Primary Science Beyond the Classroom

1. Stranmillis University College Primary Science Beyond the Classroom P3 Gilnahirk Primary School Miss Johnston & Mrs Barnes Mrs Thompson & Miss Earls

2. Our main objective was to support and encourage the learning of children, by using both the primary classroom and the interactive discovery centre, through enquiry based science and cross curricular activities.

3. Overview of Teaching Topic: Light Preparation Phase Lesson 1: General introduction to the topic of light and light sources. Lesson 2: Investigating Shadows. These lessons aimed to establish what the children already understood about light and encourage their curiosity around the topic. The skills and knowledge acquired in these two lessons will provide a firm foundation for their learning in W5.

4. Follow-Up Phase • Lesson 3: Investigating reflective materials and examining the properties of transparent, translucent and opaque objects. • Lesson 4: Art and design based activity to recap previous learning on opaque, transparent, translucent and shadows. These lessons were used to consolidate and build upon previous learning in both the classroom and W5.

5. Lesson 1: Miss Johnston Introduction: DVD “Can’t you sleep, little bear?” Activities: • Experimenting with light sources • Sorting light sources • Looking at shiny objects • Hide activity • Curtain investigation

6. Lesson 2: Mrs Barnes Activities: • Interactive whiteboard • Shadow boxes • Shadow puppets • Light sources Introduction: “Izzy and Skunk”

7. Visit to W5

10. Lesson 3: Mrs Thompson Introduction: “Disappearing Dog” Discovery Dog Activities: • Reflective Materials • Mixing colours • Colours of the rainbow • Opaque, transparent and translucent.

11. Lesson 4: Miss Earls Introduction: Discussion of previous learning Activities: • Shadow puppets • Light catchers • Quiz