Brigid’s girls are going up

CHILDREN from St Brigid’s GNS in Finglas will be showcased on the national stage this week when they appear in the second of a series of books aimed at increasing awareness of science amongst 8-12-year-olds.

The students spent two busy days creating, observing, experimenting, recording and analysing for Up in the Air – the second book in the Science Apprentice series, which is out this Saturday (November 10).

The 20 Wellmount Avenue students spent the first of two days study at their school finding out about medical devices and the muscular-skeletal system.

“The main focus of the workshop was the things the children could do to help the environment,” said fifth class teacher Cathriona Lynch.

“The first thing the Science Apprentice team did was explain how walls in urban areas work to limit air pollution and so they had them building walls out of Lego to show the effect.

“Another group worked on how air filters can work to improve the air quality on farms.

“It was really fascinating stuff.”

The kids from St Brigid’s were also introduced to the idea of how airplanes work and then were able to explore that theme more during a site visit to Ballyboughal Airfield.

“We spent a full day there, being introduced to different kinds of planes, old and new. They were able to see inside the cockpits of an aircraft and see wings and engines up close,” said Ms Lynch. 

“It was a thrilling trip and it really encouraged the children to view different kinds of science as an exciting career for both men and women. It made a big impression on the kids.”

The Science Apprentice books will encourage children and adults alike to explore the science, technology, engineering and mathematics of the world around us.

Throughout the new four-part series the books follow characters Izzy and Phil and the wonder panellists on an interactive journey exploring the human body, our environment, how things are made and why everything is not always as it seems.

The books – Super Bodies, Up In The Air, Illusion and How It’s Made – are produced by University College Dublin and partners and supported by the Science Foundation Ireland Discover Programme and the Environmental Protection Agency.

The series has been also co-produced by schoolchildren around the country through interactive workshops and discovery tours.

Irish experts are on hand explaining concepts and answering questions as we delve into big ideas that are improving our lives.

Written by science journalist and writer Dr Claire O’Connell, the books open children’s minds to a world of potential careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Science Apprentice books are available to order for schools and are free to collect with the Irish Independent in SuperValu stores every Saturday in November.