Discover Primary Science and Maths Award
​STEP 1 - Science

Step 1 requires us to provide 3 examples of the children engaged in Hands on Science Investigation

Example 1 -
Infants and 1st Class


​In Science Class we experimented with magnets. We played with them and discovered a few things about magnetism. We learned the sometimes magnets attract each other and sometimes they repel each other. That means we can feel a force pushing them away from each other.   We learned that magnets even work through some materials such as paper and wood.
We also did some written work about what we learned which you can see by clicking on the 5 buttons below.
Click on Buttons 1-5 to see samples of the written work done by the pupils in Senior Infants and First Class

Example 2
Bridges - 5th & 6th Class​

​Recently in Science we have been learning all about bridges. We began by making simple bridges out of paper and exploring how the shape of the bridge can increase load capacity. We then had a design and make challenges where we had to design a bridge to support a load of 5oog only using drinking straws, paper clips, blu-tac and tape. We researched different types of bridges and design elements of bridges and completed written projects. Finally we went on a walking tour of Ballyshannon to have closer look at bridges in our locality.
Click on the buttons here to see samples of the written work carried out by the Pupils in 5th and 6th Class

Example 3

​Floating and Sinking - Junior & Senior Infants - March 2019

We have been very busy this month in Junior and Senior Infants with Science experiments. One experiment we carried out was to choose six random objects and predict whether they would float or sink.

We used two hula hoops to help us make our predictions. Objects we agreed would float were placed in the green hula hoop. Objects we agreed would sink were placed in the red hula hoop. Objects that would either float or sink, depending on what way we manipulated them (i.e. by peeling the skin off the orange) were placed in the intersection of the two hula hoops.


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​The Junior and Senior Infants were really surprised that the orange bobbed in the water with the skin on, but sank to the bottom when the skin was peeled off. The playdoh also sank to the bottom, but when we changed the shape of the playdoh to a bowl shape the children were surprised to see that it could float! ​


​We also completed some simple worksheets based on our experiment. The children drew a green circle around the objects that floated and a red circle around the objects that sank. The children drew a green and red circle around the objects that could float and sink, depending on how you changed them.   

​We had great fun!