Introduction
In this space-themed activity, students debate who should lead a Mars mission, enhancing critical thinking and decision-making skills. They’ll discuss astronaut qualities, fostering a rich environment for analytical thinking and opinion-forming. Encourage students to build on others’ views, deepening understanding of leadership and teamwork in an engaging, real-world context.
Learner Notes
Hey everyone! Are you ready for an awesome space mission challenge? This week, we’re diving into a cool scenario about picking a leader for the first mission to Mars. We’ve got five astronauts, each with a unique strength:
- Nova – really good at solving problems in new ways.
- Astra – has the most experience in space.
- Aurora – works super hard.
- Stella – believes in the mission a lot.
- Orion – everyone likes them.
We would like you to think about who you’d choose to lead and why. Jot down your ideas!
Next, we’ll chat about your choices. Every opinion is important, and there are no wrong answers. This is a great chance to understand different viewpoints.
We’re also going to complete some amazing maths activities and real world learning activities related to this. You’ll get a hands-on feel for leadership and teamwork and you might be able to change the world along the way.Â
So, let’s get this adventure started!
Attention to Detail Challenge
This activity involves students re-watching a video to enhance their observation skills. They pair up, list numbers 1-15, and discuss before answering questions within a 10-second time limit.
It’s designed to encourage teamwork, quick thinking, and attention to detail, while also fostering a learning environment where practice leads to improvement.
Learner Notes
Having watched the video again, it’s time to gauge your powers of observation.
Pair up with someone, and once you’ve got a piece of paper and a pencil, list the numbers 1-10 to start.
Keep in mind, you can discuss with your partner prior to settling on your response, but you’ll only have 10 seconds to decide. Watch the clock in the upper right corner to track your remaining time.
Best of luck, and don’t stress over any mistakes – remember, perfection comes with practice.
Make up your Mind - Rubric and Discussion
In this activity, students pair up to discuss who deserves credit for discovering a new fox species. They explore different roles, articulate reasons for their choices, and consider societal parallels in recognition and value. The focus is on open discussion, encouraging students to express and respect diverse opinions.
This exercise emphasizes the importance of student choices and critical thinking, culminating in a class-wide discussion that broadens perspectives and deepens understanding of subjective decision-making.
Learner Notes
Let’s partner up for an intriguing challenge! You’re tasked with choosing the best leader for a Mars mission from five astronaut candidates. Together with your partner, use the discussion to decide the most suitable leader and their key qualities.
Here’s how to approach it using the rubric and questions:
- Use the rubric opposite and the questions within it as a guide to assess each candidate’s leadership qualities.
- Identify two primary reasons why your chosen astronaut would be the best leader for the mission, based on the rubric criteria.
- Discuss why the other four candidates might not fit as the ideal leader in this context, again referring to the rubric.
- Reflect on how your chosen leader’s qualities align with what is valued in leaders both in space exploration and in other leadership scenarios.
Once you’ve had a detailed discussion, we’ll regroup as a class. Each pair will present their thoughts, and we’ll expand the conversation to the whole class. This will be an excellent opportunity to explore various perspectives on leadership and decision-making using a structured approach.
Weekly Keywords
 Introduce the spelling word list and choose from this list of tasks that can be repeated and expanded upon if necessary. Copy the words into a spelling list/Vocabulary book for later reference. Put each of the new words into a sentence and underline the new vocabulary in red pencil or pen. Place the words in alphabetical order in a list. Use a dictionary to define each of the words and place them into a vocabulary book.
Learner Notes
These words will help you during this week’s lesson. You may already know some of these words, however vocabulary practice is always useful!
First, read the words and then try to define them as simply as possible.
An example has been completed for you. You can write these into your books, and draw a picture to match or simply complete the task card.
Weekly Comprehension Activity - The History of Space Travel
This activity involves students reading about the history of space travel, then applying this knowledge to answer varying difficulty comprehension questions.
It emphasizes collaboration among students and encourages using classroom resources. The aim is to enhance understanding of space history and foster teamwork in the learning process.
Learner Notes
Read the task card opposite on the history of space travel. Combine this with the knowledge from the short video and keywords we have completed today to tackle the comprehension questions.
You’re welcome to collaborate with your peers and use any classroom resources to assist in finding the answers. If some questions remain unanswered during class, feel encouraged to extend your research at home.
The questions are structured to range in difficulty, presenting an engaging challenge. Try to answer as many as you can accurately!
Remember to use complete sentences in your responses and take notes on any diagrams or fascinating facts that could help you remember this information for later discussions or studies.
Guided Writing - Creative Writing with Emotions
In this lesson, students engage in a creative writing exercise, imagining themselves as astronauts on a mission to Mars. The focus is on expressing complex emotions and using a first-person perspective to enhance narrative immersion.
They’ll draw inspiration from a real-life adventurous journey, the Drake Passage crossing, to explore feelings like excitement and fear. This task not only nurtures creativity but also hones their skills in structuring and delivering a compelling, emotionally rich story. The goal is to deepen their ability in expressive writing.
Learner Notes
This week, let your creativity take flight as you embark on a thrilling journey to Mars in your writing. Imagine you’re an astronaut about to board the first rocket to the Red Planet. Your writing task is to capture the whirlwind of emotions you feel in this momentous event.
Draw inspiration from the example of my own experience on the eve of my journey across the Drake Passage to Antarctica. Think about how you would feel the day before such a significant journey to Mars. Consider excitement, fear, anticipation, and wonder.
As you write, remember to:
- Express your emotions vividly, making the reader feel as if they’re stepping into your space boots.
- Use the first person perspective to make your story more personal and engaging.
Use these guidelines to craft a gripping and emotionally charged story about your pioneering journey to Mars.
We’re really starting to develop our skills in expressive and emotive writing. Keep up the great work!
Bringing Mathematics to Life!
For each conundrum, we will provide related mathematics questions.
The levels of questions allow for your students to push themselves until they become too difficult. They may wish to use classroom resources to solve the questions they find too hard or they can be used as extension activities to be completed in free time or at home.
Learner Notes
This week’s problem set centers around the characters from the Martian Conundrum. Learn a bit more about the characters and their adventure by solving some Math problems in the task card.
If they get too hard you can either ask a friend, use the tip provided in the middle column to help you, or take your work home and work on solving the problems at home with your family!
Real World Learning - Space-Themed Art Exhibition
This week’s project is a student-led art exhibition themed around space. Empower your students to take charge of organizing the event, fostering skills in leadership, teamwork, and project management. They will create their own space-inspired artworks, encouraging creativity and self-expression.
Guide them in setting deadlines, making cardboard frames, and arranging the exhibition space. This initiative not only develops their artistic abilities but also enhances organizational skills and community engagement. The exhibition will culminate in an auction, where the artworks are sold to support a local charity. This activity not only nurtures artistic talent but also instills a sense of responsibility and community impact in the students. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to learn and contribute meaningfully.
Learner Notes
This week, we’re going to make a huge impact on the world using the power of Art.
You will organise a school art exhibition where children from all classes in your school can create their very own artworks based on space.
Your task will be to create the very first space artwork and, once complete, tour the classes of your school to get everyone on board. They will need to submit their artwork to you, where you will then gather a group of school volunteers to help you frame the work ( You can make cardboard frames) and add string to the back for hanging during the exhibition.
Children of all ages will be able to submit their work, but they will need to be given a deadline.
Once all submissions have been collected, your job will be to bring the community together and finally auction off the artwork to raise money for a local charity of your choice. You may wish to make a poster just like the one opposite.Â
There’s a lot of organizing to do, and you’ll need to gather the support of your friends and the whole community, but if executed perfectly, a big difference could be made for the charity of your choice.
Good luck. Being creative has never made this much of a difference.
Real World Learning - Make a Prediction
This week’s Real World Learning is to have students try and predict when humans will arrive on Mars. Encourage them to go online and do research about how difficult it is to go to Mars and what experts are saying. Sometimes a good prediction comes from listening to expert judgment! Once Students have their prediction. Have them put their predictions in this form:Â
Then they can see how others have responded here:Â
Learner Notes
Making predictions is very challenging. Even the best in the world often get wrong. Just think of weather predictions you’ve seen!
In this exercise, we will practice our research skills and practice making a claim based on our research. You will try to predict when humans will first set foot on Mars. Nobody knows for sure, so give it your best shot and see how your prediction compares to those around the world!
See how others have responded here:Â
My Digital Resume
This task involves students reflecting on their recent learning experiences and skills gained. They are encouraged to update their digital resumes, incorporating multimedia elements for a comprehensive self-assessment.
This activity promotes introspection and self-evaluation, helping students recognize and articulate their progress and achievements. It’s a practical exercise in documenting personal growth and impact, fostering a deeper understanding of their developmental journey and its significance in their lives.
Learner Notes
Welcome to another week of our Conundrum journey! As we wrap up this new week, take a moment to revisit your accomplishments from the previous weeks. Reflect on the experiences and skills you gained during that time.
Now, let’s celebrate your achievements. It’s time to add these new experiences and skills to your digital resume. Don’t forget to include all of the required information and keep each week original and fresh.
Feel free to include photos and videos if you wish, and most importantly, identify and note down the new skills you’ve learned.
Keep up the fantastic work, and let’s continue this exciting journey together!”
