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Here is a rough plan for infant classes to engage with Space Week
Monday:
Start the week by introducing the concept of space and planets through a storybook read-aloud.
Engage students in a discussion about the solar system and the different planets.
Have students create their own model of the solar system using craft materials.Tuesday:
Introduce the concept of astronauts and space exploration.
Show a short video clip of astronauts in space and discuss what they do.
Have students create their own astronaut helmets using paper plates and art supplies.Wednesday:
Teach students about the phases of the moon through a hands-on activity using Oreos.
Discuss the importance of the moon in space exploration and its effects on Earth.
Have students create their own moon phase chart to take home.Thursday:
Explore the concept of stars and constellations.
Show images of constellations and have students try to connect the dots to create their own.
End the day with a stargazing session using a star projector in the classroom.Friday:
Wrap up Space Week by having students participate in a space-themed scavenger hunt.
Play space-themed games and activities throughout the day to review what they have learned.
Have students create a space-themed craft to take home as a reminder of their week exploring the universe.Hi Michelle, I also love the idea of using the flying mice activity as an Aistear Station and will definitely be giving it a go next year!
One way I have incorporate hands-on activities on the topic of space in my junior infant classroom is by creating a space-themed sensory bin. Fill a large bin with materials such as black beans (to represent outer space), plastic planets, toy astronauts, and glow-in-the-dark stars. Let the children explore the bin, sort the objects by size or colour, and create their own space scenes using the materials.
Another hands-on activity could involve creating a solar system mobile. Using various materials such as paper plates, paint, and string, have the children paint and decorate each paper plate to represent a different planet in the solar system. Once the plates are dry, attach them to a hanger or dowel rod to create a mobile that they can hang in the classroom.
I have also used and enjoyed reading here on the forum about different space-themed dramatic play areas in the classroom. Set up a space station with pretend astronaut suits, helmets, and a control panel. Encourage students to role-play as astronauts exploring outer space, communicating with mission control, and conducting experiments on different planets.
I’d start by reading a story about stars, such as “How to Catch a Star” by Oliver Jeffers. Encourage the kids to ask questions and make observations about the stars in the story.
Star Sorting Activity: Provide star stickers or cut-outs of different colours and sizes. Have them sort the stars by size, colour, or shape. Discuss the similarities and differences between the stars they have sorted.
Star Art Activity: Each child would get a piece of black construction paper and yellow paint. Dip their fingers in the paint and make finger print stars on the paper. The children would be encouraged to get creative with their art and create different patterns with the stars.
Star Gazing: I would take the children outside or to a window and look up at the sky. Point out any visible stars and constellations. Discuss how stars twinkle and how they light up the night. Recap the lesson by asking the children to share one thing they learned about stars and conclude with the song Twinkle Twinkle Little StarI would start by engaging the students with a hands-on activity. I would begin by discussing what the sun is and how it provides us with light and warmth. I would then introduce the concept of shadows by asking the students to stand in the sunlight and observe how their bodies cast a shadow on the ground.
Next, I would lead the students in a simple experiment where we use a flashlight to create shadows on a blank wall. I would ask the students to take turns moving closer and farther away from the wall to see how the size and shape of their shadows change. This would help them understand that shadows are created when an object blocks the light from the sun or a light source.
After the experiment, we would discuss how shadows can change throughout the day as the position of the sun in the sky changes. We would also talk about how different objects can create different types of shadows, such as tall objects creating long shadows and round objects creating round shadows.
To reinforce the concept, I would provide the students with materials to create their own shadow puppets. They could use these puppets to create shadow plays and experiment with how moving the puppets closer to or farther away from the light changes the size and shape of their shadows.
I would conclude the lesson by reviewing what we have learned about the sun and shadows, reinforcing the idea that shadows are created when light is blocked by an object. The students would leave the lesson with a better understanding of how shadows are formed and how they can change throughout the day.
Hi Laura, that sounds like a lovely lesson and the kids would love tracking it and referring back to it throughout the day
An inquiry-based activity I would use would be on the topic of the solar system. I would use the solar system song as an initial introduction to the eight planets in the solar system. This song gives three to four facts about each planet and displays them in the correct order from the sun and their size comparable to one another and the sun.
Each group/child would be given a blank planet made out of paper mache and asked to paint it the colour of the planet that their group has been assigned.
While the planets are drying the children would be encouraged to use books/iPads to research some facts about their planet.
When the planets are dry each group would present their planet and facts about their planet to the whole classHi I’m Sharon and am going into my second year teaching a junior autism class. My favourite space fact is that the number of stars in the Milky Way is probably higher than the number of humans that have ever been born! Shows how enormous it is!
