The world of the future will be a very exciting place. Technology is enabling people of all nations to communicate with one another in a myriad of additional ways; new ways are being discovered to treat and cure diseases; new products are being discovered daily which improve living standards. The pace of change is accelerating.

So it is of crucial importance that a good start is made in primary schools to educate pupils in the basic principles of science, in developing their curiosity, in understanding how things work, and in getting familiar with the wonderful possibilities of computers. Working with the Department of Education and Skills and St Patrick’s College, the Partnership is supporting pilot projects to develop and enhance the teaching of science through the Rural Primary School Science Programme.

Science , engineering and technology are growing in importance for job opportunities in Ireland. Last year almost half of all the new jobs in new foreign investment projects (which despite the recession were at the highest level for a decade) were for people having skills in these areas. It has been stated by the Industrial Development Agency that many thousands more jobs could have been created if more people had the necessary qualifications. Science is important too in many more aspects of modern life such as teaching, farming, and the caring professions.

Mathematics is a key core subject for science learning. The Government has recognised this in awarding double points in the Leaving Certificate for entry to third level from this year onwards. Our society, together with all modern societies needs more scientists, more engineers, and more computer professionals in the decades ahead.

The Irish American PartnershipSupporting Primary Science Education in Ireland

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Welcome to the second of our Science newsletters. Over the last few months teachers

have been exploring many interesting science activities and this issue contains information about some of these. Órnait Ni Loingsigh from SN Phroinnsias Naofa, in Kenmare and Gail O’Sullivan from Kilgarvan NS, Co Kerry include some useful ideas about resources. Also included is a link to a workshop by Tom Finnerty dealing with approaches to teaching about living things.

Connecting with ScienceNewsletter April 2012

In this issue:

Using your local graveyard to identify

and record the materials as ‘natural/

manufactured’ as well as details of their uses.

Órnait Ni Loingsigh, Deputy Principal

recommends Concept Cartoons as a

teaching and learning resource for science.

Online Resources:

Website reccommendations that

children really enjoy learning from.

Liam Connellan Past President Irish Academy of Engineering

Director, Irish American Partnership

To mark the conclusion of the Western Seaboard Project in Co. Galway, Greg Smith travelled to the schools that had participated and presented them with plaques to mark the dedication and enthusiasm of the teachers and pupils who took part. Some of the schools are shown below

Science suggestions

The Local Graveyard – a resource on your doorstep.

Usually associated with history lessons, the local graveyard can also prove a worthwhile resource for science lessons e.g. the materials strand.

Activities can be based on identifying and investigating materials found within the grounds of the graveyard. The children can identify and record the materials as ‘natural / manufactured’ as well as details of their uses. Observations of plant growth, discoloration, rust, cracks and fissures etc. can be noted and would provide the basis for discussion on the possible causes of the ‘changes’ to the materials and the suitability of materials for different uses.

Living things: Human life.

To help learn and teach about the variety and characteristics of humans, Órnait recommends the following site:

http://www.childrensuniversity.manchester.ac.uk/interactives/science/brainandsenses/

This is an excellent website about the brain and senses. The children really enjoyed learning from it.

The Western Seaboard Science Project (WSSP)

General science curriculum

Gail O’Sullivan, Principal of Kilgarvan NS, highly recommends the following websites:

www.sciencekids.co.nz/experiments, www.kids-science-experiments.com, www.primaryscience.ie

CarnageehyN.S. BelmontN.S. KilconlyN.S. MilltownN.S.

SylaneN.S.

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The WSSP programme developed an innovative model of professional development in science that increased the teachers’ confidence and competence in teaching science.

The photos below show some of the Donegal schools that participated in the programme, receiving plaques to mark their dedication and enthusiasm.

Science suggestions

Órnait Ni Loingsigh, Deputy Principal recommends Concept Cartoons as a teaching and learning resource for science.

It is important to begin with the everyday, familiar experiences of children as the context for exploring their ideas. Concept Cartoons, do just that, by presenting scientific theories in everyday contexts that are designed to probe the learner’s existing ideas and understanding of the concept in question. The main features of a cartoon are:

a visual representation of a scientific theory

in dialogue form (speech bubbles)

presenting alternative viewpoints on a situation based on common areas of misunderstanding

They are useful for teachers to review their own understanding and uncertainties before a lesson and make a very effective starting point for finding out children’s ideas. As well as a summary of the relevant scientific background, suggestions for follow up investigations accompany each cartoon. They enhance motivation and, by their nature, engage children.

The teacher can initially facilitate opportunities for individual reflection, followed by small group settings that allow for more intensive discussion. The children can respond in a variety of ways, both written and oral, and as individuals or through a group spokesperson.

Once the teacher has established the range of views held they must then take these into account in developing the lesson in the most appropriate way to guide the children towards proving or disproving their ideas. Further discussion is needed, guided by the teacher, to determine how the situation could be investigated to see which viewpoint is most acceptable. What’s important is that the children’s ideas and their active involvement in the learning process are valued, empowering them to construct their own learning. Responding to individual children’s ideas is made easier with Concept Cartoons

At the end of the enquiry/investigation phase of the lesson the outcomes can be shared. It is important that the children are given time to reflect on these outcomes and to consider what implications they might have in relation to their previous beliefs. In a whole-class setting findings can be discussed and relevant scientific theory considered. The initial cartoon can be re-visited in reviewing the effectiveness of the learning experience and in determining whether meaningful learning has taken place.

Overview of Concept Cartoons by Stuart Naylor and Brenda Keogh

The Western Seaboard Science Project (WSSP)

They enhance motivation and engage children.

ScoilChroine BelcruitN.S. MeenagowanN.S. ScoilRoisínN.S.

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The IAP is currently supporting the WSSP Transfer Initiative for science in County Mayo. Teachers in seven schools are engaging in their own learning of science, and they will share their experiences with each other and with other teachers in their schools. Mr Greg Smith is co-ordinating the programme which includes input from some visiting speakers. One of the workshops in March 2012 was delivered by Mr Tom Finnerty who talked about the importance of Living Things as an integral part of science education.

Tom’s passion for science education, especially his interest in plant and animal projects in the school environment was obvious.

He spoke about the importance of projects for children to help them understand and respect their environment. He believes that such activities encourage children to become more observant and that they enhance their creativity.

Tom introduced teachers to a number of great activities, including: Sammy snail – a snail’s life; the life cycle of the dandelion and learning to live with spiders in the classroom. He has kindly given permission to use his Power Point presentation which can be accessed on the WSSP Moodle homepage. Any teacher who does not already have access can be linked up by sending their email address to Greg.Smith@spd.dcu.ie

Thanks to all those who contributed to this issue of the Newsletter. We will be delighted to hear from anyone else with suggestions. So please send us any news, events or happenings in the area of science in your school that you would be prepared to share. We would especially welcome any suggestions for science topics that you felt worked well and that benefited the pupils. Equally problems that you encountered would be interesting to know about and possibly solutions could be found from among the readers. With your permission we would print them in the next issue of the newsletter so that all the teachers in the network would benefit.

Contact; Greg.Smith@nuim.ie

Or Paula.Kilfeather@spd.dcu.ie

Connecting with other schools in the network

WSSP Transfer Initiative

SammytheSnail SnailSports

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