The HEAL team have been exploring the theme “Our Planet and Beyond” this term with a range of activities from galaxies to zombie snails!
The theme has helped our students to understand their place in the universe, foster curiosity, responsibility, and a broader perspective on life and the environment. It has allowed tutors to blend science, maths, geography, history, art, and even literature, creating opportunities for integrated, meaningful learning with our HEAL students.
Imagine what alien life might be like and how they might live? Life beyond Earth often inspires awe, encouraging students to ask big questions about existence, the universe, and the future.
Students read various fiction and non-fictions texts. One of our students listened to the short story “Ziggy the alien comes to tea” and drew this picture of what alien life might be like.
Some students enjoyed mathematical origami by making flextangles. Geometry in action to learn about shapes, symmetry and rotation.
Embracing beyond the planet, planned activities included working on pen control, space word matching, colour matching, rocket and space-themed counting activities.
Who doesn’t love a planets of the solar system mnemonic? Tricks to remember information more easily is really helpful and the sillier the better! Can you make a solar system mnemonic of your own?
Creating space themed sun-catchers allowed our craft-loving students to make beautiful patterns on the walls and is a creative way to blend art, science, and imagination.
Discovering how different relationships exist within ecosystems was an area chosen by some students. Watching the rewilding speech of George Monbiot prompted great discussion and allowed this student to learn about the importance of keystone species. The wolves in Yellowstone national park, a powerful example of how reintroducing a single species can dramatically reshape an entire ecosystem. This principle was supported by otters as ecosystem engineers. Learning about Earth as a unique, life-sustaining planet can cultivate a sense of stewardship and urgency to protect it. We hope this fosters a sense of responsibility amongst our students.
The symbiotic relationships in ecosystems was another popular choice. Learning about head lice and zombie snails prompting shock and awe!
A stellar few weeks studying our planet and beyond! We are really proud of our star HEAL students gaining environmental awareness, universal perspective and developing their imagination and curiosity.
Lisa Millikin, Assistant Head Teacher at HEAL
