Discover Science & Engineering (DSE ) has announced that six primary schools across Westmeath have received an Award of Science and Maths Excellence as part of the Discover Primary Science & Maths (DPSM ) programme.
They are St Thomas’ National School, Rathowen; St Peter’s National School, Athlone; Rosemount National School; Emper National School; St Tolas National School, Delvin; and St Oliver Plunkett BNS, Moate.
The Awards of Science & Maths Excellence recognise the achievements of primary school children and teachers in the application of science and maths in the classroom. Now in its eighth year, the programme has in excess of 6,000 teachers registered on the programme.
To qualify for the awards, schools were required to keep a log of five steps relating to science and maths that they have 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; and incorporating maths into their science learning. Credits were also awarded for completing activities related to the Science Week 2011 theme: The Chemistry of Life.
Commenting on the Awards of Science and Maths Excellence, Dr Graham Love, director of the Discover Science & Engineering Programme, Science Foundation Ireland stated:
“Primary school students are the key to Ireland’s future uptake in science, technology, engineering and maths subjects. It is important that children interact with these subjects in a fun and engaging way from an early age. On behalf of Discover Science & Engineering, I would like to congratulate all of the schools, teachers, children and parents who took part in the Discover Primary Science and Maths Awards. It is obvious from the entries we received that interest and engagement in science and maths is alive and well amongst the primary students and teachers of Ireland.”
For more information log on to www.primaryscience.ie
