STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths
This is an emerging subject for primary schools and one we have been so excited exploring it in Divine Word. We have taken part in various experiments, had visitors introducing us to coding and learned how to use new and exciting apps on the iPads, such as Minecraft: Education edition. We even entered a Microsoft competition in 5th last year. See the link below.
This year we had a wonderful STEM week, celebrated slightly later than other schools. We began by encouraging the children to take part in an experiment competition. There were some fabulous ideas and really well presented. We really appreciated all the wonderful support you, as parents, gave the children in completing these. Not only are they exploring STEM, they are also engaging in important skills, such as questioning, explaining and estimating which is why STEM is a wonderful subject for integration.
Monday – Children took part in Maths trails around the school covering all strands of the curriculum. Some of the younger classes teamed up with their ‘buddy classes’ to help them embark on this challenge. There was a wonderful buzz around the school and the weather held off for us too.
Tuesday – Ms. Hynes’s Class hosted the entire school at various times throughout the day showcasing our new STEM equipment, such as Snap circuits – to investigate electricity, fort building, and magnet marble runs. The class also broke into groups and invited the children to take part in various other experiments they had developed themselves. It was a wonderful success.
Wednesday – This was experiments in your own class day. Some classes created volcanoes; others made lava lamps. There was an interesting smell of vinegar throughout the school for a few days. Exploding coke using a packet of Mentos proved to be a popular one and we are all very excited to see 5th class do the egg drop ‘Eggsperiments!’
Thursday – We welcomed Lismore STEM group. They took the classes on a wonderful journey looking at: static electricity, space and chemistry. The children were invited up and completely immersed in the experience. It was an extremely enjoyable day.
Friday – Older children followed the clues of an Emoji Maths challenge in the court yard which saw wonderful group work and collaborating taking place. Some of the problems even had the teachers scratching their heads. Younger classes looked at some more experiments in their classrooms and their energy and enthusiasm was a wonderful way to end a really fantastic week.
Parental Help
We look forward to developing our STEM engagement throughout the years and we would love to hear from any of you that work in areas of STEM that would have anything to offer by means of sharing your experiences.