We are very lucky to have parents in our school that are scientists in MTU and are good enough to come in for Science Week and teach us all about their field of expertise. Different stations were set up in the hall and all the classes got to see real beetles and tarantulas under microscopes, tarantula skin having been shed, take part in experiments on light and optical illusions, build DNA models, look at DNA under the microscope and experience and learn about bio-photonics-a toroidal vortex whereby a vortex cannon sent a burst of air through streamers to make them blow. The children really enjoyed every second of this.
Blennerville Mudflats
We invited in one of our parents, who happens to be an ecologist, to come in and talk to us (4th Class) about the different birds that use the mudflats along the local canal as a source of food. We learned about all these different types of birds and identified their features which helped them to search for food. We even went on a walk down by the canal and did some birdwatching using binoculars and telescopes to see if we could spot these birds. We saw the Brent Goose, Comorant, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew, Black-tailed Godwit and Turnstone.
For Science Week, a lot of the classes tried to incorporate science into the other curriculum areas- through Aistear, PE, Maths etc. Have a look at some of fun the classes got up to.
4TH Class Ms O’Shea’s 4th class completed a number of science experiment for Science Week. They looked at a tornado in a jar and learned about polymers .
Science Week Webinar Classes took part in various webinars for 'Science Week.' where they took part in various activities, experiments and explorations. They got to get a look at W5 Science Discovery Centre and learned about vaccines etc. This webinars were very fun and interactive.
5th Class Science Board games
For Science Week, 5th Class played a science board game to put their science knowhow to the test and have fun all at the same time.