Step 1: Science
Living Things Investigations:
1. 6th class conducted a sceince experiment to examine the different colour pigments found in leaves, following on from their Tree investigations for National Tree Day. These pigments are responsible for the beautiful variety of colours that we see in leaves during autumn. We used a number of techniques to extract the pigments from the leaves, such as cutting, mashing and soaking them in polish remover. We then used strips of paper towels to absorb the pigment from the liquid and left them to dry. When the paper was dry, we observed the green, yellow and brown colours that represent the three main pigments found in autumn leaves.
2. Investigation: To extract DNA from a strawberry:
This science experiment is to extract DNA from a piece of fruit - A strewberry, banana or a kiwi worked the best.
This science experiment is to extract DNA from a piece of fruit - A strewberry, banana or a kiwi worked the best.
3. Minibeasts:
2nd class read about, looked at pictures of and discussed local mini-beasts. They learned that mini-beasts are small animlas that have no backbone/ spine (invertebrates).
We then researched and identified each minibeast's habitat.
Next we conducted a mini-beast hunt in pairs, in the school grounds. We first predicted what mini-beasts we might find based on our learning of minibeasts and their habitats.
2nd class read about, looked at pictures of and discussed local mini-beasts. They learned that mini-beasts are small animlas that have no backbone/ spine (invertebrates).
We then researched and identified each minibeast's habitat.
Next we conducted a mini-beast hunt in pairs, in the school grounds. We first predicted what mini-beasts we might find based on our learning of minibeasts and their habitats.
4. Planting:
Each class planted their own seeds of herbs, fruit and vegetables.
2nd class planted in mini pots and left them on the windowsill in the classroom. They also conducted the conditions necessary for growth investigation.
3rd-6th classes planted their seeds outdoors in raised beds and other larger plants in large pots.
Each class planted one strawberry plant and a pot of potatoes in large pots also.
Each class planted their own seeds of herbs, fruit and vegetables.
2nd class planted in mini pots and left them on the windowsill in the classroom. They also conducted the conditions necessary for growth investigation.
3rd-6th classes planted their seeds outdoors in raised beds and other larger plants in large pots.
Each class planted one strawberry plant and a pot of potatoes in large pots also.
Some results:
Materials Investigations:
1. Density:
5th and 6th class investigated water density by conducting experiments and investigations in pairs (within their pods).
Maurice and Karolis conducted a water density experiment with 2nd class during science week in November (see photos below)
5th and 6th class investigated water density by conducting experiments and investigations in pairs (within their pods).
Maurice and Karolis conducted a water density experiment with 2nd class during science week in November (see photos below)
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Water density experiment: (5th and 6th class)
Energy and Forces Investigations:
1. Balloon investigation:
2nd class learned about Chemical energy (CO2).
They conducted an energy investigation using balloons and watched the CO2 created rising up into the balloon, causing inflation:
2nd class learned about Chemical energy (CO2).
They conducted an energy investigation using balloons and watched the CO2 created rising up into the balloon, causing inflation:
2. Chemical Energy investigation:
Investigation 1: Creating CO2 to extinguish the flame of a candle (5th and 6th class)
Investigation 2: Is there enough CO2 in our exhale breath to extinguish a candle's flame? (5th and 6th class)
Investigation 1: Creating CO2 to extinguish the flame of a candle (5th and 6th class)
Investigation 2: Is there enough CO2 in our exhale breath to extinguish a candle's flame? (5th and 6th class)
Environmental Awareness and Care Investigations:
1. Tree identification:
5th and 6th class spent this afternoon in our outdoor classroom investigating and classifying leaves from all the trees on our school grounds. They then did some beautiful leaf rubbings. A great way to celebrate National Tree Day. They have also collected lots of acorns and chestnuts which they are planting out in pots at the moment. This is such an important part of environmental care and our Green Schools philosophy. It was also good for everyone's wellbeing to spend time outside on such a beautiful day. Tomorrow we are planting some trees that have been gifted to us. More pics tomorrow. PS Thanks to Belturbet Men's Shed who made this lovely seating area for us a couple of years ago. It has really enhanced our outdoor space
5th and 6th class spent this afternoon in our outdoor classroom investigating and classifying leaves from all the trees on our school grounds. They then did some beautiful leaf rubbings. A great way to celebrate National Tree Day. They have also collected lots of acorns and chestnuts which they are planting out in pots at the moment. This is such an important part of environmental care and our Green Schools philosophy. It was also good for everyone's wellbeing to spend time outside on such a beautiful day. Tomorrow we are planting some trees that have been gifted to us. More pics tomorrow. PS Thanks to Belturbet Men's Shed who made this lovely seating area for us a couple of years ago. It has really enhanced our outdoor space
2. Nature walk:
3rd and 4th class went on a nature walk to investigate and research the environment around the school building. They collected leaf and petal samples to identify the plants growing in our local environment.
3rd and 4th class went on a nature walk to investigate and research the environment around the school building. They collected leaf and petal samples to identify the plants growing in our local environment.
3. Tree leaf identification and tree rubbings in 2nd class:
4: Litter and Waste:
2nd class learned and research litter and waste. They worked in their pods to categorise different types waste and explored what can and cannot go into each bin.
They learned about the compost bin and how it works (worms break down the food and it turns into compost over time). They identified why some waste can and cannot go into the compost bin.
We located our school's compost bin and set up a 'mini' compost bin that would be emptied at the end of each week.
2nd class learned and research litter and waste. They worked in their pods to categorise different types waste and explored what can and cannot go into each bin.
They learned about the compost bin and how it works (worms break down the food and it turns into compost over time). They identified why some waste can and cannot go into the compost bin.
We located our school's compost bin and set up a 'mini' compost bin that would be emptied at the end of each week.
5. Using recycled materials to create art work.
Pupils in 2nd class looked at reusing as part of their topic of litter and waste. They wanted to reuse some materials to create artwork. See completed creations below.
(Animal pictures, castles etc.)
Pupils in 2nd class looked at reusing as part of their topic of litter and waste. They wanted to reuse some materials to create artwork. See completed creations below.
(Animal pictures, castles etc.)
6. Virtual workshop: Cork's Rooftop Farm
25th March 2021
Each class engaged with a virtual tour and workshop of Cork's Rooftop Farm in school.
Each class engaged with a virtual tour and workshop of Cork's Rooftop Farm in school.
Space Week activities:
1. Newton's Third Law of Motion:
3rd and 4th class rockets:
Investigation title: Make a paper rocket powered by alka seltzer and water to demonstrate Newton's third law of Motion.
Science behind the investigation:
When you mix the alka seltzer with the water, a chemical reaction takes place between the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate contained in the tablet and the water. This chemical reaction creates a carbon dioxide gas. This carbon dioxide builds up in the closed container and since the lid is the weakest point of the container, the lids pops off and all the carbon dioxide gas escapes out of the container. This is an example of Newton's Third Law of Motion - Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The carbon dioxide escaping out of the end of the container (the action) causes your rocket to move in the opposite direction (the reaction).
This is how rockets work. Rockets use pressurised fuel and an oxidiser. When the fuel (liquid hydrogen) and oxidiser (liquid hydrogen) combine as they burn into a gas causing an intense pressure which is released through a tiny hole at the bottom of the combustion chamber called a nozzle.
Conclusion:
For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction - Newton's Third Law of Motion.
Investigation title: Make a paper rocket powered by alka seltzer and water to demonstrate Newton's third law of Motion.
Science behind the investigation:
When you mix the alka seltzer with the water, a chemical reaction takes place between the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate contained in the tablet and the water. This chemical reaction creates a carbon dioxide gas. This carbon dioxide builds up in the closed container and since the lid is the weakest point of the container, the lids pops off and all the carbon dioxide gas escapes out of the container. This is an example of Newton's Third Law of Motion - Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The carbon dioxide escaping out of the end of the container (the action) causes your rocket to move in the opposite direction (the reaction).
This is how rockets work. Rockets use pressurised fuel and an oxidiser. When the fuel (liquid hydrogen) and oxidiser (liquid hydrogen) combine as they burn into a gas causing an intense pressure which is released through a tiny hole at the bottom of the combustion chamber called a nozzle.
Conclusion:
For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction - Newton's Third Law of Motion.
2. Solar system model:
2nd class:
2nd class read about and discussed NASA space station and researched NASA's Apollo 11 where the first humans walked on the moon. They watched the recorded live launch of Apollo 11.
They identified the planets (order) and the structure of the solar system and draw a labelled diagram of the solar system into their SESE notebooks.
Pupils worked in their pod groups to create 3D models of the solar system (see photos below).
2nd class read about and discussed NASA space station and researched NASA's Apollo 11 where the first humans walked on the moon. They watched the recorded live launch of Apollo 11.
They identified the planets (order) and the structure of the solar system and draw a labelled diagram of the solar system into their SESE notebooks.
Pupils worked in their pod groups to create 3D models of the solar system (see photos below).
Science Week:
2nd class participated in an online workshop for science week with Cavan Monaghan Science festival.
The virtual event took place via crowdcast and was presented by Horrible Science books author NIck Arnold.
Investigations included exploring the concepts of friction and gravity . Nick also explored the world of dinosaurs and discussed his life as an author. He told the pupils about how he began writing and the process of writing the horrible science books.
The virtual event took place via crowdcast and was presented by Horrible Science books author NIck Arnold.
Investigations included exploring the concepts of friction and gravity . Nick also explored the world of dinosaurs and discussed his life as an author. He told the pupils about how he began writing and the process of writing the horrible science books.
