Irish Primary Schools Set To Compete For Awards of Science and Maths Excellence in 2010

Discover Science and Engineering (DSE) today (Tuesday 2^nd February 2010) announced the launch of the Awards of Science & Maths Excellence 2010. Part of the Discover Primary Science (DPS) programme, the awards acknowledge the efforts of primary school children and teachers across Ireland who have shown an increased knowledge of science and maths. Last year, 512 primary schools won an award and it is hoped that this figure will increase in 2010.

Launched in 2004, the DPS programme has gone from strength to strength with almost all of the 3,600 primary schools across the country registered to participate today. The success of Discover Primary Science was also recognised as part of international review last year. This year, an additional focus on maths will be incorporated into the programme in recognition of the importance of mathematics in teaching science.

Speaking at the launch, Conor Lenihan T.D., Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation, said “Discover Primary Science is a key educational initiative in our goal to build a Smart Economy as the hands on approach of the programme ignites a passion for science and maths in the pupils who participate in it. The level of participation in Discover Primary Science is a testament to the fantastic science and maths education taking place across the country. It is very important that we build a foundation of young people who have a keen interest in science and mathematics as they will be the scientists, engineers, technologists and mathematicians of the future.”

Peter Brabazon, Programme Director, Discover Science & Engineering, added, “We are aiming to help Ireland become one of the top performers across Europe in maths. As a result we have put a strategic focus on incorporating maths into all our activities during the year in a bid to help young people improve their problem solving activities. There are lots of activities like building periscopes and paper helicopters which introduce mathematics concepts such as algebra and angles to primary school children to show them that learning maths can be fun.”

Schools registered under the DPS programme applying for an Award of Science & Maths Excellence must keep a Discover Log, recording their science related work which must be submitted by 23^rd April 2010.

Credit is given for providing evidence of involvement in:

• One activity relating to each of the four strand units in the Science Curriculum;
• Visiting one of the Discover Primary Science accredited Discover Science Centres or inviting speakers to school to talk about science related topics;
• Holding a science display day or event;
• Give three examples of how the participating school integrated maths into their science classroom activity.

The assessment of the Awards of Science & Maths Excellence process begins following the closing date for submissions on 23^rd April 2010. Registered schools, who have applied on the website by the 26^th March, will receive an application form in the mail, close to the submission date.

Please visit www.primaryscience.ie for further information on the Awards of Science & Maths Excellence and the Discover Primary Science programme.

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