STEM Award 2021 - 2022
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Welcome to our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) page. We hope you enjoy looking through some of the work that all of the boys and girls have been doing throughout this school year. We have been having lots of fun experimenting, investigating, discussing and exploring lots of new ideas and concepts in all of our classes.
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Step 1: Science
Living Things:
6th class learn about Bats
We participated in a workshop on Bats in Ireland- A virtual exploration of their acoustic world. This was organised by the Rediscovery Centre. We learned all about types of bat, bat species native to Ireland, bat conservation, the diet of a bat, habitats and how bats use echolocation. It was fascinating to hear clips of bats using echolocation, of course the sound had been modified so humans could hear it. Afterwards we carried out an experiment of our own to investigate our ability to navigate by echolocation. One student was blindfolded while others made snapping noises in front, behind or to the side of them. We also wrote reports on bats using the information we learned.
We participated in a workshop on Bats in Ireland- A virtual exploration of their acoustic world. This was organised by the Rediscovery Centre. We learned all about types of bat, bat species native to Ireland, bat conservation, the diet of a bat, habitats and how bats use echolocation. It was fascinating to hear clips of bats using echolocation, of course the sound had been modified so humans could hear it. Afterwards we carried out an experiment of our own to investigate our ability to navigate by echolocation. One student was blindfolded while others made snapping noises in front, behind or to the side of them. We also wrote reports on bats using the information we learned.
5th Class learn about Fish Farming and our Aqua Culture
5th class took part in a classroom workshop with The ARC. The ARC stands for Aquaculture Remote Classroom and is dedicated to travelling all around Ireland to visit Primary School 5th & 6th class students to raise awareness about aquaculture. Bord Iascaigh Mhara has developed the ARC as part of a European wide campaign called #FarmedintheEU.
Aquaculture is the farming of plants and animals in the water. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food producing sector and a world leader in sustainable food production despite only 2% of the oceans used for farming.
Topics covered in The ARC workshop included:
5th class took part in a classroom workshop with The ARC. The ARC stands for Aquaculture Remote Classroom and is dedicated to travelling all around Ireland to visit Primary School 5th & 6th class students to raise awareness about aquaculture. Bord Iascaigh Mhara has developed the ARC as part of a European wide campaign called #FarmedintheEU.
Aquaculture is the farming of plants and animals in the water. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food producing sector and a world leader in sustainable food production despite only 2% of the oceans used for farming.
Topics covered in The ARC workshop included:
- The origins of seafood
- The role of Aquaculture on a global scale
- The role of Aquaculture on a local level
- The role of Aquaculture on a personal level (health & nutrition)
Junior Infants investigate the Sense of Smell
In Junior Infants we were exploring our sense of smell. We listened to the story 'The Sweet Smell of Christmas'. We did some smelling, picked our favourites and played guess the smell using cinnamon, chocolate, ginger, peppermint and vanilla!
In Junior Infants we were exploring our sense of smell. We listened to the story 'The Sweet Smell of Christmas'. We did some smelling, picked our favourites and played guess the smell using cinnamon, chocolate, ginger, peppermint and vanilla!
Senior Infants have been learning about different flowers and plants
Senior Infants were learning all about flowers and plants. We read the story “A Seed in Need”. We also planted some seeds. We discussed how a seed needs water, light and air to grow. We painted vases of flowers. We also cut out and stuck the parts of the flower in the correct order. Our Aistear play time was all about “The Garden Centre”. We completed this topic in our Oral Language Programme and sang the song “There’s a worm at the bottom of the garden”.
6th Class learn about the Human Eye
We used a torch, a fish bowl and a lens to demonstrate how our eye works. It was fascinating to see how the lens, just like the lens in our eye, actually projects the image upside down on to the retina before the optic nerve brings it to the brain to be translated and flipped upside down.
We learned all about how optical illusions use light, colour and patterns to trick our brains into seeing an image that’s not really true. We created some optical illusions of our own for art. During English we wrote explanations on ‘How our Eye Sees’.
We also carried out an investigation to see whether our left or right eye is most dominant. Lots of the boys and girls that play sports were fascinated to discover how this would influence a person’s ability during sports, especially if your dominant hand/foot is on the opposite side.
We used a torch, a fish bowl and a lens to demonstrate how our eye works. It was fascinating to see how the lens, just like the lens in our eye, actually projects the image upside down on to the retina before the optic nerve brings it to the brain to be translated and flipped upside down.
We learned all about how optical illusions use light, colour and patterns to trick our brains into seeing an image that’s not really true. We created some optical illusions of our own for art. During English we wrote explanations on ‘How our Eye Sees’.
We also carried out an investigation to see whether our left or right eye is most dominant. Lots of the boys and girls that play sports were fascinated to discover how this would influence a person’s ability during sports, especially if your dominant hand/foot is on the opposite side.
Senior Infants learn about Antarctica
We were busying learning all about the Antarctic. We discussed the penguin, the polar bear and the arctic fox. We learned about blubber; the fat that sea mammals have and how this keeps them warm. We painted a picture of a penguin and also completed igloos.
We were busying learning all about the Antarctic. We discussed the penguin, the polar bear and the arctic fox. We learned about blubber; the fat that sea mammals have and how this keeps them warm. We painted a picture of a penguin and also completed igloos.
Energy & Forces:
5th Class take part in an Energy Workshop with SEAI
5th Class took part in an 'Energy' workshop with SEAI for Science Week. They learned all about hydro, wind and geothermal energy and took part in some simple energy experiments. They really enjoyed the workshop!
5th Class took part in an 'Energy' workshop with SEAI for Science Week. They learned all about hydro, wind and geothermal energy and took part in some simple energy experiments. They really enjoyed the workshop!
1st Class investigate Magnets
First Class had great fun investigating magnetism. We conducted and recorded two investigations.
- What materials do magnets attract?
2. Will the magnet attract the metal through the object?
We tested through a copybook, a schoolbag, a plate, a jumper and a ruler.
Junior Infants also had fun exploring Magnets
The Junior Infants enjoyed playing with magnets and investigating whether items were magnetic/non-magnetic. They designed maps and mazes in pairs. The children used magnets and paperclips to bring their characters through the maze and out to the treasure!
5th Class investigate Sound
5th Class learned about Sound and Hearing. They investigated what a sound wave is and how it moves. They also explored amplitude. They created their own sound wave machine to show the transfer of energy in a sound wave. They learned how to use Audacity to record and edit sound. They also investigated how a record player works and investigated pitch. They had lots of fun!!
5th Class learned about Sound and Hearing. They investigated what a sound wave is and how it moves. They also explored amplitude. They created their own sound wave machine to show the transfer of energy in a sound wave. They learned how to use Audacity to record and edit sound. They also investigated how a record player works and investigated pitch. They had lots of fun!!
Materials:
Senior Infants investigate Floating and Sinking
We watched a simple power point presentation on things that are likely to float and sink.
We put a big basin of water in the middle of the room we found that an apple, paper, a twig and a bottle of water floated.
We also found that a stone, a potato, scissors and a paper clip all sank.
After we completed the experiment we completed a worksheet. We stuck the thing that floated on one side of the sheet and everything that sank on the other side. We all enjoyed this work.
4th class investigate Bubbles!
We discussed all materials and their properties. We classified solids, liquids and gases and defined these. We asked ourselves the question: We can easily identify solids and liquids, how can we identify gases? Balloons, bubbles, breathing etc. We took a closer look at bubbles, how they are made and which matter they contain. We made a solution for the bubble skin and used straws to introduce our ‘gas’ by blowing in the solution.
Pupils posed many questions as to the characteristics and possibilities of bubbles by blowing bubbles in a solution on a table. How to blow the biggest bubble? What makes it pop? What protects it? What it likes/dislikes? Can we join bubbles? Blow bubbles inside bubbles? What shapes are these? Friction? Temperature?
We discussed all materials and their properties. We classified solids, liquids and gases and defined these. We asked ourselves the question: We can easily identify solids and liquids, how can we identify gases? Balloons, bubbles, breathing etc. We took a closer look at bubbles, how they are made and which matter they contain. We made a solution for the bubble skin and used straws to introduce our ‘gas’ by blowing in the solution.
Pupils posed many questions as to the characteristics and possibilities of bubbles by blowing bubbles in a solution on a table. How to blow the biggest bubble? What makes it pop? What protects it? What it likes/dislikes? Can we join bubbles? Blow bubbles inside bubbles? What shapes are these? Friction? Temperature?
5th Class learn about Chemical Reactions
5th class have been learning about acids and alkalis and the chemical reaction of making carbon dioxide. They decided to try to launch some mini aliens into space using this reaction! Firstly they filled a little bottle with some vinegar (acid) and then added some baking soda (alkali). This then caused a chemical reaction creating carbon dioxide. The force of the carbon dioxide inside the bottle forced the cap off and launched it into the air! They had lots of fun experimenting and using different variations to see what would cause the best reaction. Before our Hallowe'en break we also decided to make some vomiting pumpkins using the same chemical reaction!
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6th Class investigate Solids, Liquids and Gas during an unexpected snow day!
When we had an unexpected snowy morning in early January the class couldn’t resist using it as an opportunity to carry out some scientific research, and have lots of fun. As we were investigating solids and liquids in class at the time we gathered some of the ice from the playground watching it melt in class and then that afternoon boiled it in a saucepan to show the three different states water can be found in. We also worked in pairs to engineer the best snow being with a limited amount of snow, exploring and discussing where the best location to build in the playground would be so it would not have melted by the end of the day. Some people even suggested the fridge so we tried there too.
When we had an unexpected snowy morning in early January the class couldn’t resist using it as an opportunity to carry out some scientific research, and have lots of fun. As we were investigating solids and liquids in class at the time we gathered some of the ice from the playground watching it melt in class and then that afternoon boiled it in a saucepan to show the three different states water can be found in. We also worked in pairs to engineer the best snow being with a limited amount of snow, exploring and discussing where the best location to build in the playground would be so it would not have melted by the end of the day. Some people even suggested the fridge so we tried there too.
2nd Class investigate the Properties of Water
2nd class investigated the properties of water. They experimented with changing water to ice and created some very special ice eggs! They recruited the help of Junior Infants to go on an ice egg hunt after they have completed their experiments!
2nd class investigated the properties of water. They experimented with changing water to ice and created some very special ice eggs! They recruited the help of Junior Infants to go on an ice egg hunt after they have completed their experiments!
3rd Class investigate a Bubbling Brew!!
Third class carried out some bubbling brew experiments. We discussed what an acid and base were and used our senses to record what they felt and smelled like. We then predicted what would happen if we mixed both. The children worked in groups and took turns adding baking soda, food colouring and washing up liquid to their container. They then added the vinegar (acid) and watched the reaction take place. We then recorded what we observed.
Third class carried out some bubbling brew experiments. We discussed what an acid and base were and used our senses to record what they felt and smelled like. We then predicted what would happen if we mixed both. The children worked in groups and took turns adding baking soda, food colouring and washing up liquid to their container. They then added the vinegar (acid) and watched the reaction take place. We then recorded what we observed.
Environmental Awareness and Care:
5th Class have been learning about Marine Pollution
As part of our Green Schools Marine Flag 5th class decided to learn about Marine Pollution. They completed a number of activities and took part in a series of workshops called 'Life Below Water'. They learned about the different pollutants in our lakes, rivers and seas here in Ireland. They carried our a water contamination investigation and then proceeded that with a water filtration experiment. They completed some Marine Pollution projects and presented what they learned to the class.
As part of our Green Schools Marine Flag 5th class decided to learn about Marine Pollution. They completed a number of activities and took part in a series of workshops called 'Life Below Water'. They learned about the different pollutants in our lakes, rivers and seas here in Ireland. They carried our a water contamination investigation and then proceeded that with a water filtration experiment. They completed some Marine Pollution projects and presented what they learned to the class.
Senior Infants have been learning about the Seasons
We discussed the season of Autumn and the changes it brings to our environment. We painted trees and decorated them with autumn colours. We discussed the animals that typically hibernate and we coloured pictures of squirrels, we also used brown and orange paper to decorate the tail with brown and orange paper.
5th and 6th Class take part in a Marine Medicine Workshop and learn about how the ocean is monitored!
Marine Medicine- What the Ocean can do for your Health. During this workshop we learned about marine life and the importance of conservation in Ireland. Dr. Sarah Gundy explained how the marine world can be utilized to heal the body.
How we monitor the ocean- in this workshop we learned how the Marine Institute collects data from the ocean in several different ways. We followed a great SEA tutorial on how to draw a data buoy, an Argo float and a satellite. We also heard about Explore Your Shore! A project where adults and children can record plants and animals that live on the shoreline and upload the results to the national website. Finally Catherine Jordan spoke about monitoring the ocean using satellites and phytoplankton blooms.
Marine Medicine- What the Ocean can do for your Health. During this workshop we learned about marine life and the importance of conservation in Ireland. Dr. Sarah Gundy explained how the marine world can be utilized to heal the body.
How we monitor the ocean- in this workshop we learned how the Marine Institute collects data from the ocean in several different ways. We followed a great SEA tutorial on how to draw a data buoy, an Argo float and a satellite. We also heard about Explore Your Shore! A project where adults and children can record plants and animals that live on the shoreline and upload the results to the national website. Finally Catherine Jordan spoke about monitoring the ocean using satellites and phytoplankton blooms.
3rd Class investigate Climate Change
Third class looked at what climate change is and why it happens. We looked at the effects of global warming on our climate and how this in turn effects our oceans. We carried out the climate change and oceans experiment by filling one balloon with air and filling the second balloon with water. We lit a match and held it just under the balloon and estimated how long it would take for the balloon to pop. We repeated this step using the water balloon.
We discussed before and after, what did you predict was going to happen to each balloon? 2. Which took longer to pop? Why do you think they were different?
Explanation
Water can absorb more heat than air because it is denser. In this experiment, the air in the first balloon expanded very quickly as it heated up, stretching the rubber and causing the balloon to pop. The second balloon did not pop because the water could hold a lot more heat. As the water at the bottom of the balloon heated up, it travelled up to the top of the balloon and was replaced by cool water moving down – much in the same way our ocean currents move warm water from the equator to the North and South Pole. Ireland’s waters are kept ice-free because of a warm water current coming from the Caribbean called the North Atlantic Drift
Third class looked at what climate change is and why it happens. We looked at the effects of global warming on our climate and how this in turn effects our oceans. We carried out the climate change and oceans experiment by filling one balloon with air and filling the second balloon with water. We lit a match and held it just under the balloon and estimated how long it would take for the balloon to pop. We repeated this step using the water balloon.
We discussed before and after, what did you predict was going to happen to each balloon? 2. Which took longer to pop? Why do you think they were different?
Explanation
Water can absorb more heat than air because it is denser. In this experiment, the air in the first balloon expanded very quickly as it heated up, stretching the rubber and causing the balloon to pop. The second balloon did not pop because the water could hold a lot more heat. As the water at the bottom of the balloon heated up, it travelled up to the top of the balloon and was replaced by cool water moving down – much in the same way our ocean currents move warm water from the equator to the North and South Pole. Ireland’s waters are kept ice-free because of a warm water current coming from the Caribbean called the North Atlantic Drift
Science Show Junior Einstein workshops comes to Scoil Mhuire gan Smál!
3rd class and 6th class were so excited to get to attend the Junior Einstein science shows that came to our school. The children explored electricity and learned about conductors and insulators. They made elephant toothpaste while exploring acids and bases and they also made slime and investigated what pressure does to the texture of slime – making it harder and softer.
4th Class attend a Science Show in An Táin theatre in Dundalk
On Wednesday the 15th of February, Fourth Class set off for An Táin Theatre in Dundalk to watch a science show from the Mad Scientist. He showed the children all sorts of crazy experiments like what happens when you combine baking soda and washing up liquid. The Mad Scientist even took Mr. Coleman up on stage to perform another experiment where he used a carrot to pierce a bag of water which, to the children's dismay, didn't soak their teacher.
Lots of classes took part in the Science Week interactive workshops and zoom calls!
3rd class take part in the 'Science of Dragons'
Third class watched a show where Scientific Sue. They investigated and explored the science of how dragons fly and then, using some of the science behind the different dragon fire types (steam, icy fog, explosive gases, flammable liquids and of course big flames and tornado type fire!), she engineered a way to allow the baby dragon to fly and join in with the celebrations! Third class got to carry out some of the experiments along with the show and scientific Sue
3rd class take part in the 'Science of Dragons'
Third class watched a show where Scientific Sue. They investigated and explored the science of how dragons fly and then, using some of the science behind the different dragon fire types (steam, icy fog, explosive gases, flammable liquids and of course big flames and tornado type fire!), she engineered a way to allow the baby dragon to fly and join in with the celebrations! Third class got to carry out some of the experiments along with the show and scientific Sue
During Space Week we had lots of exciting Activities and Events!
1st Class have a zoom call with Eoin Tuohy from the European Space Centre
First Class worked very hard on a variety of activities for “Space Week” in October 2021. We learned songs about the planets in our Solar System including the dwarf planets. We put the planets in order from the sun. But most importantly we participated in the ESESRO Space Goes to School Programme. We had a very exciting Zoom on 5th October with Eoin Tuohy for the European Space Centre. We submitted our questions in advance and Eoin was able to answer all of them. We even designed logos for a future “Irish Space Station”.
6th Class investigated lots of different aspects about Space during Space Week
Our main project for Space Week this year was investigating how to build a home on the moon. We used lots of the great resources on the ESA website to help with our plans.
We learned about the landscape of the moon and how to pick a good location for our home. What functions our home would need to have- from sleeping and eating to research and experiments too. What materials we could use and how to transport them if they were coming from earth. How we could power our moon base and grow food. Protecting ourselves and our moon home from meteors and radiation. In Geography we learned about the moon and its impact on earth. We also learned about the stages of the moon as it orbits the earth each month.
In history we learned about the moon landing and in our English writing we wrote newspaper recounts of the events. For homework we investigated space suits and how they have developed over the years.
Ms Catherine’s group also designed and made a Mars Buggy from Lego. During the design process they had to take into account the landscape of mars, the temperature, powering their buggy and gravity on Mars.
Juan Miro comes to Scoil Mhuire gan Smál
During Space week 5th and 6th Class were lucky to have a zoom call with Juan Miro. Juan spoke to the boys and girls about life on the ISS and working for the European Space Agency. We also discovered that Juan's wife is from Louth and we invited him to come and visit our school the next time he was in Ireland. We couldn't believe when he accepted our offer and came and spoke to the children in person!! He told us about the Rosetta Space Probe and the classes got lots of opportunities to ask him all the questions that had been thinking since their zoom call with him. Thank you Juan for taking the time to come to our school!
Step 2: Technology
5th Class build Simple Circuits
5th Class spent some time learning about electrical circuits. They investigated simple circuits in our homes and schools. They then created their own simple circuits and discussed and experimented ways to extend the circuits and make them bigger. They also explored what complete and incomplete circuits were and the reasons for this.
3rd Class take part in Hour of Code
Third class took part in the Hour of Code as an introduction to computer science. We learned what coding is, why it’s used and who uses it. They then step by step coded their own Flappy Bird game. They were then able to move on and code a slightly more difficult minecraft game.
6th Class create Stop Motion videos
Stop Motion:
For Christmas each pod created a short Stop Motion video on a Christmas theme using the media of their choice. Some groups chose Lego, others drawing and one very inventive group worked with clay. It was the first time using Stop Motion but everyone got really involved, even adding in songs and audio.
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 their 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.
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 their 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.
Step 3: Engineering
Understanding how Everyday Objects Work:
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 their homes. They found lots in our school environment, including their schoolbags, the blinds and the school flagpole. The children then experimented with creating their own pulley systems 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 their homes. They found lots in our school environment, including their schoolbags, the blinds and the school flagpole. The children then experimented with creating their own pulley systems in our classroom!
Junior Infants STEM challenge: Design and make Santa's sleigh and a Leprechaun Trap!
At Christmas time Junior Infants decided to design a super sleigh for Santa. Some of the stimulus questions were:
Is there a place for Santa to sit?
Is there a hook for the reindeer leads?
Is there a secure storage area for the presents?
They worked through these questions to design and make the best possible sleigh for Santa!
At Christmas time Junior Infants decided to design a super sleigh for Santa. Some of the stimulus questions were:
Is there a place for Santa to sit?
Is there a hook for the reindeer leads?
Is there a secure storage area for the presents?
They worked through these questions to design and make the best possible sleigh for Santa!
2nd Class design and make some Tornado proof Building!
The boys and girls have been recycling and reusing all manner of materials to construct a building which would withstand a “HURRICANE!” The children used used a hair dryer to act as the wind. They designed and created some wonderful structures, thinking about how to strengthen their buildings using strong bases and tough cardboard to withstand the power of the wind!
The boys and girls have been recycling and reusing all manner of materials to construct a building which would withstand a “HURRICANE!” The children used used a hair dryer to act as the wind. They designed and created some wonderful structures, thinking about how to strengthen their buildings using strong bases and tough cardboard to withstand the power of the wind!
Senior Infants design Leprechaun Traps!
We had a great time during Engineers’ week chatting about the things Engineers do. As Engineers’ week was very close to St Patrick’s Day, Senior Infants designed leprechaun traps. They were given large bricks, Lego, blu tac and match sticks. We had great fun.
We also watched an engineering show called “Silly Billy”, the children really enjoyed this and it was very interactive. In the afternoon, the children were given marshmallows and cocktail sticks, we watched a You Tube video on making 2D and 3D shapes. The children were very proud of their work.
We had a great time during Engineers’ week chatting about the things Engineers do. As Engineers’ week was very close to St Patrick’s Day, Senior Infants designed leprechaun traps. They were given large bricks, Lego, blu tac and match sticks. We had great fun.
We also watched an engineering show called “Silly Billy”, the children really enjoyed this and it was very interactive. In the afternoon, the children were given marshmallows and cocktail sticks, we watched a You Tube video on making 2D and 3D shapes. The children were very proud of their work.
5th Class investigate some famous architecture and buildings around the world using Google Maps and Google Earth during Engineer's Week
STEPS Young Engineers - 'Building Bridges' Workshop in 5th Class
Celebrity scientist Mark the Science Guy and co-host Ali Knight took 5th class on a bridge building adventure, investigating the fascinating shapes that engineers use to build amazing structures. 5th class then took on the challenge of trying to build the most unusual and tallest shape that they could!!!
Junior Infants take part in the STEPS 'Silly Billy' interactive engineering show during Engineers' Week!
Junior Infants enjoyed watching Silly Billy – an engineering show during Engineers' Week. The children enjoyed watching Silly Billy try out various fun experiments using household items. Later in the show, the children watched an interview with a real astronaut who shared how she carries out every day activities like brushing her teeth and using the bathroom in space!
Junior Infants enjoyed watching Silly Billy – an engineering show during Engineers' Week. The children enjoyed watching Silly Billy try out various fun experiments using household items. Later in the show, the children watched an interview with a real astronaut who shared how she carries out every day activities like brushing her teeth and using the bathroom in space!
Lots of Deign and Make challenges were held across the whole school throughout Engineers' Week!
6th Class:
In 6th Class, as it was particularly windy at the time, the children used it as an opportunity to design wind powered cars. First they researched wind energy and then planned and designed our models. They used Lego and a variety of art construction materials. Finally they tested each model and teams raced against each other. During the week Ms Catherine’s group also designed and created magnet powered cars.
Engineering Tasks across the school for Engineers' Week!!
For Engineers' Week the whole school had the option of completing some engineering activities for their homework such as creating a waterslide, making a zip line, designing a flood barrier, making a smartphone projector or building a bridge ... it was entirely up to them! There were lots of fantastic plans, designs and creations. It was wonderful to see that even if a design didn’t fulfil the brief pupils were reflecting on their designs and suggesting how it could be modified and improved.
During our whole school Science Fair we displayed some of our 'Engineering Masterpieces' that were created during Engineers' Week for all of the children to see :-)
First Class designs!
Third Class designs!
Third Class were given an engineering project. We discussed what an engineer is, why we need engineers and the different kinds of engineering. The children had a challenge to build an engineering masterpiece and came up with some great projects including wind powered cars, robots made from recyclable materials, parachutes, bridges and tool boxes and lava lamps. The children also did a short write up on their projects including what their biggest challenge was, the changes if any that they had to make and the materials they choose and why?
5th Class Designs! |
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Engineer David Corrigan talks to 5th and 6th Class during Engineers' Week
5th and 6th class enjoyed a morning with Civil Engineer David Corrigan during Engineers' Week. David spoke to the children about the different types of engineers, the different personality traits that engineers tend to have and about the importance of perseverance and never giving up. The children were really inspired and thankful to David for coming in to talk to them!
Step 4: Maths
2nd Class enjoy using Maths in practical ways!
The boys and girls are using a metre length of string to measure various things in the classroom. We measured the length of tables, the width of tables, the height of tables and lots of other objects.
We have learned all about the following key words : longer than, shorter than, equal to, about
Using our metre strings around the classroom we measured things that were:
We finished off their learning with a 'Long Jump' competition measuring all of the jumps!
We have learned all about the following key words : longer than, shorter than, equal to, about
Using our metre strings around the classroom we measured things that were:
- Shorter than 1 metre
- Longer than 1 metre
- Approximately 1 metre long
We finished off their learning with a 'Long Jump' competition measuring all of the jumps!
Some classes developed Maths Trails
Maths Trail – 3rd Class
Third class enjoyed a maths trail outside for maths week, they looked at 2D and 3D shapes in the yard, angles and lines and measured some distances.
Maths Trail – 3rd Class
Third class enjoyed a maths trail outside for maths week, they looked at 2D and 3D shapes in the yard, angles and lines and measured some distances.
5th Class Maths Trail
5th class have been learning about area and perimeter. We decided to measure different areas and perimeters around our school using different measurement tools .
5th class have been learning about area and perimeter. We decided to measure different areas and perimeters around our school using different measurement tools .
6th Class
We took part in a maths trail around the school grounds for maths week, experiencing maths in the real world. The main strands we focused on were number and chance, and how they surround us in our everyday lives. From how old cars in the car park were, to working out averages for steps we take and the likelihood of events happening in the school.
We also participated in the Maths Rocks Zoom Webinar during Maths Week. During the workshop Andrew Jeffery explored some mathematical surprises and we learned how to perform some math magic tricks.
Each night for homework during Maths Week we had a Maths Week Problem to solve for fun which we discussed in class the next morning.
Junior Infants Maths Trail and Maths Puzzles
Junior Infants go on a Number 3 hunt! The children also created an 'odd one out' maths puzzles for each other based on their Autumn theme.
Junior Infants have also been busy sorting, matching, classifying and comparing various objects in maths lessons. For maths week, we gathered our maths words and ventured out to find examples of each in our school environment!
Senior Infants play the 'Spotty Dotty' during Maths
We love playing Maths games from Ready Set Go Maths. There are lots of opportunities for counting. The game Spotty Dotty is very popular.
Maths Week - 'Maths Rocks'
5th Class took part in a zoom call for Maths week called ‘Maths Rocks with Andrew Jeffers’. They learned lots of cool tricks about maths patterns and also learned some really simple ways to remember and learn our times tables. They even tried a few out themselves using their white boards along with Andrews.
Children using Maths skills and knowledge as part of STEM work!
5th class created their own weather station. At their weather station they recorded the temperature, rainfall, wind speed, cloud coverage and wind direction. They worked in teams to create a rain gauge, wind vane and Zach and his granddad created an anaemometer to measure the wind speed. They learned how to measure cloud coverage using the Oktas Cloud Coverage Scale and they used the Beaufort Scale to measure the wind speed. They also used a compass to check the direction of North while using their wind vane.
They recorded the results over a seven day period and plotted these on bar charts and graphs to compare their readings. They really enjoyed learning all about weather and weather instruments!
First Class integrate their Maths learning with their Engineering Constructions!
1st Class made 3D constructions using toothpicks and marshmallows. They used their maths learning to help them create their shapes.
Step 5: STEM Show and Tell
Scoil Mhuire gan Smál Science Fair
On 1st April this year we organised our whole school Science Fair. Each class had a table at the science fair where they presented some of the experiments and investigations they had been working on. All of the boys and girls in each class got a chance to present at their class tables. Some of the topics covered this year included:
Junior Infants: Wormery
Senior Infants: Floating and Sinking
1st Class: Magnetism
2nd Class: Weight
3rd Class: Water and Fat Soluble Solutions
4th Class: Bubbles
5th Class: Sound
6th Class: The Eye