Tag: STEM

5th & 6th Class Salt/Fresh Water Experiment

Staff

5th & 6th Class investigated the effects of salt water and fresh water on gummy bears.

2 gummy bears were placed in water; 1 in a container with fresh water, the other in a container with salt water.

After a few days it was clear that the gummy bear in the fresh water had started to swell while the gummy bear in the salt water had generally kept its shape.

This experiment helped to show the class the effects that fresh water would have on some sea creatures like sharks if they were to leave the sea/ocean and enter a river.

Science Experiments in Mrs Murphy’s Room

Staff

Mrs Murphy’s class were busy using their investigative skills during science in the weeks before the Christmas holidays.

Experiment 1: Which substance cleans money best; washing up liquid, lemon, vinegar, soy sauce, olive oil or baking powder? Lemon was the winner!

Experiment 2: Which material is the best insulator of heat; paper, tin foil or a woolly sock? The sock was the winner!

6th Class Tour of Ardnacrusha Power Station

Staff

Sixth class were given a tour of Ardnacrusha Power Station on Friday.

The pupils got to view many different areas of the station as well as being shown how the plant produces electricity. Their guides explained how the different parts of the scheme were constructed and the pupils really enjoyed learning about how fish travel through Ardnacrusha.

It was a very memorable day for all.

Rescue 115 Helicopter Visits Herbertstown NS

Staff

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

Staff

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

Staff

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

Staff

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!