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The activity set that I would choose to teach from this section would be rockets. I would use the theme of rockets, astronauts or space in general across Aistear, ensuring there is lots of integration with other curricular subjects.
We could read many books on rockets to engage the children in the theme. For junior/senior infants we could read a story such as ‘On the Launch Pad’ by Michael Dahl or ‘Zoom Rocket Zoom’ by Margret Mayo as a whole class discussing the movements of rockets. The use of the Marvin and Milo cartoons, ‘Penny Rocket’ and ‘Balloon Rocket’ can be integrated into literacy for older children to read in pairs or groups to engage the children in reading for fun. The comic style and characters are pitched perfectly to capture their attention. The children could create the experiment, questioning how could we change the speed of the rocket? (more/ less air, different sized balloons, longer/shorter balloon etc).I like how the children can explore the use of force and gravity by exploring different size cartons. To further their engagement they could decorate or design their cartons, or there could be a competitions between groups.
I enjoy the use of digital resources and also a hands on approach to teaching all subjects, but in particular STEM as it makes it more meaningful for the children to be able to ask questions and see the responses for themselves. It allows children to use their creativity and curiousness to explore the world.
The basic concept of hot and cold is an activity set which I would enjoy teaching in junior classes as the children can engage in the activity and they can work together in teams or individually based on their preference. Rather than explaining to the children hot and cold, they are enabled to explore the topic through the use of ice as a hands on activity. We can learn that the sun provides us with heat by watching or seeing the ice cube melt. It is a direct cause of the sun. The children can further their learning by using materials that could speed up the heating process (placing it in direct sunlight) or slow it down (placing it in the shade or wrapping it in wool). The children will be enabled to further their thinking of how we can keep ourselves warm by using the sun and learn about the concept of the sun provides heat.You really show the use of a balanced approach in teaching STEM in the classroom for the need of a mixture of approaches from digital to hands on, to ensure it is more meaningful and understanding for the children.
I would use the activity set stars
To teach stars to junior classes, I would use a combination of a book, a song, and a video to make learning fun and engaging for all types of learners. I would start by reading a simple, colourful picture book like There’s No Place Like Space from the Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library. This book uses fun rhymes and bright illustrations to introduce the concept of stars, helping children understand what stars are and where they live in space. Next, by singing the classic song Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star which most children know and can engage in. This helps them to connect with the idea of stars through music. You can make the song more interactive by adding hand motions or using star-shaped props, which helps reinforce the concept and keeps their attention. Finally, show a short, age-appropriate video from popular children’s programs like Sesame Street or StoryBots. These videos use simple language and colorful animations to visually explain what stars are, how they shine, and where we can see them in the night sky. By combining reading, singing, and watching, children engage multiple senses and learning styles, making the concept of stars easier to understand and more enjoyable.
This is a lovely and imaginative activity that brings the topic of stars to life in a way that’s both engaging and age-appropriate. Using familiar media like Peppa Pig is a great way to introduce the concept, and I really like how you incorporate prediction, discussion, and hands-on elements like marbles, sand, and art. The mix of storytelling, music, and creative tasks offers a well-rounded learning experience, and the home extension with star lanterns adds a nice family involvement aspect. Overall, it’s a thoughtful and inspiring way to explore stars with young learners.
This is a fantastic and engaging approach to introducing the concept of shadows. I really like how you start by tapping into the children’s prior knowledge through stories, shadow play, and familiar media like Peter Pan—it’s a great way to spark curiosity and discussion. The hands-on investigation outside is a brilliant idea, especially with the use of chalk to trace shadows at different times of the day. It not only helps children observe changes in shadows but also encourages teamwork, communication, and critical thinking. Repeating the tracing throughout the day using different colours is an effective visual strategy to help children clearly see how shadows shift as the sun moves.
I would use the Activity Set: The Planets to help children explore the solar system in a fun and interactive way. I’d begin with a class discussion, encouraging pupils to share what they know and ask any questions they might have about the planets. We could create a KWL chart to show our learning process throughout the lesson. Then, I’d play a catchy, planet-themed song or video to help them learn the names of the planets and remember their order from the sun.
Following that, I’d set up a creative activity where students make a scale model of the solar system using paper mache balls of different sizes, clearly labeling each one. This would support their understanding of the huge differences in planet sizes and the distances between them. We could also use digital tools to dive deeper into the unique features of each planet. This would also allow for integration with art and geography to allow for cross curricular learning
To build on their knowledge, I’d let the children use iPads or tablets to research a topic of their choice related to the lesson to deepen their learning and then we could share these on a Padlet so that all of the children could read each others ideas, learning from each other.
I really like this activity idea. A lot of thought has also gone into integration which will be very important with the new curriculum framework coming into schools!
Module 1 – Reflection
Children naturally want to get involved in activities and are curious about figuring out solutions to problems. They are constantly learning and they don’t see a problem and not search for a solution in the same way we might avoid a problem or ask someone else for the solution. Children are inquisitive and assertive and they enjoy problem solving.
Prompting children such as using the spill clean up challenge allows children to be hands on and problem solve. It encourages independence and teamwork skills.
The children use many scientific skills in such an easy activity from beginning with predicting, planning to the end of evaluating and comparing their results with their peers. Children can learn that there may be multiple ways to complete the task and they can work with their class mates to decide what might be the best solution going forward. While the activity can be done individually or in pairs or groups this allows for differentiation in the class room where some children may enjoy working alone and others may prefer working together. The piece at the end where they can compare which method was most effective allows the children to share their methods and to compare, so even the children who worked independently are enabled to listen to other children’s ideas and compare them to their own.
Hi all,
Sorcha here and I love teaching and learning new facts about all things space related. Ireland will have its first female astronaut heading off to space soon on a Virgin Galactic flight where her team will conduct microgravity research. I’ll also be visiting the Kennedy Space Centre during the summer and I hope to share this trip with children in my class to engage and excite them in the topic.
