This multi-use interactive philosophy lesson explores philosophical and ethical issues relating to space, space exploration and alien life. This session is ideal for teachers who want to explore philosophy in science lessons with students aged 8-16; we’ve carefully selected the most significant issues and questions relating to space and space exploration so that young learners can engage in fun philosophical discussions and debates. This session explores topics such as: Cosmology: the nature and potential origins of space and the universe Ethical issues such as: The rights of native species when colonising planets Terraforming Artificial panspermia The development of space-based weaponry Extra-terrestrial life One of the main philosophical debates explored by this instructional resource concerns ‘the fabric of space’: the debate between ‘Substantivalism’ (the view that space exists in addition to any material bodies situated within it) and the contrasting view ‘Relationalism’ which claims that there is no such thing as space; there are just material bodies, spatially related to one another. According to the relationalist view, what we call ‘space’ is literally just the empty nothingness between things that actually exist (atoms, planets, etc.). The big question asked in this session is “Is colonising other planets actually a good idea?”. Using a variety of engaging activities students will discuss and debate a wide range of other philosophical and moral questions such as: What is ‘space’ made of? (if anything) In what ways might aliens be different to us in terms of how they communicate, think and feel? If you reached the edge of space (the edge of the universe) and threw a rock over the edge: what would happen? To what extent is it a good idea for large corporations to lead humanity when it comes to space exploration? How would the discovery of alien life impact humanity? Students will also analyse and evaluate an eclectic mix of philosophical claims such as: “If aliens exist, they’ll probably be hostile and unfriendly” “The Universe had a beginning, and it will have an end” “It’s more important to focus on fixing the environmental issues on our planet than exploring space” and “Unless we colonise other planets it is only a matter of time before humanity goes extinct” This session uses our unique format for philosophy teaching resources and features an integrated menu that allows teachers to select from a variety of starter, main, plenary, assessment and end-of-lesson reflection activities. With a massive selection of activities designed to trigger philosophical discussions, debates and reflections: you can re-use the resource numerous times with the same group.

The following worksheet can be used with any documentary, long video or series of videos, It can be used in any subject and for any topic. The purpose is to focus learning whilst students watch a video. It allows students to 'get more out of' video-watching activities and allows teachers to structure discussions as a result. Whilst watching a documentary or video students add to the following rubrics: -5 interesting things I saw… -One big question I would ask… -The four points to summarise the video(s)… -Interesting things I heard… -How I could connect this to other subjects… -Five ways I can connect this topic to my own life… -One thing I will definitely remember… -Interesting facts from the videos… -Questions I would ask… A tried and tested tool I have used many times. If you're "just watching a video" at the end of term and want to make it a more meaningful and productive task: this worksheet is for you!

This lesson is for revising key-words, it is useful for any subject that features key-words. It requires colour A3 printing. It includes: -A PPT with full instructions for the game and 2 x AfL slides -A printable game board (2-4 players) The game is easily customisable: simply change the task stated on the PPT (different square colours are associated with different revision activities).

The Philosophy Boxes Method is a new approach to P4C designed for students in KS1, 2 & 3: it is graphically stimulating, engaging, and fun. This download is also suitable for older students: but the format was designed with younger students in mind. The topic of this Philosophy Boxes download is ‘Space, Space Exploration, Aliens & The Universe’. The download comprises a P4C lesson/session that can be used 2-3 times with the same group. The aim of Philosophy Boxes is to bring philosophy and critical thinking into every subject at every level: we believe that any subject becomes philosophy when students are asked the right questions and when they think about a topic hard enough and on the deepest (most fundamental) level. The Philosophy Boxes Method presents students with a set of ‘mystery boxes’, when a student selects one of the boxes they are presented with 1 of 21 discussion/debate activities [that use 1 of 8 different formats]. The presentation has integrated AfL so that teachers can test knowledge at any point in the lesson. There are 10 different AfL slides to choose from. The design is colourful, animated, fun and engaging: all activities require movement and teachers can decide whether students are expressing their ideas purely verbally or by using post-it notes. The nature of the design is that it can be used for short sessions (5-10 minutes) or much longer sessions (up to 2 hours!) - it allows for classroom practitioners to be flexible and adaptable. It can, therefore, be used in lessons or as a tutor-time activity. The download includes a PowerPoint Show; if you would like an editable PPT presentation so that you can make your own ‘Philosophy Boxes’ presentation you will need to download the template here: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/-the-philosophy-boxes-method-template-for-creating-your-own-philosophy-boxes-lessons-p4c-p4k-11463227 A complete selection of Philosophy Boxes lessons can be found here: https://www.tes.com/resources/search/?&q=philosophy+boxes+godwin86 You can also save money by purchasing lessons as bundles.

This product includes three different double-sided, colour, A4 Worksheets to give to your students. They focus on three philosophical topics: metaphysics, ethics/morality, and epistemology: each worksheet contains a number of fun little activities to provoke thought, discussion, and debate. Each worksheet should keep students busy for 10-15 minutes. I advise giving them one each week over three weeks, perhaps as a starter activity - you can even set them as home-work tasks! :) The files are editable so that you might customise them to be more suited to your present topics, I hope you enjoy! Check-out some of my most popular resources: GCSE Religious Studies Buddhism (20 Lesson Unit) Buddhism (Thematic Studies Units) Christianity (Thematic Studies Units) Hinduism (20 Lesson Unit) Islam (Thematic Studies Units) .    GCSE Sociology Resources Complete Units (Whole Course) .  Philosophy for Children (P4C) The Ultimate P4C Resource Pack The Debating Society Toolkit Philosophy Boxes . Other Tools A3 DIRT Worksheet (15+ 5-star ratings!) KS3 RE Units