Category: Science Foundation Ireland – Discover Science & Maths

Evidence of Herbertstown National School’s commitment to achieving an award for STEM Excellence.

Step 1 – Science

Step 2 – Technology

Step 3 – Engineering

Step 4 – Maths

Step 5 – STEM Show & Tell

Science Project Features in Irish Independent

Staff

A project by our current fifth class was highlighted in Wednesday’s edition of the Irish Independent.

‘Is Ash the only wood for the Clash’ was a project undertaken by the class and was presented at the RDS Primary Science Fair earlier this year in Limerick. The project was very well received and in an article where next year’s fair and its new sponsors were being launched, the project was mentioned as one of the most memorable.

 

In the piece below, you can read the thoughts of judge and camogie player Rena Buckley.

Maths Week Quiz

Staff

Well done to our pupils who participated in the Maths Quiz hosted by John the Baptist Community School.

 

The quiz took place during Maths Week and in a very competitive event, the Herbertstown NS team finished in 1st place. The pupils picked up vouchers for O’Mahony’s Booksellers and certificates for their efforts. Well done to everyone that took part!

Read More

Third/Fourth Class Make Skype Call to Vietnam

Staff

Ms Griffin and Third & Fourth class had a very interesting conversation with a teacher in Vietnam during October via Skype.

The children prepared questions for the Irish teacher based in Vietnam ahead of the call. Some of the queries they had were:

  • How is the weather?
  • What animals do you have there that we don’t?
  • What language do they use?
  • How do women dress?
  • How long is the flight there?
  • How do people travel?
  • Have you met many people?

The pupils were given lots of information about Vietnam and some other neighbouring countries and really enjoyed learning about Asia.

Third /Fourth Make Parachutes

Staff

Pupils of third/fourth class design & make parachutes.

 

Third & Fourth class had great fun in science this week as they were tasked with designing and making parachutes.

 

Ms. Griffin assigned the task of designing a parachute which could ensure a soft landing for a small object. The pupils set about designing the parachutes in small groups and then had to make them using a limited amount of materials provided. They produced some excellent results as you can see in these photos!

Fun with Conkers

Staff

Conkers & the Horse Chestnut Tree

 

Third & Fourth class pupils enjoyed learning about Horse Chestnut Trees during science today and had an opportunity to try a game of conkers.

 

The conkers were kindly donated by a pupil in third class.

Butterflies Take Flight

Staff

Mrs Murphy’s class watched the life cycle of butterflies in recent weeks and released their Painted Ladies on Monday.

Caterpillars forming their chrysalis!

Caterpillars in their chrysalis!

The butterflies have emerged into their garden!

The butterflies have emerged into their garden!

Butterfly about to take off!

A new home on the flowers!

Busy Times in 3rd & 4th Class

Staff

3rd and 4th have been busy on many fronts in recent times, here are two of the activities they have been working on.

Pumpkins

Last October, the class harvested seeds from the classroom Jack o’Lantern. In the last few weeks they have planted the seeds and watched them sprout into shoots and grow leaves. Today, they moved the plants into bigger pots to give them more room.

 

The Normans

They also continued their study of the Normans and castles through their artwork. They used a foam/glue/paint combination to create a 3D effect castle.

This followed a previous art activity where they created a Norman knight. The excitement now builds ahead of their school tour to King John’s Castle next week!