Create a superhero(ine) and villain(ess) as part of a Unit of Work across Literacy, Art, DT, Science and ICT.
- Research existing superhero(ine)s and villain(esse)s on the Internet and discuss their super powers and biographies.
- Discuss different super powers and how they might be achieved through science.
- Link the super powers to practical work in science e.g. investigating materials, electricity forces, gravity and sound. There are loads of ideas in the back issues (294 through to 313) of the Planet Science newsletter.
- Visit Planet Super Powers! to get ideas on how to design your own character.
- Have a look at the Planet Super Powers! Gallery for inspiration.
- Create a new scientific superhero(ine) or villain(ess) and write their biography. Who/were are they? What are their powers and how did they get them?
- And finally draw the character to bring them to life.
Extension work could include:
- Making models of the character
- Creating a comic strip portraying the character's personality (see p57 of the Engineering Super Powers resource pack)
- Using a computer package such as Pixton or Comic Life to create a comic strip
Or if you don't have time for a full Unit of Work just use superhero(ine)s and villain(esse)s to introduce and teach concepts in the classroom:
The Flash can run at the speed of light.
Speed, distance and time
The Invisible Woman can bend light.
Refraction and invisibility
Otto Octavius aka Doctor Octopus' exposure to radiation.
Radiation
Black Canary has a sonic scream.
Sound
The Sub-Mariner's special blood circulation and ability to breathe underwater.
Respiration and Circulation
Battle for Planet Science - Page 2
Cloning and the ethics of cloning
Battle for Planet Science- Page 3
Main body organs
Battle for Planet Science - Page 4
Carbon Capture
Battle for Planet Science - Page 5
Pressure, Explosions and Combustion
Battle for Planet Science - Page 6
Momentum, Magnetism and Electromagnetism
Battle for Planet Science - Page 7
Material Changes, Insulators and Conductors
Battle for Planet Science - Page 8
Sound
Battle for Planet Science - Page 9
Recycling
Battle for Planet Science - Page 10
Sustainability
Using the Battle for Planet Super Powers! comic strip to:
- Introduce literacy - learn more about comic strips / graphic novels and literacy on the Learning Teaching Scotland website
- Engage students learning another language (the images are a great help as well as the idioms and text features).
Play the Battle for Planet Science game where science knowledge and skill is required to defeat the villains who have invaded the Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Engineering sectors of Planet Science.
Many thanks to Melody Jones, Mandy Patterson, Sharon Doris and Barbara Williams for their teaching ideas.
Please send your teaching ideas to the Planet Science team.