| aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type | Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson |
| Which subject | Science |
| What age group | Year or Grade 7 |
| What topic | Earth and space science |
| Quantity | 1 |
| Any other preferences |
To ignite curiosity and excitement about Earth and space science by connecting students' everyday lives with the vastness of the universe.
Materials Needed:
Begin the lesson by dimming the lights in the classroom or taking students outside as dusk approaches. If available, project images of the night sky showing various stars and constellations. If projecting equipment isn’t available, you can use printed star charts to engage the students.
Ask students to close their eyes and visualize themselves standing under a vast sky filled with twinkling stars. Guide them through a short imaginative journey:
“Imagine you are lying on a hill, looking up at the night sky. There are millions of stars shimmering above you. Each star has its own story, its own journey through space. What do you think is out there beyond our planet? How are we connected to the universe above us?”
After a few moments of contemplation, invite students to take out sticky notes and write down one or two questions they have about what lies beyond our Earth. Prompt them with ideas such as:
Have students place their sticky notes on a designated “Questions About Space” board in the classroom. This serves as a visual representation of their curiosity and will guide your subsequent lessons, addressing their inquiries about Earth and space science over time.
Wrap up the introduction by informing students that their questions will lead the class on an exciting exploration of our planet Earth, our solar system, and the mysteries of the universe. With their curiosity as the driving force, they will embark on a scientific adventure that combines observation, analysis, and hands-on experiments throughout the course.
This engaging and imaginative introduction not only hooks students’ interest but also encourages them to think critically and foster a sense of wonder about the science of Earth and space.