RDS Primary Science Fair

Ash – Is it the only suitable wood for the clash?

Our fourth class made the short journey into Limerick today to exhibit their project at the RDS Primary Science Fair in Mary Immaculate College. The children have been working on the project since October. Elements of the investigation involved a fieldtrip to hurley maker Ed Shanahan, identifying alternate woods for hurleys, testing the ‘new’ hurleys and interpreting the results.

The project was very well received by visitors to the Fair and huge credit is due to the pupils both for the effort they put into completing the investigation and also for the way they represented their school today. In a nice co-incidence, the judge assigned to our school was 18 time All Ireland winning camogie and football player Rena Buckley. The Cork legend gave some feedback to the class on the project and presented the pupils with an award for their hard work.

Here is the feedback received by the class:

The research question was both clear and catchy. The class predicted that the traditional timber, ash, would be best. It was obvious that huge thought was put into the design of this project, to test the various timbers in every aspect of the game of hurling/camogie. This was very impressive. The results of the tests were presented very clearly using a bar chart and the use of different colours to combine results of all the tests meant patterns were very easy to follow. The hurleys on display also contributed positively to the project. The discussion of the results and the preferences students relayed showed how each student contributed and enjoyed the project. This was a really impressive project which was excellent from both a science and interesting point of view – well done to all.

Some of fourth class at their stand

Former Limerick footballer and Mary Immaculate College Sports Officer John Reddington visiting our stand.

Our pupils with 2017 Rose of Tralee Jennifer Bryne

The class receiving their award from Cork star Rena Buckley.

Rena Buckley, All Ireland Cork camogie winner with Aoibhinn O Connor and Caitlynne Ryan McNamara from Herberstown NS, Herberstown, Co. Limerick at this years RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick which will see over 3000 primary school students from all over the country exhibit theirSTEM investigations at Mary Immaculate College. Between the three venues of Limerick, Dublin and Belfast there will be over 7000 participants in 2018. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media

Rena Buckley, All Ireland Cork camogie winner with Adam Gleeson, Aoibhinn O Connor, Caitlynne Ryan McNamara and Fionn Wright from Herberstown NS, Herberstown, Co. Limerick at this years RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick which will see over 3000 primary school students from all over the country exhibit theirSTEM investigations at Mary Immaculate College. Between the three venues of Limerick, Dublin and Belfast there will be over 7000 participants in 2018. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media

Rena Buckley, All Ireland Cork camogie winner with Caitlynne Ryan McNamara from Herberstown NS, Herberstown, Co. Limerick at this years RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick which will see over 3000 primary school students from all over the country exhibit theirSTEM investigations at Mary Immaculate College. Between the three venues of Limerick, Dublin and Belfast there will be over 7000 participants in 2018. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media

Herberstown NS, Herberstown, Co. Limerick at this years RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick which will see over 3000 primary school students from all over the country exhibit theirSTEM investigations at Mary Immaculate College. Between the three venues of Limerick, Dublin and Belfast there will be over 7000 participants in 2018. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media

Our fifth class pupils exhibited their project at the RDS Primary Science Fair in Mary Immaculate College today. The investigation, entitled ‘Which Tea Bag is best – Circular, square or pyramidal?’ was very well received by attendees of the fair. The children have been working on the project since before Christmas and were great ambassadors for the school in the exhibition centre today as they expertly fielded questions about their study. Below is the feedback they received from their judge Paul Collins:

“I loved the chosen question and how close to a lot of people’s hearts it is. It was amazing how many people were interested in the results before I got to chat to the children at the stand so the initial discovery of the question is great. The answers to my questions were treated with very clear and concise responses. The charts were laid out well and organised. Getting the local community involved was an excellent approach of getting information and providing free tea in the process. A great use of methods and visual presentations -charts/videos and weighing the product – the weight stood out to me in the comparisons of brewing times. All I say say is keep up the great work and the use of your inventive methods. Well done.”

The children were able to view some of the other projects on display and spent some time observing scientific demonstrations and experiments. They were presented with an award for their hard work on the project shortly before the end of the Fair.

If you want to find out more about the results of the project, please call into the school where it will be on display in the coming months.

Minister of State for Tourism & Sport, Patrick O’Donovan, viewing the project.

Broadcaster George Hook, a big Barry’s Tea fan, asks questions of our pupils.

Tag: RDS Primary Science Fair

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