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STEM Award
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Welcome to our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) page. We hope you enjoy looking through some of our work we have been carrying out during this school year (2017 - 2018) in these areas. We have been having lots of fun experimenting, investigating, discussing and exploring lots of new ideas and concepts in all of our classes.
Step 1: Science
Living Things:
Hatching Chicks (Junior Infants / Whole School Activity)
A local farmer gave Junior Infants six eggs to look after for a month. We discussed how eggs are cared for by the mother hen on the farm. The eggs needed to be kept very warm and safe.
The eggs were placed into an incubator for 21 days. This was left outside Mrs. Lambert's office in our corridor. Every morning as all of the children in our school arrived in to school they got to have a look at what has happening with the chicks and discuss with each other what they thought was going to happen next, it was very exciting!
After some time, the chicks hatched out of the eggs. We had three chicks in total. Every day, we researched what was happening inside the egg, from the development of feathers to the hardening of the beak. It was so exciting when the chicks hatched! Junior Infants cared for the chicks by feeding them boiled egg, porridge and water. We did lots of work on the life cycle of the chicken. In art lessons, we created our own chicken life cycles on giant eggs. In English lessons, we wrote a report about everything we know about chickens and baby chicks. Junior Infants presented their chicks and their findings to the whole school during our science fair.
A local farmer gave Junior Infants six eggs to look after for a month. We discussed how eggs are cared for by the mother hen on the farm. The eggs needed to be kept very warm and safe.
The eggs were placed into an incubator for 21 days. This was left outside Mrs. Lambert's office in our corridor. Every morning as all of the children in our school arrived in to school they got to have a look at what has happening with the chicks and discuss with each other what they thought was going to happen next, it was very exciting!
After some time, the chicks hatched out of the eggs. We had three chicks in total. Every day, we researched what was happening inside the egg, from the development of feathers to the hardening of the beak. It was so exciting when the chicks hatched! Junior Infants cared for the chicks by feeding them boiled egg, porridge and water. We did lots of work on the life cycle of the chicken. In art lessons, we created our own chicken life cycles on giant eggs. In English lessons, we wrote a report about everything we know about chickens and baby chicks. Junior Infants presented their chicks and their findings to the whole school during our science fair.
Life cycle of the Robin (1st Class)
First Class learned about the life cycle of the Robin. This was completed in science and linked to art and report writing. We investigated Robins in our own school and explored what they eat. We also examined the different parts of the Robin. We learned about the importance of feeding birds especially in winter when food for birds can be scarce. We completed activities based on the life cycle of the Robin.
First Class learned about the life cycle of the Robin. This was completed in science and linked to art and report writing. We investigated Robins in our own school and explored what they eat. We also examined the different parts of the Robin. We learned about the importance of feeding birds especially in winter when food for birds can be scarce. We completed activities based on the life cycle of the Robin.
The Hedgehog (1st Class)
First class have also been investigating animals that hibernate. They identified hedgehogs as one of these animals. They explored hedgehog habitats, hibernation and sleeping habits of the hedgehog. They also explored how hedgehogs protect themselves and investigated different parts of the hedgehog. They watched a video on the hedgehog and read lots of interesting facts also.
First class have also been investigating animals that hibernate. They identified hedgehogs as one of these animals. They explored hedgehog habitats, hibernation and sleeping habits of the hedgehog. They also explored how hedgehogs protect themselves and investigated different parts of the hedgehog. They watched a video on the hedgehog and read lots of interesting facts also.
The Life cycle of the butterfly (Senior Infants)
Senior infants have new companions in the classroom – caterpillars! They have called them Úll, Oráiste, Banana and Féileacán! So far, they have observed their small caterpillars, and they will document using photographs as they get bigger, make their chrysalis and turn into beautiful butterflies. They have learned all about the life cycle of the butterfly, through discussion, and working in pairs to order the life cycle using “Life Cycle Ribbons”. They also learned about the different parts of the butterfly, and included this in our report writing for the week, which was all about butterflies!
Below are some more photos of investigations carried out in our school under the strand of 'Living Things', these include the life cycle of a frog and exploring our school frog bog, winter birds and investigating birds' nests and human sight.
Energy & Forces:
Learning about 'Gears' (5th class)
5th class have been learning about gears. They investigated different objects and machines that have gears including bicycles, clocks and even some toys. They discovered that gears are wheels with teeth that slot together. They explored gears on a bicycle and examined how they are connected with a chain. The class discovered that the chain of the bicycle transfers the turning force from the pedal to make the wheels go around and to move the bike along. They investigated how the chain is moved between sprokets of different sizes either to increase speed for racing or for slowing down speed for a hill climb. They learned lots of new words and explored lots of new concepts and even got to examine a real bicycle in our classroom!
5th class have been learning about gears. They investigated different objects and machines that have gears including bicycles, clocks and even some toys. They discovered that gears are wheels with teeth that slot together. They explored gears on a bicycle and examined how they are connected with a chain. The class discovered that the chain of the bicycle transfers the turning force from the pedal to make the wheels go around and to move the bike along. They investigated how the chain is moved between sprokets of different sizes either to increase speed for racing or for slowing down speed for a hill climb. They learned lots of new words and explored lots of new concepts and even got to examine a real bicycle in our classroom!
Pulley Systems (5th class)
5th class learned about pulley systems. They discovered that pulley systems reduce the effort required to raise a load. The class investigated and recorded what pulley systems are used around our school and homes. They found lots in our school environment, including the door, the blinds and the school flagpole.
The children then created their own pulley system. Some groups used one pulley wheel along with cord and others used coat hangers and thread spools. The class then investigated the use of two pulley wheels and experimented how the weight was distributed further with a second wheel. The children then made predictions about the weight distribution and measured the force using a Newton Meter. Some groups invented new ways to make a pulley system and tested these out!
5th class learned about pulley systems. They discovered that pulley systems reduce the effort required to raise a load. The class investigated and recorded what pulley systems are used around our school and homes. They found lots in our school environment, including the door, the blinds and the school flagpole.
The children then created their own pulley system. Some groups used one pulley wheel along with cord and others used coat hangers and thread spools. The class then investigated the use of two pulley wheels and experimented how the weight was distributed further with a second wheel. The children then made predictions about the weight distribution and measured the force using a Newton Meter. Some groups invented new ways to make a pulley system and tested these out!
Light (4th class)
4th class carried out some experiments on Light. First they investigated types of lenses and mirrors- concave, convex and straight. It was interesting to see how the shape of the mirror effects you reflection. They used a torch and a prism to split white light into the seven colours of the spectrum. The class then also created mnemonics to help them remember the order they come in- their favourite was: Robbie Ordered Your Gift Box In Vietnam.
Fourth class then investigated reflecting light and mirrors through two experiments. The first was ‘The Floating Finger’, where the children got a fish eye view of their fingers entering water. Secondly they looked at how writing changes when it’s viewed in a mirror. They then created some secret messages for their friends in mirror writing.
Space Week in 2nd and 3rd class
Both 2nd and 3rd class have been investigating space. They have been busy learning all about the planets of the Solar System.
3rd class looked at the planets names and learned lots of facts through ‘We are the planets’ song. They also used fruit to show the various sizes of the planets. The children couldn’t believe Jupiter was a watermelon compared to Mercury which was one single peppercorn. The children followed instructions carefully to create the various planets using play dough. In art class they then used soft pastels and chalk to draw the planets.
2nd class were busy creating their own projects on the Solar System and used our new Chrome Books and some of our library books to help them with their research.
Below are some more photos of investigations carried out in our school under the strand of ''Energy and Forces', these include Magnetism, Light and Sound.
Materials:
Exploring 'Metal' in 4th class
While studying the topic of materials and change 4th class investigated solids, liquids and gases and how to identify each. The class also carried out an experiment on what happens to metal when it comes in contact with liquid materials.
The children tested lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil, baking soda and washing up liquid on a metal coin. They rubbed the coin with a cloth that had been dipped into the liquid. They were surprised at the liquids that make good cleaning agents!
Investigating Lava Lamps in Senior Infants
Senior infants explored different liquids and colour during science week. They named different colours, and decided whether the colours they saw were light or dark in shade. The children then experimented with lava lamps, to predict how the colours might change/move. In their experiments they tested with liquids such as milk, food colouring and liquid soap – which resulted in an explosion of colour!
Senior infants explored different liquids and colour during science week. They named different colours, and decided whether the colours they saw were light or dark in shade. The children then experimented with lava lamps, to predict how the colours might change/move. In their experiments they tested with liquids such as milk, food colouring and liquid soap – which resulted in an explosion of colour!
Exploring the density of materials and investigating salt in 5th class
It all started when the children in 5th class read about The Dead Sea in Jordan and started to wonder why the salt in The Dead Sea made things float. Through investigations the children learned that this was because of density. They discovered that many people (including themselves!) believe that the weight of any object is the reason it floats or sinks – light things float and heavy things sink .... this isn’t wrong ... but they discovered it’s not the full story!! Even though a log is heavy it will float and even though a paper clip is light it will sink. Why? DENSITY! Objects that float are less dense than the same amount of water.
The children carried out a number of experiments to investigate density using different objects. They then continued to explore the properties of salt and sugar and their densities. They discovered that by adding different amounts of salt to water they could float different materials and objects. They demonstrated this using an egg. They also investigated how they could get an egg to float in the middle of a glass of water - the trick was to add salt water first, then add an egg (which floats on the salt water) and then add fresh water, the fresh water floats on top of the salt water and leaves the egg in the middle of the two liquids - 5th class had great fun with this experiment at the science fair.
They also used varying amount of sugar, water and food colouring to create a sugar water density tower.
It all started when the children in 5th class read about The Dead Sea in Jordan and started to wonder why the salt in The Dead Sea made things float. Through investigations the children learned that this was because of density. They discovered that many people (including themselves!) believe that the weight of any object is the reason it floats or sinks – light things float and heavy things sink .... this isn’t wrong ... but they discovered it’s not the full story!! Even though a log is heavy it will float and even though a paper clip is light it will sink. Why? DENSITY! Objects that float are less dense than the same amount of water.
The children carried out a number of experiments to investigate density using different objects. They then continued to explore the properties of salt and sugar and their densities. They discovered that by adding different amounts of salt to water they could float different materials and objects. They demonstrated this using an egg. They also investigated how they could get an egg to float in the middle of a glass of water - the trick was to add salt water first, then add an egg (which floats on the salt water) and then add fresh water, the fresh water floats on top of the salt water and leaves the egg in the middle of the two liquids - 5th class had great fun with this experiment at the science fair.
They also used varying amount of sugar, water and food colouring to create a sugar water density tower.
Environmental awareness and care:
School Planting
As a school we have been doing lots of planting this year. Some of the plants we now have growing are potatoes, carrots, onions and lettuce.
This year we have decided to convert some of our wildflower garden into a potato patch and we will relocate our wildflower garden to the front of our school. Our caretaker Tommy, who is a keen horticulturist, will be helping us dig some potato drills for our potato planting.
Second class have been busy planting nasturtiums, they used compost, old wellies, water and seeds to plant their flowers. The children got the wellies ready by adding the compost. The class discussed the needs of a plant and how we would accommodate those needs. The children planted the seeds and carefully watered the plants. The class placed the wellies at the entrance to our school. They are looking forward to seeing them flower.
5th class have been learning about the best way to plant carrots .They investigated the carrot fly and what damage this can cause to the carrot plant. They discussed ideas and investigated how they could plant their carrots so that the carrot fly would not destroy them. The children decided to plant them in a bin, this way the carrot fly would not be able to fly high enough to get to them. We also learned about how carrot plants are ‘thinned’ after they sprout, if they are not thinned they will not grow properly, we looked at some ‘wonky carrots’ that are sold cheaply in supermarkets and investigated why these carrots may not have grown correctly. Tommy gave us some advice on planting different types of flowers and vegetables.
Some of the children in the school also got an opportunity to pick the crops from our vegetable and herb garden in September when we came back to school after our summer holidays. We were very lucky we had a great crop of carrots and potatoes and with the help of our principal Mrs. Lambert, 5th class got to make some homemade vegetable soup with our produce .... it was delicious!
As a school we have been doing lots of planting this year. Some of the plants we now have growing are potatoes, carrots, onions and lettuce.
This year we have decided to convert some of our wildflower garden into a potato patch and we will relocate our wildflower garden to the front of our school. Our caretaker Tommy, who is a keen horticulturist, will be helping us dig some potato drills for our potato planting.
Second class have been busy planting nasturtiums, they used compost, old wellies, water and seeds to plant their flowers. The children got the wellies ready by adding the compost. The class discussed the needs of a plant and how we would accommodate those needs. The children planted the seeds and carefully watered the plants. The class placed the wellies at the entrance to our school. They are looking forward to seeing them flower.
5th class have been learning about the best way to plant carrots .They investigated the carrot fly and what damage this can cause to the carrot plant. They discussed ideas and investigated how they could plant their carrots so that the carrot fly would not destroy them. The children decided to plant them in a bin, this way the carrot fly would not be able to fly high enough to get to them. We also learned about how carrot plants are ‘thinned’ after they sprout, if they are not thinned they will not grow properly, we looked at some ‘wonky carrots’ that are sold cheaply in supermarkets and investigated why these carrots may not have grown correctly. Tommy gave us some advice on planting different types of flowers and vegetables.
Some of the children in the school also got an opportunity to pick the crops from our vegetable and herb garden in September when we came back to school after our summer holidays. We were very lucky we had a great crop of carrots and potatoes and with the help of our principal Mrs. Lambert, 5th class got to make some homemade vegetable soup with our produce .... it was delicious!
Landfill Investigation in 5th class
As a school we have been doing lots of work around litter and waste. As part of our green school flag 5th class have been learning and exploring landfills. They discovered that most of our rubbish is sent to landfills sites all over the country. The children discovered that landfill space will run out in approximately 7 years, which is why it is so important to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. About two-thirds of landfill waste is biodegradable. This waste rots, decomposes and produces harmful gases (Carbon Dioxide and Methane), adding to global warming. Modern landfill sites have gas controls (although some gas still escapes to the atmosphere). Where the gas is captured it can be burnt to power generators to produce electricity.
We set up our own landfill experiment in class and spent a number of months monitoring the results. We used a selection of materials and food waste and identified which materials were biodegradable and which materials are not. We also discovered materials that never decompose.
We learned a lot from this experiment and passed this on to the whole school during our Green School Assembly.
Some other work our school has been doing in this area is learning about composting and learning about the seasons.
Attended a Science Week event: How to save a planet in 45 minutes!
5th and 6th class visited Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) during science week. Here they met with lots of other school and listened to Dr. Ken as he hosted a ‘Sustainability Science Show’, explaining how to save the planet in 45 minutes. Dr. Ken talked about lots of topics such as the best ways to recycle, landfills and the different gases created, electricity, carbon dioxide and its effect on the planet. He also spoke about the effects of global warming and how that affects us in our lives. Dr. Ken then showed us lots of ways that we can help reduce all different types of waste.
5th and 6th class visited Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) during science week. Here they met with lots of other school and listened to Dr. Ken as he hosted a ‘Sustainability Science Show’, explaining how to save the planet in 45 minutes. Dr. Ken talked about lots of topics such as the best ways to recycle, landfills and the different gases created, electricity, carbon dioxide and its effect on the planet. He also spoke about the effects of global warming and how that affects us in our lives. Dr. Ken then showed us lots of ways that we can help reduce all different types of waste.
Step 2: Technology
Participation in the Irish Computer Scratch Programme
This year 5th class students have been using Scratch. They had lots of fun designing and making interactive games, stories and animations using the programme. Some of our pupils took part in the National Scratch Competition hosted by the Irish Computer Society. They created games and animations for the competition. The children who entered the competition received certificates for their efforts.
Pre-coding activities in Junior Infants and Code Hour in 2nd class
4th class attend a Coding Workshop!
Fourth class were lucky enough to attend a coding workshop organised by transition year students in St. Vincent’s secondary school in Dundalk. The children worked on the Scratch programme to create a maze. Many of the children have since used the programme during class and at home.
The children then used coding to programme a BBC microbit to light a sequence of lights in order to display a message or our names. They used iPads to code Spheros, little robots that roll, making them go in the direction we wanted. The children also used inventors kits to programme a fan, making it spin.
4th and 5th class developing PowerPoint Presentation and using GoogleSlides
4th and 5th Class have been learning how to develop PowerPoint presentations using PowerPoint and GoogleSlides on various topics for our Genius Hour projects. The children researched and designed PowerPoint presentations by themselves and in groups and presented these to their classes. Topics covered included; Space, WW2, Sea Creatures, Veterinary studies, Football, Coding, Irish traditional music, Irish dancing and lots more!
They had great fun learning how to present information using a PowerPoint presentation and GoogleSlides.
Use of technology to record and analyse data collected
5th class use spreadsheets to analyse data collected from a school survey
5th class have learned to use spread sheets to input data. They carried out a survey based on a product that they were making for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme and inputted the data from their surveys into a spread sheet. They used this information to create graphs and pie charts of their results, which included the most popular buttons, where to sell their product, most popular patterns and the age group that would be most likely to buy their product. They then presented their information to the class.
5th class use spreadsheets to analyse data collected from a school survey
5th class have learned to use spread sheets to input data. They carried out a survey based on a product that they were making for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme and inputted the data from their surveys into a spread sheet. They used this information to create graphs and pie charts of their results, which included the most popular buttons, where to sell their product, most popular patterns and the age group that would be most likely to buy their product. They then presented their information to the class.
Use of Computers, Chrome Books and Ipads in all of our classrooms
All of the our classes use IPads, Computers, and this year we have invested in Chrome Books that we use in all of our classrooms. These are used across all subject areas including maths. The children love playing maths games on our classroom technology and lots of our classes incorporate these into station teaching.
All of the our classes use IPads, Computers, and this year we have invested in Chrome Books that we use in all of our classrooms. These are used across all subject areas including maths. The children love playing maths games on our classroom technology and lots of our classes incorporate these into station teaching.
Step 3: Engineering
Invite an Engineer to your school / Design and Make Challenges
Senior Infants and 3rd Class enjoyed a special treat during Engineer’s Week when Neil Larkin (an engineer and a parent in our school) came to visit their classrooms. Neil had prepared lots of fun engineering challenges for the boys and girls to try out.
The children in Senior Infants learned about the different types of engineers there are, and what jobs they do. They recognised some of the things in the classroom that might have been designed and built by engineers. Neil challenged the Senior Infants to make a bridge using paper, to support 20 coins! He demonstrated how to make paper stronger by folding it, and we used this little trick with our own bridges. All our bridges could hold 20 coins!
Over in 3rd class Neil helped the children create Brilliant Bots, DIY writing robots! The children followed all stages of development from Neil’s instructions and they produced some brilliant bots which could buzz around the place but also do a bit of artwork on blank sheets! The children in 3rd class presented their 'Brilliant Bots' at our school science fair and everyone loved them!
Senior Infants and 3rd Class enjoyed a special treat during Engineer’s Week when Neil Larkin (an engineer and a parent in our school) came to visit their classrooms. Neil had prepared lots of fun engineering challenges for the boys and girls to try out.
The children in Senior Infants learned about the different types of engineers there are, and what jobs they do. They recognised some of the things in the classroom that might have been designed and built by engineers. Neil challenged the Senior Infants to make a bridge using paper, to support 20 coins! He demonstrated how to make paper stronger by folding it, and we used this little trick with our own bridges. All our bridges could hold 20 coins!
Over in 3rd class Neil helped the children create Brilliant Bots, DIY writing robots! The children followed all stages of development from Neil’s instructions and they produced some brilliant bots which could buzz around the place but also do a bit of artwork on blank sheets! The children in 3rd class presented their 'Brilliant Bots' at our school science fair and everyone loved them!
Design and Make Activity:
6th Class design Pin Ball Machines
6th class were tasked with designing pinball machines from old shoeboxes, toilet roll holders and cardboard.
Firstly, they worked in teams to research how pinball machines work using the chrome books to access online videos and pictures. Secondly, each team drew a design for their pinball machine, making sure to include levers to flick the marbles in different directions, and obstacles made from cardboard and beads.
The next stage was construction. When the teams had completed the first draft of their machines, they gave them to their friends for testing, and recorded their feedback. They used this feedback to help them improve upon their designs.
The final pinball machines were decorated and the class had great fun trying out each other’s designs!
6th Class design Pin Ball Machines
6th class were tasked with designing pinball machines from old shoeboxes, toilet roll holders and cardboard.
Firstly, they worked in teams to research how pinball machines work using the chrome books to access online videos and pictures. Secondly, each team drew a design for their pinball machine, making sure to include levers to flick the marbles in different directions, and obstacles made from cardboard and beads.
The next stage was construction. When the teams had completed the first draft of their machines, they gave them to their friends for testing, and recorded their feedback. They used this feedback to help them improve upon their designs.
The final pinball machines were decorated and the class had great fun trying out each other’s designs!
5th class investigate Catapults
5th class discovered that the higher you pitch a ball upwards, the more energy you store in it. Instead of breaking their arms trying to toss balls into the air, the class designed catapults that will do it for them. Their catapults use elastic kinetic energy stored in the rubber band to launch the object.
5th class used the "springiness" in the lollipop stick to fling the object down our school corridor. By moving the fulcrum as far from the ball launch pad as possible (on the catapult), they got a greater distance to press down and release the object. 5th class then measured the distances using a trundle wheel and when they got back to the classroom they calculated average distances and which group got the shortest and longest average distances.
5th class discovered that the higher you pitch a ball upwards, the more energy you store in it. Instead of breaking their arms trying to toss balls into the air, the class designed catapults that will do it for them. Their catapults use elastic kinetic energy stored in the rubber band to launch the object.
5th class used the "springiness" in the lollipop stick to fling the object down our school corridor. By moving the fulcrum as far from the ball launch pad as possible (on the catapult), they got a greater distance to press down and release the object. 5th class then measured the distances using a trundle wheel and when they got back to the classroom they calculated average distances and which group got the shortest and longest average distances.
Amazing Shape Structures and Balloon Rockets in Junior and Senior Infants
Junior Infants have been busy creating ramps, building houses and engineering jail constructions for their superhero characters!
Senior Infants have been investigating rockets and even made their own balloon rockets!
Junior Infants have been busy creating ramps, building houses and engineering jail constructions for their superhero characters!
Senior Infants have been investigating rockets and even made their own balloon rockets!
Spaghetti and Marshmallow constructions in 6th class
6th class discussed how engineers make buildings strong and durable, by using struts to reinforce sides and by including a wider base, so that the centre of gravity is low. Next, they got into teams and discussed possible designs for their own structures. They experimented with the materials given to see how they would work together. After drawing plans for their constructions they got to work. Some groups needed to shorten the pieces of spaghetti or the cut the marshmallows in half. Other groups had to re-start or change their designs altogether during the process. After construction, it was time to test for durability. Each construction was placed on a base of jelly, which was then shaken. This was to simulate an earthquake!
They were very proud to say that all of our constructions stood strong during the quake!
Step 4: Maths
Develop a maths trail around school
Maths Trail – 4th class
During maths week 4th class went on a maths trail around the school grounds. Activities included finding 3D shapes in the environment, measuring the lengths of the yard with a trundle wheel and calculating the age of cars in the car park! For many of the questions the children estimated their answers first and then compared them to their calculated answers.
4th class worked in groups of threes and fours which required a lot of good communication with their team members but also showed them how their problem solving skills can sometimes differ.
The children had a class discussion about their results when they returned to the classroom.
Maths Trail – 4th class
During maths week 4th class went on a maths trail around the school grounds. Activities included finding 3D shapes in the environment, measuring the lengths of the yard with a trundle wheel and calculating the age of cars in the car park! For many of the questions the children estimated their answers first and then compared them to their calculated answers.
4th class worked in groups of threes and fours which required a lot of good communication with their team members but also showed them how their problem solving skills can sometimes differ.
The children had a class discussion about their results when they returned to the classroom.
3D Shape Learning through design and activities make in 3rd class
The children of third class have learning all about 3-D Shapes – cubes, cuboids, spheres, cylinders and many more! We have created mini-worlds like a 'Starry Night', a 'Living Room' and a 'Habitat' using old shoe boxes which of course are the shape of a cuboid!!
The children of third class have learning all about 3-D Shapes – cubes, cuboids, spheres, cylinders and many more! We have created mini-worlds like a 'Starry Night', a 'Living Room' and a 'Habitat' using old shoe boxes which of course are the shape of a cuboid!!
Use Maths skills and knowledge as part of science e.g. measuring distances, capacity and weight
6th class record findings of their Environmental Survey on maths graphs
6th Class conducted an Environmental survey to see how environmental awareness has improved within the school. 3rd to 6th classes were surveyed and we worked in small teams to tally up the answers given. We then came up with a composite number for each question on the questionnaire. Each team took a question, and represented the results on a bar graph. We included the results of last year’s survey on the same graph, but in another colour, to show comparison. We then looked at the graphs and make observations about how environmental awareness has improved in the school.
We typed out some facts and placed these beside the graphs, to inform the other classes of our findings.
Senior Infants: Capacity through science (floating and sinking experiment)
Senior Infants have been investigating capacity through their floating and sinking experiments. After they recognised objects that could float or sink they then began to explore capacity.
Senior Infants have been investigating capacity through their floating and sinking experiments. After they recognised objects that could float or sink they then began to explore capacity.
Many of our classes have been busy incorporating maths skills into their science experiments, these can be seen in the experiments listed above. For example:
- Measuring distances, finding average distances and the group that the shortest and longest average distances (5th class catapult experiment, 4th class maths trail)
- Incorporating weight into materials / density experiment when measuring quantities of salt and sugar (5th class materials experiment)
- Exploring 3D shape through science and engineering (3rd class creating natural habitat using show box cuboid shape, 6th class earthquake building engineering investigation)
Step 5: STEM Show and Tell
Show evidence of the children presenting work to other classes in the school.
Science Fair in Scoil Mhuire gan Smál
On the 22nd March we held a Science Fair in our school. Each class in our school presented some of their science experiments and investigations that they had been working on. We invited friends and family to come and join us on the day. Each class had an opportunity to explore the different experiments, make their own predictions and ask each other lots of questions! Here are some of the experiments and investigations that were presented on the day:
Junior Infants – Lifecycle of a chick
Senior Infants – Floating and Sinking / Capacity
1st class – Magnetism
2nd class – Sight
3rd class – Brilliant Bots
4th class – Light
5th class – Density
6th class – Pin Ball Machines
It was fantastic to see some of our friends and family drop in during our science fair to experience all the hard work and effort the children have been putting in to their science projects throughout the year.
We all really enjoyed the day and some of the children are already planning experiments for next year!!
Science Fair in Scoil Mhuire gan Smál
On the 22nd March we held a Science Fair in our school. Each class in our school presented some of their science experiments and investigations that they had been working on. We invited friends and family to come and join us on the day. Each class had an opportunity to explore the different experiments, make their own predictions and ask each other lots of questions! Here are some of the experiments and investigations that were presented on the day:
Junior Infants – Lifecycle of a chick
Senior Infants – Floating and Sinking / Capacity
1st class – Magnetism
2nd class – Sight
3rd class – Brilliant Bots
4th class – Light
5th class – Density
6th class – Pin Ball Machines
It was fantastic to see some of our friends and family drop in during our science fair to experience all the hard work and effort the children have been putting in to their science projects throughout the year.
We all really enjoyed the day and some of the children are already planning experiments for next year!!
