| Full lesson | Create for a teacher a set of content for giving a lesson, beginning with the lesson plan. Each new block of materials must begin with an H1 heading (other subheaders must be H2, H3, etc). When you describe required pictures, write those descriptions in curly brackets, for example: {A picture of a triangle} |
| Which subject | Natural science |
| What topic | Space |
| What length (min) | 45 |
| What age group | Year or Grade 3 |
| Class size | 20 |
| What curriculum | Scotland |
| Include full script | |
| Check previous homework | |
| Ask some students to presents their homework | |
| Add a physical break | |
| Add group activities | |
| Include homework | |
| Show correct answers | |
| Prepare slide templates | |
| Number of slides | 8 |
| Create fill-in cards for students | |
| Create creative backup tasks for unexpected moments |
Year 3
Natural Science
Space
45 minutes
20 students
| Step Number | Step Title | Length (minutes) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Introduction to Space | 10 | Begin with a brief discussion about space. Show images of the solar system and planets. Ask initial questions to gauge prior knowledge. |
| 2 | Group Activity | 15 | Divide students into groups of 4 to create a chart of the solar system using large paper. Each group will draw and label a planet. |
| 3 | Printable Cards Distribution | 5 | Distribute printable cards to each student. Explain what students need to fill in during the lesson related to the solar system. |
| 4 | Guided Exploration | 10 | Guide the students through filling in their printable cards while discussing key facts about each planet. Circulate the room for support. |
| 5 | Collecting Cards | 5 | At the end of the exploration, collect the printable cards or randomly check their completion to ensure understanding. |
| 6 | Conclusion and Assessment | 5 | Summarise what has been learned. Distribute a simple worksheet for students to complete individually to assess comprehension. |
Assign students to draw their favourite planet and write two facts about it. Collect the drawings the following day without requiring presentations.
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we are going to embark on an exciting journey into the universe. We’ll be learning all about space and the solar system. Who here can tell me what they know about space? (Pause for responses.) Great answers!
Now, let’s take a look at some amazing images of the solar system. (Show images on the projector.) This is a picture of our solar system. Do you see the Sun? It’s at the centre! Can anyone name the planets? (Pause for responses and offer hints as necessary.) Fantastic!
Today, we’ll dive deeper into these planets and learn more about them. Are you all excited?"
"Excellent! Now we’re going to split into groups. I want you to get into groups of four. (Help students to form groups.)
Each group will receive a large piece of chart paper. Your task is to create a chart of the solar system. You will draw and label at least one planet on your chart. Make sure to think about the unique features of each planet as you draw them.
You have 15 minutes to work together, so let’s get creative and have some fun! Remember to listen to each other’s ideas and work as a team. Go ahead!"
"Alright, time’s up! Now, I’m going to give each of you a printable card. (Distribute the cards.)
These cards have blank spaces where you will write information about each planet. While we learn about them, you will fill in the details such as their names and some interesting facts.
Make sure to pay close attention during our guided exploration because it’ll help you fill in your cards accurately."
"Now, let’s discuss each planet one at a time. I’m going to start with Mercury. (Guide students through the planets one by one, allowing for discussion.)
As I talk about each planet, I want you to fill in your cards with the information I provide. For instance, did you know that Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun? What’s another fact you can write down? (Encourage students to ask questions and add to their cards.)
Now let’s move on to Venus. Did you know that it’s often called Earth’s twin because they are similar in size?
(Continue similarly for each planet, making sure to circulate the room and support students as needed.)"
"Great job, everyone! Now that we’ve explored all of the planets, I’d like you to finish filling in your printable cards. (Give them a moment to wrap up.)
Please pass your cards to the front of the class. (Collect the cards or randomly check them as students turn them in.) I will take a look at them to see how well you understand the planets.
Fantastic work today! Let’s move on to summarising what we have learned."
"Now, let’s briefly recap what we’ve discovered about our solar system. Who can remind me of the names of some of the planets we learned about? (Allow responses.)
You all did an amazing job today! To finish up, I have a simple worksheet for you. This worksheet will ask you a few easy questions about the planets and the solar system.
Please complete the worksheet individually, and when you’re finished, you can put it in the basket on my desk. I can’t wait to see your answers!
Finally, for homework, I want each of you to draw your favourite planet and write down two facts about it. Bring your drawings in tomorrow. Well done today, everyone!"
| Slide Number | Image | Slide Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | {Image: A scenic view of space} | - Introduction to Space - Exciting journey into the universe - Discussion on what students know about space - Introduction to the solar system and its planets |
| 2 | {Image: A diagram of the solar system} | - Group Activity - Formation of groups of four - Task: create a chart of the solar system - Draw and label at least one planet - Encourage collaboration and creativity |
| 3 | {Image: Printable cards on a table} | - Printable Cards Distribution - Each student receives a card with blank spaces - Write information about each planet - Importance of paying attention during the guided exploration |
| 4 | {Image: An illustration of Mercury} | - Guided Exploration - Discussion of each planet, starting with Mercury - Facts to be added to cards - Encourage questions and interaction - Overview of additional planets (Venus, etc.) |
| 5 | {Image: Students passing cards} | - Collecting Cards - Time to finish filling in printable cards - Process of collecting and checking cards - Importance of understanding of planets demonstrated through the cards |
| 6 | {Image: A summary chart of planets} | - Conclusion and Assessment - Recap of what was discovered about the solar system - Soliciting responses on planet names - Introduction of a worksheet for assessment |
| 7 | {Image: A worksheet on a desk} | - Completion of Worksheet - Encouragement to answer questions on planets - Directions for submitting worksheets - Anticipation of student answers |
| 8 | {Image: A drawing of a planet} | - Homework Assignment - Draw favourite planet and write two facts - Reminder to bring drawings in tomorrow - Acknowledgment of good work throughout the lesson |
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the closest planet to the Sun? | |
| Can you name all of the planets in our solar system? | |
| Why is Venus often called Earth's twin? | |
| What unique features can you name about Mars? | |
| Which planet is known for its prominent ring system? | |
| How many moons does Jupiter have? | |
| What planet is known as the Red Planet? | |
| Which planet is furthest from the Sun? | |
| What is one interesting fact about Saturn? | |
| Why is Mercury difficult to observe from Earth? |
Imagine you could visit any planet in our solar system. Which planet would you choose and why? What would you want to see or do there?
If you had to create a brand-new planet, what would it be like? Describe its features, such as size, colour, and any unique characteristics it would have.
Pick a planet that you think would be the most difficult to live on. What challenges would you face, and how would you overcome them?
If you were to name a new planet, what name would you give it and what inspired you to choose that name?
Think about the Sun and its role in the solar system. Why do you think the Sun is so important for the planets? What would happen if the Sun was not there?