Maths and science boffins rewarded for excellence

NINETEEN primary schools in Clare have received an award of Science & Maths Excellence as part of the Discover Primary Science & Maths Programme.
The awards programme, run by Discover Science & Engineering (DSE), the education and outreach programme of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), recognises the achievements of primary school children and teachers in the application of science and maths in the classroom.
The schools to receive the award are Bansha, Kilmurry, Bodyke, Tuamgraney, Scariff, Querrin, Kilnamona, Fanore, Doolin, Parteen, Tubber, St Enda’s Lisdonvarna, St John’s Cratloe, Bunscoil Béal an Átha Killaloe, Scoil Realt na Mara Kilkee, Scoil Mhuire Lahinch, St Conaire’s, St Tola’s and St Senan’s (all Shannon).
To qualify, schools were required to keep a log of five activities relating to science and maths undertaken throughout the academic year. Schools were awarded credit for visiting Discover Science centres; inviting speakers to the school to talk about science, engineering and maths; hosting a science event; incorporating maths into their science learning and participating in the Greenwave initiative.
The objectives of Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) are to increase the numbers of pupils studying the physical sciences, to promote a positive attitude to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and to foster a greater understanding of science and its value to society.