Discover Science & Engineering has announced the launch of the Awards of Science & Maths Excellence 2010.
Part of the Discover Primary Science (DPS) programme, the awards acknowledge the efforts of primary school children and teachers across Ireland who have shown an increased knowledge of science and maths.
Last year, 512 primary schools won an award and it is hoped that this figure will increase in 2010.
Launched in 2004, the DPS programme has gone from strength to strength, with over 90% of all primary schools across the country registered to participate today.
The success of Discover Primary Science was also recognised as part of international review last year. This year, an additional focus on maths will be incorporated into the programme in recognition of the importance of mathematics in teaching science.
Smart Economy
Fourth class pupils Chloe Judge (10) and Kelsey Muresan (11) at Gardiner Street National School in Dublin at the launch of the awards
Speaking at the launch, the Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, Conor Lenihan, said: “Discover Primary Science is a key educational initiative in our goal to build a Smart Economy as the hands on approach of the programme ignites a passion for science and maths in the pupils who participate in it.
“The level of participation in Discover Primary Science is a testament to the fantastic science and maths education taking place across the country.
“It is very important that we build a foundation of young people who have a keen interest in science and mathematics as they will be the scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians of the future.”
Peter Brabazon, Programme Director, Discover Science & Engineering, said: “We are aiming to help Ireland become one of the top performers across Europe in maths.
“As a result we have put a strategic focus on incorporating maths into all our activities during the year in a bid to help young people improve their problem solving activities.
“There are lots of activities like building periscopes and paper helicopters which introduce mathematics concepts such as algebra and angles to primary school children to show them that learning maths can be fun.”
How to take part
Schools registered under the DPS programme applying for an Award of Science & Maths Excellence must keep a Discover Log, recording their science related work which must be submitted by 23 April 2010.
Credit is given for providing evidence of involvement in:
- One activity relating to each of the four strand units in the Science Curriculum (four activities in total)
- Visiting one of the Discover Primary Science accredited Discover Science Centres or inviting speakers to school to talk about science related topics
- Holding a science display day or event
- Giving three examples of how the participating school integrated maths into their science classroom activity
Key dates
The assessment of the Awards of Science & Maths Excellence process begins following the closing date for submissions on 23 April 2010.
Registered schools, who have submitted their intention to apply on the website by 26 March, will receive an application form in the mail, close to the submission date.
Learn more
Visit PrimaryScience.ie for more information on the awards and the DPS programme.
Check out more photos from the launch on the DSE Fickr page.
