World Space Week is celebrated annually October 4th-10th. Supply teachers can often find themselves at a loss for lesson inspiration and this is the perfect opportunity to flex your creative thinking. Why not make it topical and relevant to a worldwide celebration?!
We’ve compiled a list of ideas of how to apply the theme of space to your lessons below. More in-depth lesson ideas can be found through World Space Week here.
English
Creative writing is the easiest option to theme here. Set the topic of space, give a spacey buzzword or show an image and ask your class to write a short story or poem based around this.
Another option could be to write out a series of words that fit the topic and split them into types of word, depending on your pupil age range. It could be as simple as nouns, verbs and adjectives, or you can get into the nitty gritty at higher levels of learning.
Maths
When we’re working with wordy maths problems, how often do we find ourselves counting apples or pies? Why not turn these into planets, stars, rockets or spacemen? Little changes that add to an overall theme can really change the engagement levels of a class.
Science
This one’s easy. It doesn’t have to be a physics lesson to take the space route! The age and level of your class will make the most difference in this subject, but take any curriculum and there will be something space related – even if you don’t immediately recognise it. Think forces (physics), elements (chemistry), evolution (biology)… there will be plenty to cover, you just may need to adjust your perspective slightly to see it.
Art
Getting crafty is easy with a space theme. Chalks and pastels make great mediums for space themed artwork. If you’ve plenty of time or a repeat class, papier-mâché on balloons is an easy way to make planets that can make a lovely display. Adding a sprinkling of rock salt to watercolour paint also creates an other-worldly pattern that’s great for the surface of planets, or for making a space, starry background.
Whatever subject you’re teaching, use the opportunity to create a conversation about World Space Week and add something different to your lesson. Teachers are often the ones that spark an idea in the imagination of a child – you could be the one to inspire an astronaut, physicist, astronomer… the possibilities are endless.
“We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.” – Stephen King, 11/22/63
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