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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. 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.  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. 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. 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 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. 
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! 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.
Step 2: Technology |
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