it is to write clear, detailed prompts when using tools like ChatGPT or Gemini. With three different classes next year, AI will help me quickly differentiate resources and activities to meet each group’s needs.

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