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We Are the Universe

Where do we come from – and how do the stars connect us?

Project page

About Us

Ages

5-6 6-7 7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14

Topic

Identity and diversity The solar system and beyond

Format

Lesson plan

Duration

60 minutes

Did you know that the chemicals that make up our bodies were once part of stars? This interdisciplinary lesson plan brings together creative writing, literature and science to consider the Big Bang and our place in the universe – focused on a poem created especially for About Us by writer and educator Cheryl Moskowitz, which considers space, time travel and 13.8 billion years of history.

After reading the poem together and introducing its themes, use the six-page PDF lesson plan to encourage your pupils to consider these subjects and others, before inviting them to create their own poem inspired by Cheryl’s work.

Lesson plan

Curriculum links

England:
English: Writing & Reading Composition
Science: Working Scientifically, Earth & Space (Y5), Space Physics (KS3)
Key Stages: KS1, KS2, KS3

Northern Ireland:
Language & Literacy: Writing & Reading
Science & Technology: Earth & Universe
The World Around Us: Place
Key Stages: Foundation, KS1, KS2, KS3

Scotland:
Languages: Literacy & English – Writing & Reading
Sciences: Planet Earth
Levels: First Level, Second Level, Third/Fourth Level

Wales:
Languages, Literacy & Communication: Literature
Science & Technology: Being Curious, Matter
Progression Steps: PS2, PS3, PS4