School Workshops
Messages from Space
What do we know about Neptune? What’s the science of Saturn? And what’s our understanding of Uranus?
Introduction
After a warm-up activity exploring some of the characteristics of a range of inhabitants of the universe (including stars and comets as well as planets and black holes), and armed with our FactFiles, pupils will mix metaphors, similes and astronomy as they create – and perform – their own Cosmic Clerihews! These are fun but descriptive four-line poems – and so perfectly suited for the descriptive rigour demanded by science.
Exploring: characteristics of planets, stars, comets and black holes; authorial voice, rhythm, tone and pace.
| Year Groups | KS1 – KS4 |
|---|---|
| Curriculum | Science / Poetry |
| Pupil Numbers | Up to 60 pupils per workshop |
| Duration | Minimum of 60 minutes (although we always prefer longer) |
| Space | Hall |
Workshop FAQs
How many pupils can take part?
CSI: Periodic Table can accommodate up-to 30 students per workshop.
What is the format of the day?
Workshops last for 1½ hours – half a day (depending on how many classes). A timetable might look something like this:
9.00 -10.45: Session 1
10.30 – 12.15: Session 2
LUNCH
1.15 – 3.00: Session 3
Are there any technical requirements?
Each working space needs to be equipped with laptop, screen or projector, so pupils can view the supporting PowerPoint throughout.
Where will the workshops take place?
These workshops are desugned to take place in the classroom.
Workshop Testimonials
“Jackson, thank you so much for yesterday! The whole school loved the assembly and the workshops. Such an exciting theme too. I will remind the classes about sending you their Moonbase designs, what a great idea!! I hope we can see you in person next year.”
“The workshops were great and the children thoroughly enjoyed them. The whole year group are very excited about what they have learned about the space race and are looking forward to publishing their poems to go on display in our school hall.”
“The Year 2s were absolutely enthralled by the workshop! Jackson was amazing at catching and maintaining the attention of children with a variety of needs and encouraging within them a true love of words. All children, no matter their ability, were able to gain something from the workshop. Whether that be how to use their bodies to create an image, how to develop our small ideas into a bigger final piece or how to perform poems to a rhythm. To see all the children working together using different creative methods was lovely to see and their pride upon receiving their own illustrated poem the next day was a joy to see.”
More Poetry Workshops
A Celebration in Rhyme
A celebration in Rhyme has been developed to help celebrate the stories your pupils love in verse.
Refuge Rhymes – Poetry
Inspiring and Reflective Poetry workshops for both Primary and Secondary Schools exploring the theme of “Refuge”.
Soundscape Poetry
Those pupils who said they don’t like poetry will be writing furiously at the end of this magical workshop.