Age: 8,9,10
Project Year: 2011-12

Space project

Using the topic of Space pupils used forums to suggest group names, which were confirmed through videoconferencing. We divided our classes into groups which meant 2 or 3 pupils per group. This we felt was a good number for collaborative learning where everyone would have opportunities to participate and would lessen any tendency for a pupil not to fully engage with the activities.

Pupil profies allowed for discussion of interests, similarities and differences. Alien descriptions sent via the forum to partner groups with each group painting/drawing an alien from the description. Videoconferencing to show and talk about completed aliens. Researching space facts with each partner group sharing facts through videoconferencing. Designing, making and painting space craft from junk materials and sharing with partner group through videoconferencing.

Classroom wall display

Face-to-Face:

Venue for the face to face was The crystal Maze, Co Meath. At the Crystal maze the pupils, working in mixed teams, are guided by a leader through a series of physical, mental and skills challenges. e.g. completing an assault course while remaining linked together, a spelling puzzle, giant tower stack etc. On successfully completing a challenge crystals were awarded to the team. The team with the most crystals at the end of the challenges was awarded the Crystal Trophy!

Face-to-face meeting at the Crystal Maze

Videoconferencing:

Many videoconferencing sessions!  Learning skills of speaking clearly,using a microphone, taking turns, using the technology e.g. turning the microphone on and off.