The Discover Primary Science Programme is the key element supporting government policy in the area of primary science. Designed to introduce students to science in a fun and interactive way, Discover Primary Science supports teachers in delivering the SESE (Social, Environmental and Scientific Education) curriculum. Hands-on training sessions have been provided for all teachers taking part, while a range of resources have been supplied to participating classes.
The Discover Primary Science Programme is currently taking registrations for a third academic year. Following an extremely successful first year pilot programme that resulted in the participation of approx. 550 schools, registration rose to approx. 600 schools in the second year. To date, approx. 1,300 primary schools throughout Ireland are now registered. The success of the programme is reflective of the continued support received from the Departments of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, and Education & Science. Regional Host Centres have played a vital role in the facilitation of the induction days with trainers offering continued support to the implementation of the Programme. More than 1500 new schools have registered for the 2006-2007 programme.
Pictured are three budding young scientists at the Awards of Science Excellence in Limerick, where Primary Schools were rewarded for excelling in their exploration and discovery of science.
Following implementation of the Programme, registered schools are encouraged to apply for an Award of Science Excellence, and to retain it annually thereafter. 303 schools achieved acknowledgment in 2006 for excelling in their science explorations through the Awards of Science Excellence, and were invited to ceremonies around the country in recognition of their achievements.
The dedicated site
www.primaryscience.ie
hosts over 30 activities supporting the SESE science curriculum. A 'Teachers Area' for registered schools, links to Discover Centres and relevant websites, as well as information on the programme as a whole are available at the site. Molly Cool and Spidey are mascots for Discover Primary Science and can also be seen in their own flash-based activity movies. Profiles of some of the successful Award of Science Excellence recipients can be viewed on the website. The e-newsletter for registered schools has also been met with great enthusiasm and used frequently within the classrooms.
DPS Discover Science Centres are accredited venues of science exploration located around Ireland. Participating schools can visit one of these Discover Science Centres and gain credit towards achieving an Award of Science Excellence. Each centre offers specific programmes designed for the Discover Primary Science initiative, which support the Classroom Activity Packs as well as the SESE curriculum. Schools will receive a certificate for their visit, which they can add to their Discovery Log when applying for an Award of Science Excellence. The following Discover Centres all offer DPS programmes of science exploration and interactive fun: Lismore Heritage Centre, Waterford; Airfield, Dublin; Glenveagh National Park, Donegal; National Environmental Education Centre, Wicklow; Dublin Zoo; Birr Castle Demesne of Discovery; Fota Wildlife Park, Cork; Galway Atlantaquaria; Irish National Stud, Japanese Gardens and St Fiachra's Garden, Kildare Town; Killarney National Park Education Centre and W5, Belfast.
Contact: Sara Retief,
Discover Primary Science,
Wilton Park House,
Wilton Place,
Dublin 2.
+353 1 607 3082
E-mail:
[email protected]
www.primaryscience.ie
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