5th Class have spent the past months predicting, researching, investigating, experimenting and recording their question for this year’s ESB Science Blast.
The question was “Does the air pressure in a ball determine how far it will travel when kicked?”. Their visit to the RDS was the culmination of their studies, where they had the opportunity to showcase their project.
The children were buzzing with excitement ahead of their trip to Dublin. The bus journey flew as they all chatted, laughed and sang their way to the Big Smoke! Once arrived, they set up our project display at stall number 37. Immediately, there were visitors calling to view the investigation, and everyone commented about the visual representation of the project and the wonderful knowledge of the children. It certainly looked fabulous on the stand!
The children were divided into groups, and each group spent 30 minutes “on duty” showcasing the wonderful work that they had done. Everyone got ample opportunities to wander the main arena and see all of the exhibition area, as well as attend both shows “Science saved the world” with the Ministry of Science ” and “Extreme Adventures” with Mark the Science Guy. The shows were brilliant scientific experiences and great fun. Jessica and Liliana even got the opportunity to be scientific helpers in the shows!
In fact, all of the children made a big impact on the RDS today, and the RDS had a huge impact on them. It truly is a wonderful event and gives the children opportunities to engage in Science activities in a fun and age-appropriate manner, where they see the presence of science all around them. One of our visitors was so impressed by the project and knowledge of the children that she invited them to present their project, in the coming months, at the Oweninny Wind Farm visitor centre. Such was the impact that they had made on her!
Our judge, Fionnuala from Dublin City University/ ESB was blown away by the knowledge and input of all the children today, and commented on the teamwork that was evident in abundance.
Her feedback was:
“ I was extremely impressed with this class. Their scientific approach to this experiment was unbelievable!
They set out with a clear intention and prediction to what seems to be a very simple experiment. As they learned, it was actually very complex. They broke the scientific theory down into smaller bits and had an illustrative experiment for each one.
Their explanation of the results verbally was absolutely fantastic. They were able to reach a conclusion that was different from their prediction and could explain why. The children were able to build on each experiment critically to understand their final conclusion. They analysed every aspect of the experiment very well.
I was so impressed by the children’s creativity. The music video was amazing! The stand looked fantastic with lots of props and it was really engaging. The class collaborated very well together. Everyone took part in the experiments and they all took turns to speak.
I was blown away by the class’s ability to communicate their research and findings. It was clear that they really understood the topic and could explain everything.
I felt like I learned something myself today! This project was absolutely brilliant. The class should be so proud and they could all be scientists!”
Super praise indeed for our children in 5th Class….and well deserved! We are so proud of them and the effort, energy and enthusiasm they brought to this project, and everything else they do! They were a pleasure to take away to a big day out like Science Blast, and made their teachers and families extremely proud. We are very lucky to be able to enjoy challenging and fun initiatives with respectful, mannerly, kind, brave and great students. Science Blast is a yearly initiative in which we love to participate in, and it inspires a love of science in all of our students.
Finally, mile buíochas to Mr.Neary and Ms.McDonagh for their wonderful work with 5th class on this project. We thank them sincerely for the time, interest and enthusiasm promoting this great work. This was a wonderful opportunity for all of our 5th Class students. Thank you also to Sarah for her continuous support and kindness to all our 5th Class students.
