Discover Primary Science & Maths
Cloonfour N.S. is a co-educational primary school located between Tarmonbarry and Rooskey in County Roscommon. Cloonfour N.S is a two teacher school. Ms. Kearney the principal teaches Junior Infants, Senior Infants and Second class. There are ten pupils in the Junior room. Ms. Coyne teaches the pupils in the Senior room 3rd class - 6th class. There are fourteen pupils in the Senior room. For the purpose of this award we speak about the junior room = 3 classes and the senior room = 4 classes.
Step 1 - Science
Living Things: Human Life
Our Teeth (3rd class - 6th class)
The pupils completed a KWL chart before we commenced this lesson. The children felt their own teeth with their tongue. We described how each tooth felt. Following this, we discussed how groups of teeth have different names and functions. The pupils suggested that different types of teeth were used for biting and chewing. We also talked about using our sharp front teeth for biting into an apple. The pupils were aware of the functions of the groups of teeth and they set up groups to research the names and location of each tooth. The pupils cut and stuck images of different teeth into the correct positions on a picture of a mouth.
Next the pupils rolled out some play dough and shaped the correct type of teeth into the play dough gum. They enjoyed learning about their own teeth through active learning both using 2-D and 3-D mediums.
Our Teeth (3rd class - 6th class)
The pupils completed a KWL chart before we commenced this lesson. The children felt their own teeth with their tongue. We described how each tooth felt. Following this, we discussed how groups of teeth have different names and functions. The pupils suggested that different types of teeth were used for biting and chewing. We also talked about using our sharp front teeth for biting into an apple. The pupils were aware of the functions of the groups of teeth and they set up groups to research the names and location of each tooth. The pupils cut and stuck images of different teeth into the correct positions on a picture of a mouth.
Next the pupils rolled out some play dough and shaped the correct type of teeth into the play dough gum. They enjoyed learning about their own teeth through active learning both using 2-D and 3-D mediums.
Materials: Properties and characteristics of materials
Colour Separation (3rd class - 6th class)
Investigating materials and change. The pupils investigated the effects of water on a selection of sweets. The pupils predicted what may happen in this experiment. They recorded their results before we followed the steps to achieve this experiment. A dropper was used, this was to ensure that only a small amount of water was added to the plate each time. The experiment was conducted on white plates so we could see the material change. The pupils commented that some groups results were clearer, upon discussion we found out that these groups were adding very little water each time and they had constructed a tight circle of sweets on the plate with little or no gaps.
Colour Separation (3rd class - 6th class)
Investigating materials and change. The pupils investigated the effects of water on a selection of sweets. The pupils predicted what may happen in this experiment. They recorded their results before we followed the steps to achieve this experiment. A dropper was used, this was to ensure that only a small amount of water was added to the plate each time. The experiment was conducted on white plates so we could see the material change. The pupils commented that some groups results were clearer, upon discussion we found out that these groups were adding very little water each time and they had constructed a tight circle of sweets on the plate with little or no gaps.
Energy & Forces: Light
Designing and Making Traffic Lights (3rd class - 6th class)
The pupils explored with a number of materials before planning how they would construct the structure for their traffic lights system. In groups they planned the design and materials they would need to construct a set of traffic lights. They applied and recalled how to make a circuit. Now, they had to plan and experiment how they could insert the circuit into their box (traffic lights structure). During the week we evaluated what was working well and what areas they needed help with. Some members of other groups helped with any issue and offered advice.
Teacher Evaluation: next time we will use a 3 way switch and this will be achieved by using a paper clip to swivel around to touch any of the other three pins depending on which bulb you want to light up. We integrated this strand into the math curriculum through measuring length and scale. We also looked at the strand 2-D shapes (circles). The pupils looked at many road signs and they discussed and recorded the shapes and meaning of many road signs.
Environmental Awareness and Care: Environmental awareness
Green Schools - Water Flag (Junior Infants - 6th class)
The pupils will come to appreciate the need to conserve resources and recognise the importance of recycling materials, use of paper packaging in contrast to some plastic packaging, identifying materials that can be used for a variety of purposes, turning off lights and reducing the amounts of water used.
The pupils will apply to become the final member of our Green- Schools Committee. An interview was held as there was so much interest in this new role. We welcomed our final member as PRO to our Green- Schools Committee. The members taught a recycling lesson to the junior room about what goes into each of the bins in the classroom. The Committee also reminded the Senior pupils about these bins and their functions.
Tuesday Oct 22nd 2019 was a different sort of day in Cloonfour N.S. Our Green Schools Committee held a "No Energy/Green School's Day" as part of our Green Schools Flag application, so we had no heating or lighting or anything electrical on in school all day! We had lots of fun activities going on to help us keep warm, including a litter-picking walk around the local roads where pupils were amazed at the amount of rubbish that we collected! This was followed by a Green Schools themed quiz organised by two of our past pupils who have returned to their old school for 2 weeks as part of their TY work experience.
February the Green-Schools Committee welcomed their Assessor prior to the submission of our Water Flag application. She spoke at length to the Committee, who excelled themselves in showing off their knowledge of all our activities in pursuit of our flag.
Green Schools - Water Flag (Junior Infants - 6th class)
The pupils will come to appreciate the need to conserve resources and recognise the importance of recycling materials, use of paper packaging in contrast to some plastic packaging, identifying materials that can be used for a variety of purposes, turning off lights and reducing the amounts of water used.
The pupils will apply to become the final member of our Green- Schools Committee. An interview was held as there was so much interest in this new role. We welcomed our final member as PRO to our Green- Schools Committee. The members taught a recycling lesson to the junior room about what goes into each of the bins in the classroom. The Committee also reminded the Senior pupils about these bins and their functions.
Tuesday Oct 22nd 2019 was a different sort of day in Cloonfour N.S. Our Green Schools Committee held a "No Energy/Green School's Day" as part of our Green Schools Flag application, so we had no heating or lighting or anything electrical on in school all day! We had lots of fun activities going on to help us keep warm, including a litter-picking walk around the local roads where pupils were amazed at the amount of rubbish that we collected! This was followed by a Green Schools themed quiz organised by two of our past pupils who have returned to their old school for 2 weeks as part of their TY work experience.
February the Green-Schools Committee welcomed their Assessor prior to the submission of our Water Flag application. She spoke at length to the Committee, who excelled themselves in showing off their knowledge of all our activities in pursuit of our flag.
11th of May 2020
We received an email today with some exciting news, letting us know that our application for the renewal of our Green-Schools flag under the Water theme has been successful and that the team at Green Schools Ireland were very impressed with our application. We would like to say a big WELL DONE to all our pupils and staff and in particular to our Green-Schools committee - Isabelle, Maddison, Katelyn and Grace (and Darragh last year) - for all your hard work in obtaining this great achievement for our school.
We received an email today with some exciting news, letting us know that our application for the renewal of our Green-Schools flag under the Water theme has been successful and that the team at Green Schools Ireland were very impressed with our application. We would like to say a big WELL DONE to all our pupils and staff and in particular to our Green-Schools committee - Isabelle, Maddison, Katelyn and Grace (and Darragh last year) - for all your hard work in obtaining this great achievement for our school.
Step 2 - Technology
In light of school closures due to COVID-19 Cloonfour N.S. are using the Class Dojo app to connect with both parents and pupils in their homes. ClassDojo is an educational technology communication app and website. It connects primary school teachers, students and families through communication features, such as a feed for photos and videos.
In Cloonfour N.S we are sending videos to our pupils on a daily basis. We are setting work for the day or week by uploading activities. The pupils are sending their work into their allocated work portfolios. Within the portfolios the teachers can look at each pupils work and provide feedback to them.
Our pupils are sending lovely photos and videos of their day at home. We can send a whole school video on this app/website or we can send individual videos/ photos.
The pupils in the senior room are working on some SESE projects at home. I provide guidance and information on the class Dojo through videos and links. The children take pictures of their projects and send them to their portfolios. Below is a sample of the excellent projects completed in both the junior and senior room.
First the students chose their favourite animal and for their next project they choose their favourite tree. Both projects are taken from the Living Things strand in SESE. This following website is available to the pupils who would like to complete more STEM projects at home : https://www.sfi.ie/engagement/discover-primary-science-and-maths/resources/stem-at-home/
In Cloonfour N.S we are sending videos to our pupils on a daily basis. We are setting work for the day or week by uploading activities. The pupils are sending their work into their allocated work portfolios. Within the portfolios the teachers can look at each pupils work and provide feedback to them.
Our pupils are sending lovely photos and videos of their day at home. We can send a whole school video on this app/website or we can send individual videos/ photos.
The pupils in the senior room are working on some SESE projects at home. I provide guidance and information on the class Dojo through videos and links. The children take pictures of their projects and send them to their portfolios. Below is a sample of the excellent projects completed in both the junior and senior room.
First the students chose their favourite animal and for their next project they choose their favourite tree. Both projects are taken from the Living Things strand in SESE. This following website is available to the pupils who would like to complete more STEM projects at home : https://www.sfi.ie/engagement/discover-primary-science-and-maths/resources/stem-at-home/
Through the class Dojo we can view the senior pupils work at home.
Design and make a boat that can float in the Senior room.
Ms. Coyne presented a lesson to the senior pupils on the class Dojo app. The children spent the first three days planning and designing their boat. Thursday I sent another video explaining the steps and results I wanted them to record. This blank word template was uploaded to the Dojo app and the pupils could type, print or copy the headings into their copy. Below is the examples of some of our amazing boats that can float.
STEM challenge: Build your name at home
The pupils build their name in a 3D format using any medium they chose. The results were creative and imaginative.
Through the class Dojo we can view the junior pupils work at home.
Through the use of the class Dojo app the pupils in the junior room watched a video of Ms. Kearney explaining an Art lesson using elements of natural material. Then the pupils took a picture of their own wonderful creations and uploaded a photo to the class Dojo for Ms. Kearney to view. We think these portraits are creative and fun.
Through the use of the class Dojo app the pupils in the junior room watched a video of Ms. Kearney explaining an Art lesson using elements of natural material. Then the pupils took a picture of their own wonderful creations and uploaded a photo to the class Dojo for Ms. Kearney to view. We think these portraits are creative and fun.
Step 3 - Engineering
Engineers Week: February 29th to March 6th (Junior Infants - 6th class)
The pupils took part in some engineering projects from the Engineers Week pack. The pupils designed and made some paper aeroplanes. We had a competition to see which plane flew the furthest.
Next the pupils worked in small groups to plan, design and create structures using marshmallows and dry spaghetti. The children were encouraged to sketch and label their design prior to building their structure. We had a chat about what 3-D shapes they know and what can strengthening their structure. The pupils planned and designed buildings that were tall and that could hold a small ball. Some groups added card to strengthen their structure.
After they tested the strength of their structure. In groups the pupils filled in their reflection sheets. They discussed in groups how they could have changed their design and was there anything from other groups that they found useful for their own design.
During Engineers week the pupils learned about the different types of Engineers and the work they carry out locally and nationally. On Friday the pupils were presented with their "Engineer's Ireland Certificate". Well done everyone.
Design and make a Bridge
The Junior Room were very busy "building bridges" and evaluating which bridge was the strongest for their teddies to sit on! The pupils constructed these bridges using building blocks and Lego. The pupils studied and evaluated their bridge and the bridges constructed by their friends.
The pupils took part in some engineering projects from the Engineers Week pack. The pupils designed and made some paper aeroplanes. We had a competition to see which plane flew the furthest.
Next the pupils worked in small groups to plan, design and create structures using marshmallows and dry spaghetti. The children were encouraged to sketch and label their design prior to building their structure. We had a chat about what 3-D shapes they know and what can strengthening their structure. The pupils planned and designed buildings that were tall and that could hold a small ball. Some groups added card to strengthen their structure.
After they tested the strength of their structure. In groups the pupils filled in their reflection sheets. They discussed in groups how they could have changed their design and was there anything from other groups that they found useful for their own design.
During Engineers week the pupils learned about the different types of Engineers and the work they carry out locally and nationally. On Friday the pupils were presented with their "Engineer's Ireland Certificate". Well done everyone.
Design and make a Bridge
The Junior Room were very busy "building bridges" and evaluating which bridge was the strongest for their teddies to sit on! The pupils constructed these bridges using building blocks and Lego. The pupils studied and evaluated their bridge and the bridges constructed by their friends.
Step 4 - Maths
(Junior Infants -6th class)
Maths Week 2019: The pupils in Cloonfour N.S took part in Maths Week again this year. The Senior room pupils and the Junior room pupils came together for a fun whole school Maths Trail. Groups were formed by mixing the pupils from both rooms so there was an age balance on each team. Each team chose a name for their group. The teams stuck together to complete this Maths Trail. Some elements were inside but most questions needed the pupils to observe, record and calculate information outdoors. The pupils communicated and co- operated very well with one another.
The pupils in the Senior room enjoyed using chocolate smarties to conduct many Mathematical inquiry. The pupils analysed the sweets and recorded the amount of each colour that was present in each box. This was compared to other pairs results. Fraction results were also calculated. Each pair presented their findings to the class.
Great fun was had by all the pupils during Maths Week. The fraction, decimal and percentage domino and follow me games were a great hit. The fraction pizza game was enjoyable and the pupils had to analyse their receipt and make an appropriate pizza using the selected toppings.
The pupils in the Senior room enjoyed using chocolate smarties to conduct many Mathematical inquiry. The pupils analysed the sweets and recorded the amount of each colour that was present in each box. This was compared to other pairs results. Fraction results were also calculated. Each pair presented their findings to the class.
Great fun was had by all the pupils during Maths Week. The fraction, decimal and percentage domino and follow me games were a great hit. The fraction pizza game was enjoyable and the pupils had to analyse their receipt and make an appropriate pizza using the selected toppings.
Images from Maths Trail - both classrooms worked together
Copy of our School Maths Trail Booklet
Images of activities completed for Maths Week
Step 5 - STEM Show and Tell
Reflection on Show and Tell
In Cloonfour N.S we held a Science Open day where pupils in the senior room presented and explained their STEM work to the junior room pupils. The pupils in the senior room were busy for the week preparing their STEM projects. Some chose to make volcanoes while other chose to demonstrate how a parachute can work and we even had a group of pupils design and make their own magnetic shelving system. The STEM projects were displayed in our halla and the junior room pupils looked at how the volcanoes erupted. The senior pupils explained the reactions of the chemicals and how they planned and designed their STEM projects. There was a question and answer session where the pupils in the senior room could answer any queries the junior room pupils had. This was an enjoyable day as it was lead by the pupils themselves.