Forum Replies Created
-
Posts
-
I would use the idea of building our own space rockets as the theme for lessons during space week.
I would start with a poem e.g. Kenn Nesbitt has some good ones or reading a story such as aliens lobe underpants to engage the childre.
Then explore the idea of space and what it means to the children.
What do they know about it already. What we look up at the sky What can we see?
Introduce the ideas of telescopes etc and why these can help us see more.
This would lead onto a discussion to see if we wanted to actually see dance better how would we do it?
Children would then look at pictures , video clips of the moon landing and the more recent Mars trip to understand the role of rockets and astronauts.
They can sketch ideas for what they think they would need in their rocket ship. Then using ‘junk art’ material the children can work individually or I’m groups to create their own rockets
How would they take off? Having seeing the use of bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in volcano experiments previously. I would let them expwriment outside with trying to make their rocket move.
Hi Grace
What a great plan for Space week it’s so great to I corporate so many different ideas and hands on activities for infants to use. A star projector is a great idea I must dig out my sons old one!
And having a scavenger hunt on the last day is a great way to round off a fun week. Thanks for all the ideas.
-
<li style=”text-align: center;”>Hi Mikey Ive done a similar activity before with Junior infants we also brought in real clothes and sorted them by season. Looked at what the clothes were made from and why some are good at keeping you warm and some at keeping you cool. The children loved it and it’s a great hand on activity. It’s definitely can be adapted to suit the classes age.
Hands-on Activity: Mini-Ecosystem
Create miniature ecosystems in clear plastic bottles. Students fill bottles with soil, plants, and small creatures like worms or insects. This activity fosters observation, care, and understanding of ecosystems. It’s a perfect introduction to biology and environmental science.
Classroom Integration: Use this activity to explore habitats, food chains, and the importance of balance. Encourage students to record observations, measure growth, and discuss changes.
STEM Focus: Expand on this by introducing variables (light, water, temperature) and conducting experiments. Explore engineering by designing and building terrariums. Introduce data collection and analysis, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving.
Further steps include inviting experts to speak about local ecosystems and trips to natural environments.
Hi Deirdre
Great ideas here. I have never used clayotics before in my own class but my daughter has in her school and she really enjoyed it. I like the idea of using video clips for the younger children as a stimulus too.
Activity Set: Stars
Incorporating Stars into the Classroom I would take a cross Curricular approach.
Science:
Stargazing: Weather permitting, for homework I would give the children some of the constellations and see if they can identify them at night.
Art:
Starry Night Paintings: Inspired by Van Gogh, students would create their own starry night masterpieces using various techniques (finger painting, watercolors, mixed media).
Constellation Creation: Students would design their own constellations using paper, markers, and glitter.
Literacy:Starry Tales: Reading myths and legends about stars and constellations would enrich cultural understanding and storytelling skills.
Star Poetry: Students would write poems inspired by stars.Hi Luke
I did something similar with my class the lass 2 years as a whole class display where the create the planets and used different materials to decorate them and then we create a whole collage of the solar system it was a great way of incorporating art and science and the children loved it.
I would choose the “Spherical Earth” activity for my classroom. This activity offers a really engaging way to introduce the concept of Earth’s shape to young learners.
I would start with a class discussion about what the Earth looks like. Students often have preconceived notions, such as a flat surface and create a KwL chart on a large sheet that we can come back to at the end of the activity.
Next, I would introduce the concept of a sphere using everyday objects like balls or oranges. Students can explore these objects, discussing their shape and characteristics.
For the main activity I would have the children create a model of the Earth. Students could use balloons or Styrofoam balls as the base. They could then decorate them with continents, oceans, and other features using markers or paint.
Hi Aoife
I worked in Jnr infants for 4 years and loved using stories and songs as an introduction to lessons. It is a great way of engaging pupils attention and making the learning fun for the pupils. I love the idea of them making their own stars and milky way.
Hello my name is Roisin and I’m a 1st and 2nd class teacher which is mixed. One science fact I like is that Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is a giant storm that has been raging for over 350 years? It’s so big that three Earths could fit inside it!
Inquiry-based learning is a fantastic way to get pupils engaged. I would introduce a question to pupils such as “How can we reduce space junk?” Students could research the issue and brainstorm potential solutions. By taking ownership of their learning, students and working tigether as a team they will be able to develop a deeper understanding of complex problems and gain the confidence to tackle challenges.
