Schools urged to figure out that maths is fun

PRIMARY schools on the Southside are being urged to sign up to a new educational programme that encourages children and teachers to approach science and maths in a fun and interactive way.

Last year, 77 Dublin primary schools received Awards of Science and Maths Excellence in the Discover Science & Engineering’s (DSE) Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme.

To qualify for an award schools must keep a log of certain science and maths related activities that they undertake throughout the year.

Schools get credit for visiting Discover Science Centres, inviting speakers to the school to talk about science and maths and displaying their work and other explorative activities.

Credits are also awarded for taking part in a number of other DSE programmes including the Greenwave project (www.greenwave.ie), a mass science project tracking the arrival of spring across Ireland, as well as completing activities related to the Engineers’ Week 2013 theme

‘Engineers, bringing dreams to life through curiosity and invention.’

Schools are urged to start working on their science and maths related activities straight away and register for the Award of Science and Maths Excellence in January 2013 at www.primaryscience.ie.

Speaking at the launch of the awards, Minister Sean Sherlock, the Minister for Research and Innovation at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, said:

“Discover Primary Science and Maths is an innovative programme that offers our children an engaging platform to kick-start growth and interest in science and maths.

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Minister Sherlock added:

“The growth of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects is extremely important for the recovery and further devel­opment of our economy. It is imperative that STEM subjects are promoted at a young age to recruit and encourage the youth of Ireland to progress their skills in these areas. I would strongly encourage as many schools as possible to get involved with this fun and exciting project.

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Dr Graham Love, Director of DSE and Director of Policy and Communications for Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) said:

“Since we started the Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme in 2003, the project has gone from strength to strength, with more than 6,000 teachers registered last year.

“This year, the Discover Primary Science and Maths programme will continue to encourage an appreciation of science and maths in students from an early age that will stay with them throughout their education. Students of today are tomorrow’s leaders and we look forward to Irish students leading the field of maths and science in the future.

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Full information on the Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme and the Awards of Science and Maths Excellence are available on the www.primaryscience.ie website. The project also caters for Gaelscoileanna, with materials available in Irish on the website.