Pupils go exploring for Science Week
‘ THE future belongs to the curious. The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it and turn it inside out’ (Author Unknown)
Throughout November the staff and pupils of Scoil Aonghusa have been studying science as the school prides itself on its science and maths education, and aims to encourage the children’s scientific curiosity and creativity, so that they will develop the ability to learn and tackle new challenges, and to discover new things.
The pupils recently skyped with Blackrock Observatory (BCO), the observatory staff were truly inspiring and brought science alive for the pupils. They taught the children all about the universe and the work they do at the observatory.
The vision of BCO is to affect positive change in attitudes towards science, engineering and technology.
BCO also brought their StarDome Portable Planetarium to the school so the pupils could learn all about the wonders of the night’s sky, the planetarium is a wonderful way to inspire children to take an interest in the universe as many children dream of going into space.
The pupils continued their learning in science throughout the week and were busy doing lots of scientific research and projects.
Junior Infants had great fun doing some group work with water, learning about the concepts of ‘sink and float’ with student teacher Mrs Meghan Cleary. They tested all sorts of items from clothes pegs to pomegranate seeds.
The pupils in Mr. Lehane’s class learned all about magnets and explored the senses; specifically the sense of touch. Ms. Greene’s class learned all about earthquakes and what constitutes a solid structure.
In Ms. Buckley’s class, the children investigated and demonstrated ‘ how plants drink’ by showing how dye and water travelled up the stem of a flower and celery. They also discovered how gummy bears expand after spending a few days in water.
The school will also be continuing computer programming with the children in small project work groups. Learning how to code helps children learn to think outside the box and solve all sorts of problems.
Chess is being played regularly at the school and the senior class are busy practicing for tournaments.
The STEM, Green School and Health Promotion committees who are made up of representatives from each class in the school will continue to plan activities for the rest of the year.