SCIENCE SUCCESS AT SCOIL MHUIRE FATIMA, TIMAHOE
The Midlands Science Festival team was delighted to catch up with Scoil Mhuire Fatima in Timahoe this week to hear all about some of the wonderful achievements the school has had in science in recent years. Heading in to its third year, the Midlands Science Festival promises over 90 events across the region this November, making it the biggest and best science festival the region has seen yet.
Jackie Gorman, Midlands Science Festival Direc tor said,
‘There is a long his tory of achievement in science and maths in Scoil Mhuire Fatima and we are delighted to have been able to work with the staff and pupils over the past few years bringing in events such as the Reptile Zoo Village and seeing the impact these type of events have made. We are looking forward to delivering another exciting science show for pupils this year which starts with heating and friction and seeing the colour of materials change with heat. Students will find out how planes fly with hovering sweets and balloon helicopters and they will also be exploring waves, rockets, air cannons and how to play musical instruments from twirling tubes to boom whackers and straw kazoos! It’s really all about making science fun for this age group and hoping that this will have an impact for future learning opportunities.’
‘Scoil Mhuire places vital importance on science and maths education and it has always been our goal to introduce an understanding of these critical subjects as early as possible in school. Once pupils gain an interest and appreciation of science through the more hands-on, fun activities and attending Midlands Science Festival events, it stays with them. It is so important to make sure we share our successes so all the projects we engage in are displayed for parents as well as students. The school has enjoyed an excellent reputation for science in recent years and we hope that by continuing to engage with the relevant competitions and these types of fun events, we will encourage many more of our students to consider science as a career option in their future years.’
Scoil Mhuire Fatima has been awarded the Excellence in Maths and Science award for the last 4 years and former young Scientist projects have included one on worms, one on the Timahoe Esker and another on linking wind and temperatures to predict weather. In addition, the school enjoyed the prize and title of ‘All Ireland winners of the Intel Mini Scientist’ last year with “Murderous Mascara’ which was a project by two 4th class pupils, Roisin Dunne and Jamie Boyle. This is the 4th year for the school to take part in Intel Mini Scientist and last year all of 4th class and their teachers were treated to a VIP visit to Intel in Leixlip.