Welcome to our S.T.E.M. blog
Welcome to our S.T.E.M. Blog​
Thank you for visiting our blog which showcases our work in Science Technology Engineering and Maths. (S.T.E.M).)This year we are applying for our sixth Discover Primary Science and Maths  award  which awards   STEM Excellence for deeper engagement, whole school involvement and external science engagement .
Our STEM blog will act as our digital log of evidence for this award.
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Tree Day

10/5/2018

 
2nd and 3rd class marked Tree Day by visiting Curragh Chase Forest Park this week, where they learned about our native trees. They also learned about the different species of bats that can be found in Curragh Chase.

Clinometer Experiment

4/26/2018

 
Step 1: Science, Step 3 : Engineering  Step 4: Maths
​In class, we discussed the best way to measure the height of one of the trees in the yard. After we ruled out climbing the tree, using a hot air balloon and even cutting it down, we decided on using a clinometer.
We made the clinometers using a piece of cardboard, a straw, some string and a paper clip. We measured out a 45⁰ angle on the cardboard and cut out a quarter circle. The straw was sellotaped to the side of the cardboard, and the string was tied to the corner. The paper clip was added as a weight and this let us know when the string was at a 45⁰ angle to the ground.
A clinometer uses our knowledge of triangles to accurately estimate the height of the tree. As we learned in maths class, every triangle has 180⁰. As the tree is growing at a 90⁰ angle to the ground, if we position ourselves at a 45⁰ angle from the tree, the distance we are standing from the tree should be equal to the tree’s height. Using a measuring tape we then measured the distance we were standing from the tree, as well as factoring in the measurer’s height as well.
Not only did we measure the tree, we also measured the height of the school and the church’s bell tower.  

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Energy Workshop

4/25/2018

 

Step 1 : Science, Step 4: Maths
On Friday 20th April 2018, we were visited by the  sustainability expert Gavin Harte. Gavin spoke to the children about three  different types of energy: mechanical, chemical and electrical. Using pedal power he demonstrated to the children how mechanical energy and a generator creates electricity. Several children tried the bicycle to see how many watts of power they could generate. Gavin tried to get us to think about energy in a different way by telling us about the various levels of energy required to power certain home appliances. He told us that in order to power a twenty minute shower 180 people would have to pedal for twenty minutes! The children then got the opportunity to make smoothies using pedal power to power the blender. 

STEM Showcase

4/18/2018

 
On Wednesday the 14th March, we held our annual STEM Showcase for parents, children and teachers . In recent years we have focused more on the STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) emphasis in our teaching and learning. Each class exhibited work completed in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. Children are thrilled with our recent purchase of ipads and were eager to demonstrate how they can be integrated in STEM education. We are extremely proud of the tremendous efforts of our boys. Míle buíochas to all involved in making this a very special day for our school.

Stryker Visit

4/18/2018

 
 Step 1: Science Step 2: Engineering
During Engineers Week two Stryker employees visited our school.  They spoke to us about the structure of buildings and skyscrapers.  We made a mini skyscraper from two sheets of paper and cellotape which had to withstand a number of challenges: earthquake (banging on the table), hurricane (blowing at it) and a foundation test (seeing if it wasn't glued to the table). Next we measured its height . We also discovered how to generate electricity from lemons. We then received an interesting presentation on the work of an Engineer in Stryker. We were shown metal knee caps which are made at Stryker. I learned a lot about engineering and had a very enjoyable learning experience. 
                                                                                                 Hugh O Gorman
                                                                                                 6th class

Khan Academy

4/15/2018

 
Step 2: Technology, Step 5: Maths
5th/6th class have been gaining more practice and  more confidence in numeracy this year by using Khan Academy, the online learning platform. Stepan and Mark have created a presentation to explain how Ms Halpin's class have integrated Khan Academy into their  learning this year. 
khan_academy.pptx
File Size: 1124 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File

Rocket Launch

4/12/2018

 
Step 1: Science, Step 3: Engineering,  Step 4: Maths
5th and 6th class boys braved the cold weather during Engineers week to launch their rockets which they had designed and made. This challenge was definitely the highlight of Engineers  week in senior classes!

Marble Run

4/12/2018

 
Step 1: Science, Step 2: Technology, Step ​3 Engineering
5th and 6th class boys had great fun during Engineers week designing and making a marble run. Their challenge was to create a marble run that keeps  a marble rolling longer then any other team. Stepan and Evan created a wonderful slideshow on our design challenge to show parents on  our STEM day.
stem_marble_run_1.0.pptx
File Size: 2143 kb
File Type: pptx
Download File

Photography Award Winner

4/10/2018

 

Step 2: Technology
Congratulations to Mark Kennedy from Ms Halpin's class , who has won an award in Ireland's prestigious National School Photography Award. This award is open to primary schools in the Republic of Ireland and aims to encourage creativity and increase engagement in digital arts in primary school education. With entries from over 150 national schools, we are very proud of Mark. Mark's winning photograph can be seen on the INSPA website

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Investigating Slopes in 4th class

3/13/2018

 
Step 1: Science, Step 3: Engineering Step 4: Maths
Strand: Energy and Forces
Strand unit: Forces
Strand: Materials
Strand unit: Properties and Characteristics  of Materials

​The boys in Mr Dillon's class have been busy investigating slopes! They investigated what would happen when the angle/height of the slope is changed. Children measured the distance for each slope and calculated an average
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Children also investigated how friction on a surface can influence the distance travelled.
As you can see the boys had great fun using their Science, Engineering and Maths skills.
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    We are very excited to be writing blog posts for JFK's STEM blog.  Please visit our blog regularly to see our wonderful work in Science Technology Engineering and Maths. 
        JFK  6th class


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