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I think books are the best start to any lesson. They get the children engaged and intro duces the topic/ theme in a child friendly way
Class Plan to Engage with Space Week
After completing this course, I think taking part in Space Week would be a great way to build on the children’s interest in science and space. For a 1st class, I would plan a range of simple, hands-on activities throughout the week to keep the children engaged while linking with different areas of the curriculum.
We could begin the week by reading space poems or a story about space, such as The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers, to introduce the topic. Throughout the week, the children could learn about the planets, explore how shadows change during the day, and make simple moon observations using pictures and videos. They could also complete art activities by designing their own rockets, planets or friendly aliens and creating a class space display.
To encourage hands-on learning, I would include a simple STEM challenge where the children work in groups to build a rocket using recyclable materials. They could then explain how they designed it and what they would use it for if they travelled into space.
I would assess learning through teacher observation, questioning, class discussions and the children’s completed work.Hands-on Classroom Themed Activities
Because I think children learn best when they are actively involved in their own learning, I have chosen the Hands-on Classroom Themed Activities. For a 1st class, I would choose a simple STEM challenge, such as building a bridge using paper, card, straws or building blocks. Before starting, we would talk about what makes a bridge strong and look at some examples. We would research bridges in Ireland or the local area- observing their structure, design and purpose (vehicles/ bikes/ pedestrians etc) The children would then work in small groups to design and build their own bridge before testing it to see if it could hold small objects such as counters or toy cars.
Throughout the activity, I would encourage the children to make predictions, work together, solve problems and discuss what worked well and what they might change. This would help develop important science skills such as observing, predicting, investigating and communicating, while also encouraging teamwork and creativity.Activity Set: Space and Aliens
I chose the Space and Aliens activity set because I think it would really excite and capture the imagination of a 1st class. Using an imaginative theme like aliens is a great way to introduce simple scientific ideas in a fun and engaging way.
I’d begin the lesson by reading a story about space or aliens and asking the children what they think they might find if they travelled into space. A few books I think would work well for first class are: There’s No Place Like Space! – Introduces the planets and basic facts about space in an accessible way. It links the imaginative alien theme with real science and The Way Back Home – A beautifully illustrated story about a boy who meets a friendly alien on the Moon. It ties in well with themes of friendship, problem-solving and space.
We would discuss the different planets and chat about why Earth is special because it is the planet where we live. The children could design and draw their own friendly alien and they could describe the type of planet it might live on. Pictures of objects could be sorted into things that belong on Earth and things that belong in space, encouraging discussion about the differences.
This activity helps children develop their observation, questioning and communication skills. It also links well with Visual Arts through drawing and designing their aliens, and English through storytelling and oral language activities. I would encourage the children to use simple scientific words such as planet, Earth, space, rocket, and astronaut.
For assessment, I would use teacher observation, questioning and the children’s drawings and oral descriptions. I think this activity would be enjoyable for 1st class because it combines creativity with science and encourages the children to ask questions, share ideas and learn through play and discussion.I really like this lesson idea, Monica. It sounds fun and engaging, and I can imagine the children really enjoying taking part. It’s the kind of activity they’ll remember for a long time.
I also love teaching outside when possible. the children love being outside and it keeps them far more engaged.
Activity Set: The Sun and Shadows
I chose the Sun and Shadows activity because it is suitable for 1st class- I have first class this year! And it provides a practical and engaging way for children to explore scientific concepts through observation and play. I’d start by bringing my class outside on a sunny day and asking the children to look at their own shadows. Working in pairs, they could trace each other’s shadows with chalk and make predictions about what might happen to the shadows as the day goes on. We would come back at different times during the day to see how the shadows had changed in length and direction. The children would talk about what they noticed and record their observations by drawing pictures or writing a few simple sentences.
This activity helps to develop the children’s skills in observing, predicting, measuring and communicating. It also integrates well with Maths through measuring shadow lengths, Geography through discussing the position of the Sun, and Visual Arts through creative shadow drawings. I would encourage the children to use scientific vocabulary such as shadow, light source, longer, shorter, and direction throughout the lesson.
For assessment, I would use teacher observation, questioning and the children’s work in their science copies. I think this activity would really engage the children and spark curiosity and discussion, while also helping them understand that the Sun’s apparent movement across the sky causes shadows to change throughout the day. Overall, I think would be an enjoyable, inquiry-based lesson that promotes active learning and meaningful scientific exploration.
An inquiry-based activity I would like to use in my classroom is an investigation into the question, “Why does the Moon appear to change shape?” Instead of starting with an explanation, I’d encourage pupils to look at the Moon over a few days or weeks, and record its appearance in their copybook using drawings, photographs, or simple descriptions. They could then share what they saw, spot patterns, and develop their own explanations for what they notice.
To support their thinking, I would provide torches, balls, and other simple materials so that pupils could model the positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. Working in small groups, they could test their ideas, discuss their findings, and revise their explanations based on the evidence they collect.
Inquiry-based learning helps the children become active in their own learning rather than simply receiving information. It promotes curiosity, collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving -making science more engaging and memorable. I also think that the activity could be adapted for different age groups and abilities, allowing every child to contribute through observation, discussion, or practical investigation. Connecting the lesson to something children can see in the night sky, makes the learning relevant and meaningful, and would surely encourage them to continue asking questions about space.