Discover Primary Science and Maths (STEM)

DISCOVER PRIMARY SCIENCE and MATHS

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The Discover Primary Science and Maths programme (DPSM) is part of Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) Discover Programme which aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics among students, teachers and the wider public.

The DPSM programme aims to develop creativity in our children, help develop an interest in science, show how important science is to our daily lives and more importantly how much fun science can be!

The 5 steps of the programme involves hands-on science investigations from all strands of the Science curriculum, the use of ICT, investigating engineering, using maths skills, inviting science speakers to the school, visiting DPSM Centres and opportunities for the children to present their work to others.

We plan to apply for an SFI Award in February 2016.  In order to meet the award criteria we are compiling an on-going log of evidence of our science activities and ensuring that the children are actively involved every step of the way.

January 2018

Mad Professor visits St. Johns

A big thanks to the Mad Professor from www.reallygrandevents.ie who put on an amazing Science show for the children today! We learned loads about Science and how it can be a lot of fun! Please visit our Facebook Page St. Johns National School, Kenmare, for more photos. 

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November 2017

3rd Class Investigating Air Pressure

Today, for Science Week, 3rd Class investigated if pressurised air could withstand force by placing a table on balloons and testing its strength.  All the children tried standing on the table but no one applied enough force to burst the balloons.  Then they had to bring out the big guns!  First Mr. Devane, then Master O’Sullivan and then Mr. O’Sullivan.  In the end, they tried both Mr. O’Sullivans together.  The balloons were put under serious pressure but miraculously, they never burst!  #TheBeautyOfScience!

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Mr. D for Science Week

Today we had a visit from Mr. D, an Engineer and Scientist who did workshops with the pupils from 3rd to 6th Classes for Science Week 2017.  The children investigated a variety of Science concepts and skills.  Mr. D otherwise known as Chuck Delpier is from Science Adventures and believes in Investigative Science with a hands-on approach.  The children engaged in a variety of experiments and challenges including working with batteries, tools, mechanics, light energy, kinetic energy and electrical energy.  The workshop was very informative and interesting as well as being a lot of fun!  Thanks Mr. D!

June 2017

We are pleased to announce that we have been awarded the Discovery Primary Science and Maths Award of (STEM) Excellence again this year!  To achieve this award, the pupils excelled with their skills and knowledge in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Throughout the year, our pupils carried out various activities such as hands on investigations in the areas of living things, energy and forces, materials and environmental awareness and care.  We held a Science week in November where each class engaged in Science by questioning, observing, predicting, investigating, experimenting, measuring, analyzing, recording and communicating.  We had Science Workshops in April with Mr. Zee, an Engineer and Scientist where the children investigated scientific concepts and were involved in activities such as designing and making go-carts, making roller coasters and battery powered cars.  We also had a visit from Shonagh Gray of SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) in February who carried out workshops on the importance of energy conservation and we held a Maths Week in October. 

Special thanks to Miss Lynch for coordinating the project and to the teachers for implementing fun and active Science and Maths lessons in their classrooms!  All the hard work paid off!  Well done all!

Below is a picture of some of our children receiving the award. 

Engineer’s Week

Engineers Week is a week-long programme of nationwide events celebrating the world of engineering in Ireland. The aim of the week is to create a positive awareness of and spark enthusiasm about the engineering profession among young people with little or no engineering background.

Engineers Ireland’s STEPS team coordinates Engineers Week and is responsible for the development of resources and materials, partner liaison and communication. Event hosts organise activities on a local level. Host organisations vary from engineering organisations to third-level institutions, libraries and educational centres.

Find out about STEPS here: www.steps.ie
Find out about Engineers Ireland here: www.engineersireland.ie

Here are the Engineering Projects by 4th Class this year. 

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April 2017

This April, we had a visit from Mr. Zee, an Engineer and Scientist who did Science and Engineering workshops with all classes as part of our Discover Primary Science Initiative.  The children investigated a variety of scientific concepts and used a variety of scientific skills.  Some activities included designing and making Go-Carts and investigating the strand of Forces through pushing and pulling techniques.  The younger classes investigated Kinetic Energy by making roller coasters and had to get marbles to roll down from start of finish and into a plastic cup.  They were given pieces of white tape and black foam pieces and had to assemble them from scratch.  Senior Classes learned about electrical energy and made battery powered cars in small groups.  They then had to race the cars!  The workshops were very educational and informative as well as showing that Science can be a lot of fun!  Thanks Mr. Zee!

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