Hands-on Science Experiments in Our School
Strand: Living Things
Investigating Drinks that Damage Our Teeth
For one of our science lessons in 3rd and 4th class we were learning about our bodies, inside and out. We carried out an investigation to see which drinks caused the most damage to our teeth. We used eggshells for the investigation as they are made of similar material to teeth. We left the eggs in jars with a variety of different drinks for a couple of weeks. When we finally poured out the drinks we were very surprised to see the changes that occurred to the eggshells. We will be sticking to water from now on!
For one of our science lessons in 3rd and 4th class we were learning about our bodies, inside and out. We carried out an investigation to see which drinks caused the most damage to our teeth. We used eggshells for the investigation as they are made of similar material to teeth. We left the eggs in jars with a variety of different drinks for a couple of weeks. When we finally poured out the drinks we were very surprised to see the changes that occurred to the eggshells. We will be sticking to water from now on!
Our Classroom Wormery
In 1st and 2nd class we created our very own wormery. We had great fun digging and collecting materials in the school yard. We also found some worms. The materials were put into layers in a glass jar, we added the worms and observed how they moved through the materials over a few weeks. It was very interesting to see!
In 1st and 2nd class we created our very own wormery. We had great fun digging and collecting materials in the school yard. We also found some worms. The materials were put into layers in a glass jar, we added the worms and observed how they moved through the materials over a few weeks. It was very interesting to see!
Strand: Materials and Change
Science in the Infant Classroom
The students in Junior and Senior Infants had a busy week taking part in lots of hands-on experiments. They learnt about absorption of liquids and tested out a number of objects to determine would they sink or float. They also explored how materials can change by making the ever popular slime.
The students in Junior and Senior Infants had a busy week taking part in lots of hands-on experiments. They learnt about absorption of liquids and tested out a number of objects to determine would they sink or float. They also explored how materials can change by making the ever popular slime.
Coin Clean Up
5th and 6th class carried out an investigation to determine the effects a variety of substances have on coins. The used ketchup, lemon juice, water, coke and vinegar to test which solution would work best to clean dirty 5 cent coins. They were shocked with the results which determined that ketchup worked as the best cleaning agent.
5th and 6th class carried out an investigation to determine the effects a variety of substances have on coins. The used ketchup, lemon juice, water, coke and vinegar to test which solution would work best to clean dirty 5 cent coins. They were shocked with the results which determined that ketchup worked as the best cleaning agent.
Rainbow in a Jar
The students in 3rd and 4th class had great fun exploring the density of liquids by making a rainbow in a jar. They mixed different food colourings with honey, water and washing-up liquid so that all substances were individual colours. They also used olive oil as one of their liquids. Then they took turns pouring the liquids into a glass jar and watched as they sat on top of each other and did not mix, creating a rainbow effect.
The students in 3rd and 4th class had great fun exploring the density of liquids by making a rainbow in a jar. They mixed different food colourings with honey, water and washing-up liquid so that all substances were individual colours. They also used olive oil as one of their liquids. Then they took turns pouring the liquids into a glass jar and watched as they sat on top of each other and did not mix, creating a rainbow effect.
Strand: Energy and Forces
Magnificent Magnets
In the infant classroom we had great fun exploring the power of magnets. We investigated which materials were magnetic and those that were not. We then designed our own rafts using paper clips and used magnetic force to move our rafts from one side of our maps to the other.
In the infant classroom we had great fun exploring the power of magnets. We investigated which materials were magnetic and those that were not. We then designed our own rafts using paper clips and used magnetic force to move our rafts from one side of our maps to the other.
Making Butter in 5th and 6th Class
We explored the changes that occurred to cream when we applied force to it. We half filled jars with cream and shook them until we could see lumps forming. We then used a sieve to separate the liquid, buttermilk, and the solid, butter. We then spread our butter over some crackers and enjoyed a tasty snack.
We explored the changes that occurred to cream when we applied force to it. We half filled jars with cream and shook them until we could see lumps forming. We then used a sieve to separate the liquid, buttermilk, and the solid, butter. We then spread our butter over some crackers and enjoyed a tasty snack.
Strand: Environmental Awareness and Care
Looking After Our Environment
Our Junior students were learning about the importance of taking care of our environment as part of their sc. They went on a litter clean up
Our Junior students were learning about the importance of taking care of our environment as part of their sc. They went on a litter clean up
Flood Defenses
Students from 3rd and 4th class spent lots of time this year studying the environment, waste, climate, energy and sustainability. In groups they made posters to encourage people to reduce, reuse and recycle. As part of this they explored flood defenses. They had a great time choosing suitable materials, designing and creating flood defenses. Some of the defenses were very effective in protecting their 'human' from the flood.
Students from 3rd and 4th class spent lots of time this year studying the environment, waste, climate, energy and sustainability. In groups they made posters to encourage people to reduce, reuse and recycle. As part of this they explored flood defenses. They had a great time choosing suitable materials, designing and creating flood defenses. Some of the defenses were very effective in protecting their 'human' from the flood.
Science Week 2021
Draw-Bots Workshop
Our school was very grateful to the Galway Science Festival for sending us a wonderful Draw-Bot workshop as part of Science Week 2021. The children from 3rd to 6th class were lucky enough to get to create their own moving Draw-Bots. The classes first learnt about sources of energy and constructing simple circuits. In their groups they were then asked to make their own circuits using the materials provided. They all did super with this task! After that they used a paper cup, markers and decorations to create their robot. Finally they attached the circuit to their Draw-Bot and got to see it creating some wonderful art through vibration. When they had finished the students in 3rd and 4th class got to share their knowledge and creations with the children in Junior and Senior Infants, who were very excited about their visitors! This workshop brought great fun and excitement to our school.
Our school was very grateful to the Galway Science Festival for sending us a wonderful Draw-Bot workshop as part of Science Week 2021. The children from 3rd to 6th class were lucky enough to get to create their own moving Draw-Bots. The classes first learnt about sources of energy and constructing simple circuits. In their groups they were then asked to make their own circuits using the materials provided. They all did super with this task! After that they used a paper cup, markers and decorations to create their robot. Finally they attached the circuit to their Draw-Bot and got to see it creating some wonderful art through vibration. When they had finished the students in 3rd and 4th class got to share their knowledge and creations with the children in Junior and Senior Infants, who were very excited about their visitors! This workshop brought great fun and excitement to our school.
Woodies 'Budding Gardeners' Competition
Our Infant classes are currently taking part in the Woodies 'Budding Gardeners' competition. As part of this project they take part in a number of different tasks which aim to encourage young people to look after the environment around them and become aware of the importance of sustainability. The have planted a variety of flowers, fruit and vegetables. This project will continue until the end of the school year.
