ESB Science Blast

Sixth Class exhibit their project ‘What does caffeine do to your energy levels?’ at the ESB Science Blast in Limerick.

Sixth class had a wonderful day at Mary Immaculate College in Limerick exhibiting their project and getting to experience all that the ESB Science Blast had to offer.

This included taking part in science based demonstrations and activities and also moving around the venue to view other schools’ projects.

Congratulations to them and their teacher, Mrs Kennedy, for a job well done with their project.

Rescue 115 Helicopter Visits Herbertstown NS

Huge excitement greeted the arrival of the Irish Coastguard helicopter, Rescue 115, to Herbertstown today. 

After a few cancellations due to the busy nature of the helicopter’s role, loud cheers went up from the school’s pupils as the helicopter came into view coming from Lough Gur’s direction. After circling Anthony Baggott Park, the huge machine landed. The crew were enormously generous with their time as they allowed all the children present to board the helicopter and answered the many questions they had. They also explained the important jobs the helicopter is tasked with on an almost daily basis and gave the children tips about staying safe when in the outdoors. One of the four crew was Bruff native and winchman Robbie Moloney. To add to what was an already spectacular experience for the children, before departure, the helicopter took off and winched Robbie from the ground before it sped off into the distance. A day that will live long in the memory for all present.

4th/5th Class Investigate the Impact of Salt on Ice

In this experiment we investigated the impact of salt on ice. We placed ice cubes in a tin can, laid the string on the ice, added salt and after approximately one minute we pulled the string out of the water with all the ice cubes attached.

When salt is sprinkled over the ice, it lowers the ice’s freezing point and causes it to melt. Water around the ice forms and then the string sinks into the ice.

Science Week – 1st & 2nd Class

Making Bubbles

Challenges included:

  • Make the biggest bubble you can make.
  • How many bubbles within a bubble can you make?
  • Can you pick up a bubble?
  • Can you put something in your bubble without it popping?
The children learned that you can pick up a bubble if their hands are wet but if their hands are dry, then it will pop! – Mr Franklin

Heritage in Schools – Archaeology Explored in Herbertstown

Archaeologist Francesca O’Callaghan was in the school on Monday as part of the Heritage in Schools Programme. The visit also coincided with Science Week.

Francesca gave very interesting workshops to 4th & 5th class and then 6th class. She brought examples of different artefacts and show the children some examples of the types of materials used for clothing during the different Ages.

It was a great start to Science Week 2022!

Green Flag – Biodiversity

Huge congratulations to the boys and girls across the school who have achieved a fifth Green Flag for Biodiversity!

Speared headed by the Green Schools Committee and Mrs Murphy, there has been fantastic work over the course of two years into the areas around biodiversity, as well as the previous elements of the Green Flag process.

The following speech was proudly read by members of the Green Schools Committee at the flag raising ceremony today.

We are the Green Schools Committee and we are delighted to be raising our 5th Green Flag for Biodiversity! We’ve been working hard as a school to get this flag and we appreciate all the work everyone has put in. We’d like to say a big, special thank you to all our sub-committee members: the Litter Legion, the Switch-off Squad, the Water Wardens, the Travel Team, the Bio-D Bunch, Ms, Murphy, Breda, Louise and Niall for all your hard work too!

Since we began our Green Schools Adventure years ago, we have put recycling bins in our classrooms, raised awareness with signs everywhere, done lots of litter picking, installed Barry our Water Barrell, gone for lots WOW walks, installed a bicycle rack, planted trees and bulbs, improved our garden with a bug hotel and bird feeder and have had many fun Action Days to show how much we care about our planet!

Biodiversity is so important for our planet and our well-being. From the smallest seed to the largest tree. From the tiniest insect to us humans, we all depend on each other, so it’s a great honour to raise this flag now! Thanks again to all the staff and pupils for all the work you have put in over the past 2 years especially when Covid made it so hard to come together. Please give a big bualadh bos for our brand new Biodiversity Green Flag!