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Discover Science Centres Visit
Discover Science Centres Visit: Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre, Co. Clare
Watch as the students of Ballyvaughan National School take a visit to Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre, Co. Clare. In a fun packed day, the class learn about the history and depth of the caves and see how stalagmites and stalactites are formed in the cave from the rainwater above. They also get to see a dynamic flying display by birds of prey.
To find out more visit http://www.aillweecave.ie/
Discover Science Centres News
Below you'll find the latest news from our Discover Centres. You can also sign up directly with your local centres for regular updates by visiting their page on the DPSM website
Click on a province below to find out what's going on near you.
MUNSTER
Ballyhoura Outdoor Classroom, Limerick
Griston Bog Outdoor Classroom has a new addition to staff in the form of Annette Rea, newly qualified Tour Guide. Annette is now available to accompany schools to Griston Bog when teachers need assistance with the activities on offer.
Contact
Bookings: http://www.ballyhouraoutdoorclassroom.com
Phone: 063-91300.
Blackrock Castle Observatory, Cork
Take your own image of the night sky in our New TARA workshops! Control our TARA telescope in real time and capture the wonders of the sky above San Francisco. Explore the world of optics, lenses and mirrors and then take command of a real telescope, live. Suitable for 5th/6th class, max group size of 30.
Lifetime Lab, Cork
VEX IQ Junior Robotics Competition at Lifetime Lab, Cork
The VEX IQ Junior Robotics Competition was launched recently with a total of 18 primary schools involved in the programme which seeks to increase student interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by engaging primary level students in robotics engineering projects that are hands-on, have support materials and resources available, and will have sustained involvement by industry mentors.
Lifetime Lab / ISTA Primary Science Quiz
Venue: Devere Hall, UCC
Date: Wednesday, 12th November
Time: 6.30 pm.
- The quiz will have 8 rounds of 8 questions each
- Entry is open to children in fourth, fifth and sixth classes
- Three children per team
- Entry fee €5 per team
- Closing date for quiz team entries Wednesday 5th November 2014
To enter download and complete the Primary Science Quiz Registration and return with entry fee to Primary Science Quiz, Lifetime Lab, Old Cork Waterworks, Lee Road, Cork.
The Cork Primary Science Quiz is organised by Lifetime Lab in association with the Irish Science Teachers Association (ISTA).
Further information on all Lifetime Lab activities & events are available at www.lifetimelab.ie
Contact
For further information contact Mervyn or Rebecca at lifetimelab@corkcity.ie or phone 021 4941500.
Lough Gur, Limerick
Lough Gur have a new space settlement workshop organised to celebrate Science week in November. The workshop will be run by Dr. Norah Patten from UL who is aiming to be Ireland's first astronaut.
Space Settlement Design Workshop
Why do we explore? For as long as we can look back into history, humans have been fascinated with travel and exploration and today is no exception. As we speak, there is an International Space Station whirling around the Earth with astronauts living inside. These astronauts spend months at a time living in space. They need to brush their teeth, wash their hair and prepare their food. But what does a space station look like?
In this workshop, we will explore various habitat designs and learn a little about the space environment. Students will then work in teams to design their own space habitat. What will the habitat look like? How many people live inside? How long will we stay in space? What do we need to take from Earth with us? We need to keep exploring and progressing our scientific and technological efforts to ensure the survival of the human species. This workshop is aimed to inspire students to think of what life would be like living off planet Earth.
Venue: Honey Fitz Theatre, Lough Gur
Date: Tuesday, November 11th
Time: 09.30 - 12.30
About Norah Dr. Norah Patten: - Communications and Outreach Manager for the Irish Centre for Composites Research.
- Coordinated The Only Way is Up project which put the first Irish secondary school experiment onto the ISS in July 2014
- Adjunct Faculty at International Space University (ISU) - Co - Chair of Space Humanities Department for the Space Studies Program 2015 at ISU
- Space Generation Advisory Council National Contact Point in Ireland
Follow Norah on Facebook: Irelands First Astronaut or Twitter: @SpaceNorah
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LEINSTER
Airfield, Dublin
Unique Farming and nature experience for primary school children in the heart of Dublin. We are delighted to welcome schools to our child-centred primary education programmes that will provide a wonderful opportunity for active, hands-on learning in a unique environment.
Be A Nature Detective
Here children will explore Airfield’s pond and hedgerows. Using their detective skills they will hunt for bugs, birds and pond dwellers as well as larger animals too. They will explore the natural, native environment and discover how to use play to understand the world around us.
Let's Get Growing!
Using the extensive variety of plants at Airfield, children will explore why we need plants and what they do for us. Seasonality, sowing seeds, weeding and discovering what lives in the soil are all part of the magical world of plants and this workshop helps them to understand how important plants are to our daily lives!
Fantastic Farming
Using Airfield's working farm, children will investigate seasonality, the daily work of the farmer and our animals. Airfield's Jersey herd and other farm animals will help children to understand how we feed people and how farming has shaped our world.
Contact
Phone: +353 1 969 6666
Email: education@airfield.ie/
Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre, Longford
Creative Ardagh are delighted to join the ranks of the many wonderful accredited Discover Primary Science & Maths Centres. We offer the DPSM approved programmes of Woodland Creations and Exploring Colour. Our programmes integrate science and maths with construction, fabric, fibre, paint and colour. Details of these and our many other interesting sessions can be found on http://creativeardagh.blogspot.ie/p/primary-schools.html
Have an idea for a programme we could provide for your school? Contact us on 0863027602 and we will provide it. We recently gave a Harry Potter tour by request to a 6th Class from Dublin, incorporating English, Art, Chemistry, Refraction/Reflection and much more.
All our programmes are at value for money group rates and we are situated in the heart of the country in Ardagh Heritage and Creativity Centre, Ardagh, Co. Longford, not a long journey from any part of Ireland.
We currently provide a FREE year long Visual Arts online programme for you to follow and take part in with us details of which can be found on the For Teachers tab on: http://creativeardaghartelements.blogspot.ie. Feel free to email us pictures for display to creativeardagh@gmail.com and get regular updates on www.facebook.com/creativeardagh.
Castlecomer Discovery Park, Kilkenny
Castlecomer Discovery Park recently appointed a new full time Education Officer to further develop and deliver the comprehensive education programme at the park. A Maynooth University graduate, Nichola Salmon holds a B.A. in Geography and a Professional Certificate in Teaching and Learning. She is currently completing a Ph.D. in Tourism and Climate Change. Speaking about her new role, Nichola Salmon commented "I look forward to further developing our existing student-centred activities. We want to ensure our content reflects the school curriculum, meets teachers' needs while at the same time encouraging students to address real-world problems through active, engaged learning".
Nichola will be supported by her new colleague Marie Murphy (B.A in Geography, P.D.E. and an M.Sc. in Education). Commenting on the new appointments, Discovery Park Manager Liz Nolan said that "this was an important step in developing a strategy to promote education opportunities for all schools at the park, and for developing a greater focus on informal fun learning for families and visitors throughout the year".
Castlecomer Discovery Park provides a range of DPSM activities including our Maths and Numeracy Trail, Water Ecology, Woodland Invertebrate Collection, Nature Trail, Scavenger Hunt and Geology and the Rock Cycle.
For more information visit http://www.discoverypark.ie/education-tours.
Clara Bog Visitor Centre, Offaly
As part of Science Week, Clara Bog Visitor Centre is proud to present a series of talks 'From Clara Bog to the International Space Station'.
Local Clara scientist Michelle Mc Keon Bennett will treat local students to a lively talk about her experiences studying the growth of sphagnum mosses in space-like conditions, its applications and her time spent training as an astronaut at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre. These talks are fully booked, however Michelle will also give an evening talk to adults based around the same theme.
The evening talk will be held at Clara Bog Visitor Centre on Wednesday, 12th November from 7pm to 8pm. Admission is free but please let us know of your intention to come so we can cater for numbers.
On another boggy moss note, albeit a little more grounded one, Clara Bog Visitor Centre has just received approval from DPSM for a new workshop activity combining strands of the science and maths curricula while investigating the absorbency properties of sphagnum moss - the bog building plant. The experiment is a great way for school children to begin to understand how these unique mosses define a raised bog as a wetland habitat and why this type of habitat is so important in our environment.
For further information please contact education guides at Clara Bog Visitor Centre, Ballycumber Rd., Clara, Co. Offaly.
Contact
Phone: 057 9368878
Email:claraguides@ahg.gov.ie
ECO-UNESCO, Dublin
ECO-UNESCO is bringing its Discovery Primary Science and Maths Programmes to a school near you!
ECO-UNESCO is a DPSM centre and runs a range of programme workshops to children from Junior Infants to Sixth class. Topics include climate, energy and water, and learning can include outdoor trails and nature experiences in Dublin! Take your pick from five different themes: Junior Eco-Action Environmental workshop; Junior Urban Ecology Days; Junior Biodiversity Trail; Junior Eco-Watchers Environmental workshop and Junior Sustainability.
Indoor workshops can be delivered in the ECO UNESCO headquarters; the Greenhouse on St. Andrews Street, or directly in primary schools. Outdoor workshops take in Dublin's City parks and green spaces, and can be expanded to include Dublin Museum trips as part of the day. Learning is age appropriate and interactive.
We hope to see you soon!
Contact
Enquiries and bookings: youth@ecounesco.ie
Visit: http://www.ecounesco.ie
Global Action Plan (GAP) Ireland
Global Action Plan (GAP) Ireland have a new programme to be launched shortly, aimed at school children of 8 to 14 years. It is an online programme which engages schools in water conservation. Schools are supported by GAP through the website, workshops and an award ceremony.
Water Explorer, is a fun, inspiring and educational online initiative to engage schools in 11 countries in understanding how water affects lives, and in taking practical action to protect and save water in school communities. 9,000 young people will develop projects to tackle water issues including water saving, cleaner water, embedded water and access to water.
The programme will be open to young people aged 8-14. It will kick off in November in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, Bermuda and Switzerland.
Water Explorer will help children develop life skills such as presenting, critical thinking, project management and team working. As Global Action Plan programmes are supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), all students who complete the Water Explorer challenge will achieve a UNEP certificate.
Registration is now live, to register your interest visit our website: http://www.waterexplorer.ie
Imaginosity, Dublin
This November is all about Superhero Science at Imaginosity. Join us for our Superhero Science Show where we wonder; Why can't we all fly like Superman? What makes Spiderman's web slingers work? Can Superhero exercises increase our strength? Can we create a Heat Ray? This curriculum linked workshop will explore gravity, forces, energy and materials to discover the science behind Superheroes!
For more information please visit the education section of our website http://www.imaginosity.ie
Irish National Sailing School, Dun Laoghaire
This year was a busy time for us in the Irish National Sailing School. Many new schools and groups are visiting us and the reputation of our programme is growing steadily through word of mouth.
We had new visitors to Salthill and Dun Laoghaire harbour this summer. Squid! It is a first for us and caused great excitement.
I guess what gives us the greatest thrill is when pupils find something they recognise; "Oh look it’s the wormy thing you were talking about!", meaning the trail of the lugworm or "I found one with his thingies out!", meaning the tentacles of the sea anemone.
Pupils get so engrossed in exploring the rock pools in Salthill and Seapoint, it is difficult to move on to the next activity. The highlight of the visit continues to be the seals and we have a new pup in the harbour. He was very shy and nervous at first but is showing himself more as the year progresses.
For more information visit http://www.inss.ie/.
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park, Co. Kildare
Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park has added a new element to its DPSM tour package with a Peatlands Exhibition and a 600 metre Biodiversity Boardwalk. The exhibition tells the story of the Irish Peatlands – past, present and future possibilities. It also explores the wonderful variety of plant, insect and animal species that are perfectly adapted to live on Irish bogs. The boardwalk, made entirely from recycled plastic, meanders through stunning rejuvenating cutaway peatland and glassy lakes.
If you are interested in learning more about the Irish peatlands and much more besides – Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park is the place to visit. Visit http://www.lullymoreheritagepark.com/tours-events/discover-science-trail for more details or call Ray on 045 870238 or e-mail ray@lullymoreheritagepark.com. Lullymore is now also offering Field Trips to post primary schools.
The Rediscovery Centre, Dublin
The Rediscovery Centre offers a wide range of primary school workshops including: Waste, Energy, Biodiversity, Circuits, Water, Forces, Sustainable Transport and Space. All our workshops are linked to the SESE curriculum and are based on hands-on enquiry and experiential learning. We are now taking bookings for the 2014/15 academic year.
Science Week 9th - 16th November
The Rediscovery Centre is gearing up for our busiest Science Week yet. We are delighted to announce a special workshop developed for Science Week on the 'Science: The Power of Weather'. Places are limited so please contact us for availability.
Waste Reduction Week 22nd – 30th Nov
For waste reduction week, students will learn how much waste we produce and what we do with it, as well as ideas for reducing, reusing and recycling. Hands-on activities include making recycled paper, and making useful items from waste such as bird feeders or jewellery boxes.
Christmas
We are offering Christmas themed arts & crafts workshops for primary schools from infants to 6th class. The students will learn about waste reduction and reuse, while crafting beautiful Christmas decorations from old textiles, paper, bike tubes etc.
Contact
Bookings: 01 842 9811
Email:education@rediscoverycentre.ie
Visit: http://www.rediscoverycentre.ie
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slob, Wexford
School Activities in Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
The WWR Education office's primary focus is with school groups during the academic year and with family-orientated activities during holidays. The primary school programme runs from March to November and has spring/autumn and winter components. The Visitor Centre has been an accredited DPSM Centre for 3 years.
Spring and autumn field studies are done in the Raven Nature Reserve and in the Snipe Field. Groups partake in pond dipping, insect capture, plant identification and looking for tracks and signs of mammals such as the red squirrel or badger. Winter activities are centred in the Visitor Centre and grounds.
Facilities include a reception and classroom area, an education room with microscopes, specimens, stuffed animals and child-sized binoculars. Activities include pond-dipping in the amenity pond and bird watching of both the captive goose collection and the migrant geese from the observation tower. This programme is run in all weathers and is a bad weather alternative at any time of year.
Special needs pupils are catered for, either within mainstream classes or in specially arranged activities.
Contact
Phone: 076 100 2660
Email: wwreducation@ahg.gov.ie
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CONNACHT
Brigit's Garden, Galway
The popular Brigit's Garden, 'Bringing Autumn & Halloween to Life' programme offers a rich, all-weather, autumnal experience for infants to 6th class. The programmes relate directly to the SESE curriculum, inspiring curiosity about the natural environment; and bring Irish heritage to life with interactive activities and a visit from the Puca during a musical parade!
With Celtic gardens, lake, meadow and woodland it is the ideal place for children to learn about and engage with the autumn season; trees and their seeds; and habitats. The 3 hour programmes are just €9.50 per child with 2 hour programmes available for infant classes.
The education team at Brigit's Garden also facilitate SEAI workshops, free of charge, for children and CPD programmes for teachers as part of the Croke Park hours.
New for 2015! Brigit's Garden are currently piloting renewable energy programmes for 3rd – 6th class and Transition Year students. Watch this space!
For bookings and further enquiries about any of the programmes offered contact 091 550905 or see http://www.brigitsgarden.ie
Galway Atlantaquaria
Galway Atlantaquaria Submerges itself into the Power of Science
Want to inspire your students with the ideas of STEM (Science, technology, maths and engineering), then look no further than Galway Atlantaquaria. Our range of DPSM workshops now include exploring maths, engineering trails, science experiments and microscope studies, investigating animal anatomy, or taking part in a seashore safari.
Students can now take part in a range of activities that can develop their mathematical thinking, their interest in engineering, and their passion for animal life and marine habitats.
Teachers can pick from a range of five modules for their students to carry out along with their interactive guided tour of the aquarium. During their tour students can hold a spider crab and spiny starfish, feed our thick lipped mullet, and get the opportunity to touch our friendly rays and skates.
Workshops are designed primarily for students from 8-12 years of age, but younger students can be catered for, and range between two and four hours in length. For full details check out the education section on http://www.nationalaquarium.ie.
Workshops have been developed in collaboration with the Explorers Education Programme, Maths Week Ireland, STEPS engineering, and SFI DISCOVER.
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