Lesson Overview
In this C1/C2 ESL lesson plan, students explore the fascinating topic of space, the universe, and humanity’s place within it. They begin by investigating the incredible scale of the universe through a video, learning about galaxies, black holes, and the vast distances that exist beyond Earth.
Students develop advanced vocabulary related to size, numbers, and space while completing video comprehension activities, discussing key ideas, and explaining complex scientific concepts. They then explore thought-provoking questions about space travel, alien life, and the future of humanity through debates and hypothetical discussions.
The lesson challenges students to think critically, express sophisticated opinions, and discuss some of the biggest questions humans have ever asked: How big is the universe? Are we alone? And should we continue exploring beyond our planet?
- Warm Up: Name Planets
- Scale: Size
- Adjectives
- Video: Big Numbers and Space
- Video: Timeline
- Discussion
- Debate
- Famous Quotes
- Would you Rather?
Homework
There is an excellent homework task to supplement this awesome C1/C2 ESL lesson plan. Students are challenged to analyse an interesting article which is linked to the topic of the lesson, before being asked to write answers to challenging questions. Activity layout:
- Article: Why Space Travel Is Important
- Writing task.
