The Magic of Soap!
We had great fun learning about why it is so important to wash our hands properly. In our experiment, the pepper represented germs. When we put soap on our finger and dipped it into the water, we watched in amazement as the pepper quickly moved away! This experiment helped us explore how soap interacts with water and gave us a great visual way to talk about why soap is so important when washing our hands. The children really enjoyed predicting what might happen, observing the results and discussing what they had learned.
Exploring Tooth Decay
We investigated how various drinks can cause tooth decay. We used eggs as the shell of an egg and the enamel of our teeth both contain calcium. We soaked eggs in water, tea, vinegar and coke and left for a few days.
We found that the water had no effect on the egg, the vinegar dissolved the shell of the egg and the tea and coke both stained the eggs.
We found that the water had no effect on the egg, the vinegar dissolved the shell of the egg and the tea and coke both stained the eggs.
How Plants Drink Water
We have been learning about the different parts of a plant and how water travels from the roots to the rest of the plant. We tested this by placing celery in coloured water. The next day, we could see the colour travelling up through the celery! We also tried the experiment with flowers and enjoyed watching their petals gradually change colour.
Busy Bees in Our School Garden
We have been learning all about bees and the very important role they play in pollination. We ventured out to our school garden, where our sunflowers and wild flowers are in full bloom, to see if we could spot some busy bees at work collecting pollen.
We also carried out a simple experiment to discover just how much pollen is found in a sunflower. We picked some sunflowers, placed them in a vase on top of black paper and watched as the pollen gradually fell from the flowers. We were amazed at how much pollen we could see against the black background! It was a great hands-on way to learn about bees, flowers, pollen and the important process of pollination.
We also carried out a simple experiment to discover just how much pollen is found in a sunflower. We picked some sunflowers, placed them in a vase on top of black paper and watched as the pollen gradually fell from the flowers. We were amazed at how much pollen we could see against the black background! It was a great hands-on way to learn about bees, flowers, pollen and the important process of pollination.
Hatching Pheasants in School
The children have been learning all about new life, with a particular focus on the life cycle of a chick. To enhance their learning, we incubated pheasant eggs in our school incubator. The children learned how the incubator keeps the eggs at the correct temperature and moisture levels, while also turning the eggs just as a mother pheasant would in the wild.
The children were amazed to watch the chicks hatch from the eggs. Since then, they have been helping to care for the chicks by giving them food and water each day. The children are already looking forward to releasing the pheasants back into the wild in September.
The children were amazed to watch the chicks hatch from the eggs. Since then, they have been helping to care for the chicks by giving them food and water each day. The children are already looking forward to releasing the pheasants back into the wild in September.
Testing for stretchiness and elasticity
In the Senior Room we are learning about clothing. This week for our experiment we tested the stretchiness (how much a fabric will stretch) and the elasticity (whether or not the material will snap back into it's original shape). We tested lycra, wool, nylon, cotton and polyester. We found that all of the materials stretched other than the polyester. The nylon and lycra went back to their original length meaning they were also elastic.
Recent Science Experiments in the Senior Room
Last week, we continued to examine mixtures. We investigated how evaporation can result in salt crystals. We added epsom salts to warm water and food colouring until it could dissolve no more - saturation point. We left a snowflake shaped pipe cleaner in the solution overnight and we had a lovely salt crystal decoration the next day.
This week, we're learning about forces and friction, We investigated how texture affects friction and we had a race. We had four ramps - one was card, one was covered in tinfoil, another covered in fabric and the final one had rubber bands. The toy car travelled the fastest down the card, followed by the foil, then the rubber bands and finally the fabric.
This week, we're learning about forces and friction, We investigated how texture affects friction and we had a race. We had four ramps - one was card, one was covered in tinfoil, another covered in fabric and the final one had rubber bands. The toy car travelled the fastest down the card, followed by the foil, then the rubber bands and finally the fabric.
SCIENCE EXPERIMENT - MAKING ELECTRICITY
The boys and girls have been learning all about electricity and thoroughly enjoyed experimenting and creating their own static electricity.
Mixtures Experiments
We are learning about mixtures in the Senior Room and we carried out four experiments. Firstly, we put a number of substances (salt, flour, sugar, coffee, oil and vitamin C tablet) into water to find out if they were soluble or insoluble. Next, we investigated if sugar would dissolve faster in cold, warm or hot water. Then, we investigated if stirring affects the rate of dissolving. Finally, we compared saturation points (when a substance stops dissolving as there is too much of it) of salt and sugar. We had to time most of these experiments and the children took turns using their new smartwatches that they got at Christmas to give us this information!
Science Workshops - Science Week
As part of Science Week, the boys and girls enjoyed two fantastic workshops!
Exploration Dome – The children stepped inside Ireland’s largest mobile planetarium to explore our oceans and journey through the wonders of space.
Now That’s What I Call Science (W5 Science Museum) – Science came alive with exciting experiments, fire, juggling, and spectacular demonstrations that amazed everyone!
The children had a wonderful day learning all about the world of science in a fun and interactive way.
Exploration Dome – The children stepped inside Ireland’s largest mobile planetarium to explore our oceans and journey through the wonders of space.
Now That’s What I Call Science (W5 Science Museum) – Science came alive with exciting experiments, fire, juggling, and spectacular demonstrations that amazed everyone!
The children had a wonderful day learning all about the world of science in a fun and interactive way.
How shape affects buoyancy
The Senior Room investigated why boats float today. First of all, we made predictions as to whether certain objects / materials would sink or float and we investigated to see if our predictions were correct. Some of the surprising findings were that a big candle floated and a small paperclip sank straight to the bottom! Are you surprised? It's to do with the density of the material!
Then, we worked in groups and used plasticine to make boats. The shape of plasticine affected how well the boat floated (how buoyant it was).
Then, we worked in groups and used plasticine to make boats. The shape of plasticine affected how well the boat floated (how buoyant it was).
Making a simple pulley
The Senior Room are learning about the Ancient Egyptians in History. Today we looked at the simple machines they used to help construct the pyramids. We used a coat hanger, a spool and some twine to make a simple pulley.
Spring is in the Air
Spring is in the air, bringing new life and excitement to our school! We had a special visit from a little lamb from Rosie's Grandads farm. Everyone got a chance to see and learn about farm animals up close. We also have frogspawn in school and we're looking forward to watching the incredible transformation from tadpoles to froglets. It's a wonderful time of year to explore nature.
Does fire need oxygen?
This week we learned that fire needs three things to burn: heat, fuel and oxygen. The flame is the heat and the wax is the fuel. We used different size jars to investigate the oxygen. We calculated the volume of the jars by filling them with water and measuring it in a graduated jug. Then we lit 5 tealights and covered each with a jar. The last tealight was our control. We timed how long it took for the candle to use up the oxygen trapped in the jar and extinguish the candle. As we predicted, the candle in the smallest jar (the one with the least volume) went out first.
Heat Convection Currents
This week in Science, the Senior Room investigated heat convection. We had two jars, one with cold water (blue) and one with hot water (red). First, we put the cold water on top of the hot water and we found that they mixed. Then, we put the jar of hot water on top of the cold water - this time they did not mix. This is because hot water is less dense than cold water - hot water rises and cold water falls.
Our Science Show and Tell
Today, the boys and girls from the Junior Room proudly hosted a special Show and Tell event for the students in the Senior Room. During the event, the Junior Room children enthusiastically presented their science projects, showcasing all the hard work and creativity they had put into their experiments and displays. They were delighted to share their learning, and it was clear they took great pride in explaining their projects to the older students.
Explorium
Today, all pupils had an exciting day at the Explorium Science and Sports Museum. They enjoyed exploring a variety of hands-on Science experiments and participating in fun sports activities. It was a day filled with learning, excitement and plenty of laughter as the children engaged in both educational and athletic challenges.
Dancing salt!
Today, we learned that sound is a type of energy. It makes vibrations which can cause movements. In our experiment, we used food colouring to make salt blue which is easier to see. We put a wireless speaker into a bowl and secured the top with paper and an elastic band. We placed the coloured salt on top and turned on the music in the speaker really loud. The salt vibrated and danced on top of the paper! We joined in too and had a mini disco this afternoon!
Browning Apples
We investigated different ways to preserve an apple. We placed slices of apple into honey water, water with lemon juice, salty water, water containing a dissolved vitamin C tablet, a cup of lemon and lime drink, fizzy water and tap water. We also left two slices of apple untouched, this was our control. We left the apple over break time and then we tasted the apple to decide which mixture preserved the taste, colour and texture of the apple best. We concluded that the vitamin C water preserved the apple best from a colour point of view but that the taste and texture of the untouched apple was best overall.
Sinking and floating
In Science, we investigated the properties and characteristics of materials. We placed different liquids (vegetable oil, honey, washing-up liquid and water with food colouring) into a large glass and watched them settle. Then, we dropped various objects (ping-pong ball, bottle cap, dice, blueberry, coin) into the glass to see what would sink / float. Look at the glass and see what we discovered.
Xylophone
Did you know that you can make a xylophone with glass jars and water? We learned about sound in science and made our own xylophone. We used food colouring in the water to make it look better and we played some simple tunes!
Lung Models
In the Senior Room, we learned about our lungs and how they work. We used bottle and balloons to make models of our lungs.
Making Butter
Every week children in the Senior Room take part in a fun and educational Science experiment. This week the children made butter, which was a great way to introduce children to the science behind food and the process of emulsification. They learnt about the properties of cream and how agitation transforms it into butter. The children enjoyed making the butter but loved eating it with crackers even more. Well done boys
and girls!
and girls!
Autumn
In the Junior Room we have been learning all about autumn and what changes it brings to our environment. We learned about hibernation and migration. We took a close look at all the plants around us and how plants produce seeds to disperse. The boys and girls were given a variety of wild flowers which had withered and they set to work to harvest the seeds. They made lovely seed pouches to keep their seeds safe for planting next spring.
Spring brings new life.
Spring is in the air, bringing new life and excitement to our school! We had a special visit from a little lamb from Rosie's Grandad's farm. Everyone got a chance to see and learn about farm animals up close. We also have frogspawn in school and we're looking forward to watching the incredible transformation from tadpoles to frogs. It's a wonderful time of year to explore nature.
Our Circuit Project
The children successfully completed their circuit project, where they created motorized windmill circuits. When they connect the circuit, the blades of the windmill rotate, demonstrating the power of electrical energy. They also built a switch circuit and a light bulb circuit, experimenting with various materials to identify which ones could serve as conductors to complete the circuit. Through hands-on exploration, the children gained valuable insights into how electrical circuits work and how different materials affect the flow of electricity.
Our Frog Project
The children proudly completed their "Lifecycle of a Frog" project, where they used epoxy resin to create a 3D piece of art. The artwork beautifully depicted each stage of a frog's lifecycle. The children were thrilled with their finished work, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the frog lifecycle. It was a wonderful blend of art and science that left them feeling accomplished and excited about their learning.
Does Food Contain Fat?
In the Senior Room, we placed nine different types of food on brown paper to see if they contained fat. We left them over break time and came back to examine the brown paper. The foods containing fat left grease marks on the paper.
We had great fun eating our experiment afterwards!
We had great fun eating our experiment afterwards!
Magnets
In science, we've been learning about magnets. Did you know they have a North Pole and a South Pole? They repel and attract one another. We also investigated the strength of our magnets by investigating how many paperclips they could hold.
Our Bog Project
As a school we are taking on a project all about bogs. We invited Sorcha Doyle, a Heritage Expert on bogs to our school for the day. The children learned so much about bogs. We are now looking forward to our trips to Boora with Sorcha to learn more about our local bogs.
Science Show
On the 7th of February the Senior Room visited Birr Theatre to attend a Science show entitled “Where Is The Air?” which introduces the children to 1. Air and 2. Pressure. The Mad Scientist used giant wind bags, vortex generators and even a hovercraft to help the children understand the power of air.
Biodiversity Workshop
On Wednesday the 18th of October Junior Infants – 2nd Class had a great day out at Birr Castle Demesne. We took part in a Biodiversity Workshop where the children learned about many different habitats such as the river, woodlands, lake, and grasslands which all support different varieties of plants and animals. During the workshop we visited the various habitats around the Demesne, talked about the unique characteristics of each habitat and what species live in the habitats.
As the weather was nice we spent the day there. We went on a nature walk, identified different trees and fed the ducks. We would like to thank the Board of Management for fully funding this trip.
As the weather was nice we spent the day there. We went on a nature walk, identified different trees and fed the ducks. We would like to thank the Board of Management for fully funding this trip.
Lifecycles
As we approach the summer season, we in Broughall NS are learning all about different lifecycles. We studied the lifecycle of the frog in detail. We obtained frogspawn from the lake in Lough Boora and over the past few weeks the children observed the frogspawn developing into tadpoles. The children are now witnessing the tadpoles develop into froglets. Very soon we will release these froglets back to their natural habitat in Lough Boora.
Our Willow Dome
The boys and girls were delighted to have participated in the making of their willow dome in their school garden. Thanks to Padraig for haring his talent with the boys and girls.
Astronaut Academy
On the 6th of October all pupils attended ‘Astronaut Academy’ in Birr Library. We attended the workshop as part of Space Week. The boys and girls worked in teams to make their own rocket. They also created their own Solar System and they carried out an experiment to show why it is so important for an Astronaut to wear a space helmet and suit. Thanks to the Board of Management for covering the cost of this trip.
Hot Air Balloon
We had an exciting day in Broughall NS today. We were delighted to have Donna, Tara, Stuart and Tony visit our school with their Hot Air Balloon. The children were very excited. They got the opportunity to ask the team lots of questions. They also got to see first hand how a Hot Air Balloon works.
Our Baby Chicks
All of us in Broughall NS were delighted to welcome our baby chicks into the world as they hatched out last week. The boys and girls are showing great care and respect for our new arrivals as they look after them in the early stages of their lives. Well done boys and girls.
Our Biodiversity Workshop
Today all children took part in a Biodiversity Workshop. The boys and girls really enjoyed learning all about the different types of trees and habitats within our school grounds. Thanks to Judith from Biodiversity for Schools for conducting the workshop.
Our Hatchery
In school we are learning all about the lifecycle of a chicken. We are using our incubator to give the children the experience of seeing chick hatch out. The boys and girls are great at keeping an eye on the temperature of the incubator and making sure that the water is topped up regulary. Thanks a million Kevin for supplying us with the eggs and answering lots of questions from the boys and girls.
THE LIFECYCLE OF THE DANDELION
The Lifecycle of the Frog
As we enter the summer season, we in Broughall NS are learning all about different lifecycles. We studied the lifecycle of the frog in detail. We obtained frogspawn from the lake in Lough Boora and over the past few weeks the children observed the frogspawn developing into tadpoles. The children are now witnessing the tadpoles develop into froglets. Very soon we will release these froglets back to their natural habitat in Lough Boora.
Explorium National Sport & Science Centre
With over 300 eye-popping interactive science and STEM experiences, our day at the Explorium was phenomenal! Students visited the amazing Gravity Rooms, the Live Science Show, the G Force, and the Lightening show to name but a few. Students explored the interactive activities which improved understanding of scientific concepts and encouraged curiosity in all students from Juniors up the 5th class.
Conductors and Insulators
In connection with the 'Farm to Fork' initiative in the school where pupils made soup from locally sources vegetables, pupils also used this as an opportunity to be creative. Students designed an insulated container using different materials such as cling film, cardboard, tinfoil, Styrofoam etc. to keep their soup hot. They tested their soup and recorded the temperature every five minutes for half an hour. The container that kept the soup the hottest after the thirty minutes was the winner of our competition. The winning container used a combination of bubble wrap and Styrofoam, both of which are excellent insulators.
Solar Ovens
Using pizza boxes, black paper, cling film, tinfoil and newspaper, pupils made their very own solar oven. Students had been learning about heat transfer, conductors and insulators and they put their knowledge to the test. The tinfoil reflected sunlight into the box which was sealed with clingfilm. This plastic "window" worked like a greenhouse roof, allowing (direct and reflected) sunlight to pass into the box, while also retaining heat. The black paper attracted/absorbed the heat and the newspaper acted as an insulator along the inside of the box It was a great way of using solar energy.
Butterflies
In school we were learning all about the lifecycle of the butterfly. We got to observe caterpillars grow and go through the different stages of its life and turn into a butterfly. On Friday we released our butterflies, it was lovely to see the children handle the butterflies with such care.
Fascinating Forces
During October, the students in the senior room experimented with forces such as gravity and air resistance. Working collaboratively, the students had to design a parachute and a hot air balloon using various resources such as cardboard, ribbon, tape, balloons and black bin bags. After discussing and creating their designs, they predicted which object would fall to the ground first and why. The students had to ensure that the test was fair which meant that the height and time at which the objects were dropped had to be the exact same. The children discovered that the parachute caught a lot of air (called drag) so they concluded that although gravity pulled both objects to the ground, the parachute fell at a slower pace and had a softer landing than the hot air balloon.
Science Magic
All pupils attended Athlone IT to participate in a show entitled 'Science Magic'. It was great to see them participating in the experiments. Pupils thoroughly enjoyed the day. Thanks to our BOM for fully funding all costs associated with the day.
Minibeast Hunt
This week we were busy learning about all the different minibeasts that live around our school. The best to learn is to have hands on experience so we went on a minibeast hunt.
Soil Investigation
This week we took a closer look at soil. We learned about the importance of soil and the different horizons within soil. We took a closer look under the microscope and carried out experiments to see if there is air and water in soil.
LOOK AT OUR HOT AIR bALLOONS.
HOT AIR BALLOON EXPERIENCE
The boys and girls in Broughall NS were treated to a fantastic learning experience on Friday the 27th of September. Phil McCheyne and his team brought their hot air balloon to Broughall NS. Phil and his team had been participating in the Irish Hot Air Ballooning Championships in Birr Castle and kindly agreed to take time out of their busy schedule and visit us. The children were fascinated as to how the hot air balloon operated. Phil and his team were excellent in how they answered all the children’s questions and they gave the children a great insight into different factors needed for a hot air balloon to fly. We all learned so much about hot air balloons. All pupils got the opportunity to get into the basket, helped with the laying out of the balloon and actively prepare the balloon for take off. The whole experience exposed the children to a whole range of learning opportunities and we are very thankful to Phil Mc Cheyne and his team for making all this possible.
