Ms. Kirby is currently conducting a research project with fourth class to see how effective a project based approach is in the classroom. After doing a survey on the interests of the pupils in the class, it was decided that the first project we would investigate was 'Space'. What a cool topic! There is just so much to learn and discover.
We have now started the project, and today we watched some amazing videos from astronaut Chris Hadfield which were fascinating and gave us a unique insight into life in space. Have a look here for lots more of Hadfield's videos and experiences!
We also came up with some ideas of what we would like to find out while doing this project. This is just a selection of the MANY questions we generated:
- How could you eat your dinner in Space?
- How long does it take to get into Space?
- What would life in Space be like?
- How would you play Lego or board games in Space?
- How did the astronauts prepare for the first trip to the moon?
- What will happen if the sun burns out?
- Could life exist on other planets?
- What is the life cycle of a star?
- How did the solar system start?
- What is the 'one-way ticket to Mars' mission all about?
- Could there be more than nine planets?
- Are there any famous Irish astronauts?
- What is the Milky Way and how was it created?
- How was the International Space Station built?
Are there any more you can think of? What would you like to know about Space? Is there anything you have at home that could help us with our projects? Or maybe you know a Space or astronomy expert? Get talking and thinking about it!!
P.S. These are some websites that might be useful for your research...
Kids Astronomy
Mr. Nussbaum's Space Site
Planets for Kids
NASA Solar System for Kids
We have now started the project, and today we watched some amazing videos from astronaut Chris Hadfield which were fascinating and gave us a unique insight into life in space. Have a look here for lots more of Hadfield's videos and experiences!
We also came up with some ideas of what we would like to find out while doing this project. This is just a selection of the MANY questions we generated:
- How could you eat your dinner in Space?
- How long does it take to get into Space?
- What would life in Space be like?
- How would you play Lego or board games in Space?
- How did the astronauts prepare for the first trip to the moon?
- What will happen if the sun burns out?
- Could life exist on other planets?
- What is the life cycle of a star?
- How did the solar system start?
- What is the 'one-way ticket to Mars' mission all about?
- Could there be more than nine planets?
- Are there any famous Irish astronauts?
- What is the Milky Way and how was it created?
- How was the International Space Station built?
Are there any more you can think of? What would you like to know about Space? Is there anything you have at home that could help us with our projects? Or maybe you know a Space or astronomy expert? Get talking and thinking about it!!
P.S. These are some websites that might be useful for your research...
Kids Astronomy
Mr. Nussbaum's Space Site
Planets for Kids
NASA Solar System for Kids