2009 Press Releases
A First for Primary Teachers
06.07.2009
A group of 53 primary teachers took a major step in putting scientific exploration in the hands of their students when they attended a week-long series of lectures and workshops at UCC’s College of Science, Engineering & Food Science (SEFS).
06.07.2009
A group of 53 primary teachers took a major step in putting scientific exploration in the hands of their students when they attended a week-long series of lectures and workshops at UCC’s College of Science, Engineering & Food Science (SEFS).
One of the highlights of the course was the launch of a new handheld SPARK data-logger designed to enable students to explore the world around them and to make their own scientific discoveries. This was the first SPARK workshop in Ireland and the participating teachers were enthusiastic in undertaking investigative work utilising a variety of sensors related to temperature, motion and heart monitoring. A weather sensor that would allow schools to establish their own local weather station was of particular interest. “SPARK is an acronym which stands for sense, perceive, analyze, reflect and know, and it builds on a science learning process that empowers teachers and energizes students,” explained Noel Brett, project coordinator of the Science and Technology Teaching and Learning (STTLC). He went on to say that: “The speed and ease with which the teachers came to terms with the SPARK use, would suggest that it is a device so simple to use and so intuitive that teachers and students can use it once and pick it up a week later without missing a beat.”
The course was facilitated by Dr Declan Kennedy, Nunci O’Mahony, Brother Rory Geoghegan, Sean Finn and Noel Brett.
The graduates of this diploma course, The Teaching and Learning of Primary Science, are now eligible to undertake a new Master's degree in Primary Science Education which will commence in October 2010.
Picture shows Primary Teachers collecting data using the new SPARK datalogger linked to a weather sensor for measuring wind speed.
1164MMcS
The course was facilitated by Dr Declan Kennedy, Nunci O’Mahony, Brother Rory Geoghegan, Sean Finn and Noel Brett.
The graduates of this diploma course, The Teaching and Learning of Primary Science, are now eligible to undertake a new Master's degree in Primary Science Education which will commence in October 2010.
Picture shows Primary Teachers collecting data using the new SPARK datalogger linked to a weather sensor for measuring wind speed.
1164MMcS