Science award for Mayo children
PRIMARY school children in Mayo have received Awards of Science Excellence in recognition of their increased participation and knowledge gained through the Discover Primary Science (DPS) programme.
The 25 Mayo schools honoured were Foxford National School, SN An Coill Mhor, Scoil Chroi Ro Naofa, St Joseph’s National School, Cong, Banagher National School, Behymore National School, Cloonlyon National School, Errew National School, Holy Family National School, Killocraun National School , Newtownwhite National School, SN Gleann na Muaidhe, St Joseph’s National School , St Joseph’s National School, Tavneena National School, SNCorrchloch, Scoil Chroi Mhuire Gan Smál, Quay National School, St Feichín’s National School, Cross, SN Naomh Seosamh, Muire gan Smál , Ballycushion National School, Culleens National School and Carrakennedy National School.
A total of 498 primary schools will receive Awards of Science Excellence at a series of ceremonies nationwide over the next fortnight, representing an increase of over 50 per cent on the 2006 figures. The increase in the numbers of schools receiving the awards is largely due to the rise in participation in the programme, with some 2,400 schools currently registered in the Discover Primary Science (DPS) Programme. The programme will have been made available to all primary schools nationwide by the next academic year, and registration has begun in earnest to fulfil that target.
Commenting at the Awards, Peter Brabazon, Director of the Discover Science & Engineering programme, said: “Mayo primary school students have done their county proud. Their awards are testament to the increased quality of science education in primary schools in Mayo. Credit is due to all participating schools in the programme as it plays a vital role in developing children’s enthusiasm for science and ultimately helping to create a knowledge and learning based economy for the future.”
The Awards of Science Excellence are presented to schools in recognition of the knowledge gained through the Discover Primary Science programme during the course of the school year. The DPS programme was developed to help primary school children understand the extensive part that modern science plays a part in their everyday lives.
Schools applying for an Award of Science Excellence were required to keep a discovery log recording their science-related work. Credit was given for completing a certain number of activities from the classroom activity pack as well as visiting one of the 18 DPS accredited Discover Science Centres or alternatively inviting a speaker to talk about science. Additional tasks such as taking part in the Greenwave project, involvement in Science Week, and many other exploratory and hands-on activities to encourage continued discovery into science were also credited in discovery log submissions.
A hands-on training session and sub cover are provided for a nominated teacher from each school that registers with the programme and a range of resources are supplied for dissemination throughout the school. These include a pack of over 30 easy-to-follow science activities, helpful hints for teachers and explanations of the science background for each activity. In addition, teachers are supported with a dedicated website www.primaryscience.ie which distributes a quarterly e-newsletter, additional programme information and online resources for both primary school students and teachers.
