STEM

In line with govenment strategy, in Faughart Community National School we aim to provide the highest quality STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering amd Maths) education experience for all our pupils that nurtures curiosity, inquiry, problem-solving, creativity, ethical behaviour, confidence, and persistence, along with the excitement of collaborative innovation.

STEM Information for Parents

We have been very busy exploring Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths in school (and at home). Check out our STEM Tweets.

The Discover Primary Science and Maths Programme (DPSM) is part of Science Foundation Ireland’s Education and Public Engagement Programme, which aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among students, teachers and members of the public.

In Faughart Community National School this year we are currently working towards achieving a Plaque of STEM Excellence and Badge of Excellence for deeper engagement with STEM, whole school involvement and external science engagement.

There are many steps that we have all have to complete to achieve this award.

2022 Application for SFI Badge of Excellence for STEM Awareness

In Faughart CNS we committed to exploring the use of Minecraft Education Edition to raise STEM awareness among our pupils, teachers and parents.

Minecraft: Education Edition is a version of Minecraft designed for education in a classroom setting. Education Edition allows teachers to offer a fun and interactive lesson for their students through playing the game of Minecraft. Students of all ages can learn from this edition. Educators can create their own lesson plans using the resources available to them in-game. In addition, there are multiple lesson plans already available that cover a variety of subjects like language arts, science, history and culture, computer science, art and design, and math.

The aim was for all teachers to upskill in Minecraft Education Edition and use these new skills to improve their teaching, learning and assessment in the classroom.
Our aim for pupils was that pupils have an opportunity to enhance skills that they have been developing at home and to increase their motivation and participation in creative STEM projects in school.
Our aim for parents was to communicate effectively the value of STEM education and the STEM activities completed in the classrooms.

Teacher Reflections
Parent Reflections – Interviews conducted and recorded by our 6th class pupils
Pupil Reflections – Interviews conducted and recorded by our 6th class pupils
Minecraft Competition – Irelands Future Is Mine Video – Awarded Highly Commended

2022 Application for SFI Badge of STEM Excellence

STEP 1 – Science:

Living things
Energy and forces
Materials
- Density of Hot and Cold Water Investigation
- Making Love Potions
Environmental awareness and care

AND Science Events

STEP 2 – Technology

STEP 3 – Engineering

STEP 4 – Maths

STEP 5 – STEM Showcase

2021 Application for SFI Plaque of STEM

STEP 1 – Science Provide evidence of the learners engaging in science activities in the school, or online.

Living things

Energy and forces

Materials

Environmental awareness and care

STEP 2 – Technology Provide evidence for 2 or more examples of how the learners used technology as part of their school work. By technology we mean the use of Information Communications Technologies [ICT], coding, robotics or product design, by students using materials.

STEP 3 – Engineering Provide evidence for 2 or more examples of how the learners investigated engineering in class or in the local area.

STEP 4 – Maths Provide evidence for 2 or more examples of how the learners have applied their maths knowledge and skills in practical ways.

STEP 5 (optional) – STEM Show and Tell Provide evidence for 1 or more example of how the learners have presented and explained their STEM work to others (beyond their own class) or examples of STEM at home by students.