Scoil Mhuire Kilvemnon

Science in the primary curriculum
The nature of science
Science is concerned with the development of knowledge and understanding of the biological and physical aspects of the world. Scientific activity is the process through which such knowledge and understanding are developed. For children, as for scientists, science involves testing, changing or confirming ideas about how things are and how they work. Scientific theories are used to explain observed phenomena or to predict events. These ideas and theories are subject to review and change and will be modified as new evidence comes to hand.

Science is a human endeavour that depends on the creativity and imagination of people as they reflect critically to make sense of their experience. It is important that learning activities promote curiosity and enjoyment, so that pupils develop a lasting interest in science. The placing of science within the context of social, environmental and scientific education (SESE) will promote its relevance and help children to develop informed attitudes towards scientific and environmental issues.

Discover Primary Science is a flagship project run by the Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) awareness programme. DSE is managed by Forfás on behalf of the Office of Science & Technology at the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment. The programme aims to develop creativity in our children, show them how important science is to our everyday lives and more importantly how much fun it can be!
DSE's mission is to contribute to Ireland's continued growth and development as a society that has an active and informed interest and involvement in science, engineering and technology.
DSE's overall objectives are to increase the numbers of students studying the physical sciences, to promote a positive attitude to careers in science, engineering and technology and to foster a greater understanding of science and its value to Irish society.

The target audience for DSE includes students at all levels, (with a particular focus on primary and secondary) their parents and teachers, as well as the wider public. The programme also works closely with third level institutions and with intermediate audiences such as industry and the media.
You can find out more about the other activities of Discover Science and Engineering on the primaryscience.ie website.

Science has a huge place in Scoil Mhuire. The Discover Primary Science Programme aids us in the completion of Science within the year. Click here to read more about our adventures in Science.

Children’s learning in science
The scientific activity of children is similar to that of the scientist. Children begin from their ideas about how things are, and they change and develop these ideas by testing them in practical investigations. During their scientific activities children should be provided with opportunities to try out, challenge, change or replace ideas. This view of learning involves children developing and constructing more scientific understanding through their own ideas and experience.
Children in primary schools construct scientific ideas and concepts based on available evidence. These ideas and concepts will be refined as the children work in more demanding contexts and develop more open-ended investigative approaches to solving problems.