Engineering
2023-2024
Example 1: STEPS Young Engineers Award in 4th Class
M. Olivia's 4th Class had a wonderful experience taking part in the STEPS Young Engineers Award. We started our projects back in October and worked for many weeks to complete them. Initially, we thought of ways we could help others in our environment. Then, we sketched our designs before starting to make the prototypes. We used recyclable materials that we brought in from home to make our prototypes. A civil engineer, called Nithi came to our school and showed us what it was like to work as an engineer. We presented our prototypes and discussed the triumphs and challenges. It was a fantastic experience and we developed many skills such as perseverance, thinking as an engineer and working collaboratively to complete our projects.
All of fourth class thoroughly enjoyed meeting Nithi. They found getting an insight into the life of an engineer extremely fascinating. It was an experience that 4th Class will never forget and has strengthened their skills, awareness and attitudes towards engineering in the world around us.
All of fourth class thoroughly enjoyed meeting Nithi. They found getting an insight into the life of an engineer extremely fascinating. It was an experience that 4th Class will never forget and has strengthened their skills, awareness and attitudes towards engineering in the world around us.
2023-2024
Example 2: Lego Creations in CSE
In CSE 2 we had great fun designing and creating their own cars out of LEGO pieces. The class were given the simple the task to design and build a car big enough to fit one LEGO minifigure out of LEGO pieces. First, we planned and sketched out our designs on paper and then they got to work building our designs. As the students began to build, they decided to modify their original designs as they began to find different LEGO pieces they wanted to incorporate into their designs.
The children showed great creativity as they planned and built their LEGO cars. Sketching our designs really helped us to communicate our ideas. Our critical thinking and problem-solving skills were also used as we had to figure out how a LEGO minifigure would fit in our cars. Some of our first designs forgot to incorporate this and we had to redesign.
One student decided they wanted to build a garage for their car. Therefore, I gave them lollipop sticks, paper and Sellotape and allowed them to build one. After a quickly sketching and discussing the design of the garage the student began building.
The children showed great creativity as they planned and built their LEGO cars. Sketching our designs really helped us to communicate our ideas. Our critical thinking and problem-solving skills were also used as we had to figure out how a LEGO minifigure would fit in our cars. Some of our first designs forgot to incorporate this and we had to redesign.
One student decided they wanted to build a garage for their car. Therefore, I gave them lollipop sticks, paper and Sellotape and allowed them to build one. After a quickly sketching and discussing the design of the garage the student began building.
2022-2023
Example 1:STEPS Young Engineers Award in 4th Class
4th Class had a wonderful experience taking part in the STEPS Young Engineers Award. We started our projects back in October and worked for many weeks to complete them. Initially, we thought of ways we could help others in our environment. Then, we sketched our designs before starting to make the prototypes. We used recyclable materials that we brought in from home to make our prototypes. An engineer, called Dave, came to our school and showed us what it was like to work as an engineer. We presented our prototypes and discussed the triumphs and challenges. It was a fantastic experience and we developed many skills such as perseverance, thinking as an engineer and working collaboratively to complete our projects.
Nicola, Alex, Charlie and Matthew worked on a robotic prototype.
Kayla, Kuba and Abia worked on creating a car that is beneficial for the environment.
Amelia, Armin, David and Macy created machinery for the sea that collects and tests any materials that are harmful to nature.
Scott, Oscar, Maddie, Faith and Ethan created a prototype of Lucan C.N.S. with modifications such as the addition of windmills and solar panels.
All of fourth class thoroughly enjoyed meeting Dave. They found getting an insight into the life of an engineer extremely fascinating. After listening to Dave, 4th Class presented their projects to Dave, the Engineer. It was an experience that 4th Class will never forget and has strengthened their skills, awareness and attitudes towards engineering in the world around us.
2022-2023
Example 2: K'nex in Tallaght Library during Engineers' Week
On the 6th March 2023, during Engineers' Week, 5th Class went to Tallaght Library to take part in an engineering design task. The event was organised by South Dublin County Council and Engineers' Ireland.
The Engineer hosting the event had designed bridges. The children spoke with the host of the event about his role in designing large bridges, that carry a lot of weight and learned a lot about bridge building design during the activity.
The children had to build a bridge that held weight on top of it. After exploring famous bridges, the children learned about the power of triangles when building tall, solid structures. The children worked in teams to build a bridge using K'nex. It was a material that the children hadn't used a lot before but their designs were outstanding. This design and build activity provided the students with a hands-on experience of building, similar to that of real-life engineers. It was a thoroughly enjoyable event!
The Engineer hosting the event had designed bridges. The children spoke with the host of the event about his role in designing large bridges, that carry a lot of weight and learned a lot about bridge building design during the activity.
The children had to build a bridge that held weight on top of it. After exploring famous bridges, the children learned about the power of triangles when building tall, solid structures. The children worked in teams to build a bridge using K'nex. It was a material that the children hadn't used a lot before but their designs were outstanding. This design and build activity provided the students with a hands-on experience of building, similar to that of real-life engineers. It was a thoroughly enjoyable event!
2021-2022
STEPS Young Engineers' Award
4th Class
This year, 4th class were invited to take part in the STEPs Young Engineers Award.
This competition encouraged us to attend webinars about the work of engineers in our community. We got the opportunity to learn about what engineers are and the many roles that they may have in our society.
Following on from this exploration, we then began to evaluate examples of engineering in our community and how we could make improvements to them. The competition encouraged us to use recyclable materials wherever possible which we collected from home and the rest of the school. The building stage was by far the most challenging of the entire competition. It was tricky to manipulate some of the materials we were working with and could get frustrating, especially with the time we had. We needed to work as a team to ensure that everyone was happy with the prototype they created.
As we progressed through the competition, we filled out our STEM booklets which helped to guide us through each of the planning stages. When we had created our prototypes, each group got the opportunity to present their project to a panel of two judges which was held over Microsoft Teams. It was nerve-wracking initially but both of the judges were very nice and asked us a lot of questions which helped us when we had to present.
After our presentations, we proofread our final booklets and our teacher sent them into the organisation for us. We all loved the experience of taking part in the STEM Awards and for some of us, it has inspired us to think of working in the area of STEM when we are older!
This competition encouraged us to attend webinars about the work of engineers in our community. We got the opportunity to learn about what engineers are and the many roles that they may have in our society.
Following on from this exploration, we then began to evaluate examples of engineering in our community and how we could make improvements to them. The competition encouraged us to use recyclable materials wherever possible which we collected from home and the rest of the school. The building stage was by far the most challenging of the entire competition. It was tricky to manipulate some of the materials we were working with and could get frustrating, especially with the time we had. We needed to work as a team to ensure that everyone was happy with the prototype they created.
As we progressed through the competition, we filled out our STEM booklets which helped to guide us through each of the planning stages. When we had created our prototypes, each group got the opportunity to present their project to a panel of two judges which was held over Microsoft Teams. It was nerve-wracking initially but both of the judges were very nice and asked us a lot of questions which helped us when we had to present.
After our presentations, we proofread our final booklets and our teacher sent them into the organisation for us. We all loved the experience of taking part in the STEM Awards and for some of us, it has inspired us to think of working in the area of STEM when we are older!
2021-2022
Designing Pulleys
3rd Class
In 3rd Class, we investigated pulleys.
First, we examined a variety of pulleys in our local environment. We discovered that lifts, cranes, blinds, curtains, wells, sails on sailboats and many other items use pulleys to function. We looked at how they operate. We realised it is a simple machine that we can build. We read a book about pulleys and watched a video to learn more about how they work.
We wanted to design our own pulleys to transport pencils and other classroom items from the ground to our tables. We created a design and gathered the materials that we needed. We used cups, pencils, spools and thread to make our pulleys.
We rolled the thread around the pulley. We placed holes in the cup of the pulleys and tied the thread to it. We put the pencil through the hole of the spool. We pulled the thread to pull the cup upwards. Afterwards, we added items to the cup to see how many items we could transport.
We were really intrigued by pulleys and amazed that they are used in modern and ancient designs.
In future, we hope to use dynamometers to measure the force it takes to pull up items using a pulley.
First, we examined a variety of pulleys in our local environment. We discovered that lifts, cranes, blinds, curtains, wells, sails on sailboats and many other items use pulleys to function. We looked at how they operate. We realised it is a simple machine that we can build. We read a book about pulleys and watched a video to learn more about how they work.
We wanted to design our own pulleys to transport pencils and other classroom items from the ground to our tables. We created a design and gathered the materials that we needed. We used cups, pencils, spools and thread to make our pulleys.
We rolled the thread around the pulley. We placed holes in the cup of the pulleys and tied the thread to it. We put the pencil through the hole of the spool. We pulled the thread to pull the cup upwards. Afterwards, we added items to the cup to see how many items we could transport.
We were really intrigued by pulleys and amazed that they are used in modern and ancient designs.
In future, we hope to use dynamometers to measure the force it takes to pull up items using a pulley.
2020-2021
STEPS Young Engineers' Award
4th Class
4th class were delighted to participate in the STEPS Young Engineers Award this year. Before we started this project, we did not know the vast areas that engineering covers but by the end of it we were amazed by how much engineering is involved in the world around us!
To start off our projects we looked at our community and brainstormed things we would like to improve to help the whole community. We came up with some really great and innovative ideas! We then picked our favourites and the ideas the four different groups chose were: A bottle that can hold both your food and your drink in it, a mask that will hold your sanitizer as well, a money separator that can be used in shops to divide out the different types of coins and a stay safe package with all your Covid-19 essentials.
We used our imaginations to first sketch our prototypes and then set about bringing our designs to life. We worked really hard in our groups to complete our projects, tested them to find out what did and didn’t work and made improvements. We learned how much work is involved in designing and creating a prototype and were very appreciative of the effort that engineers have put into creating things that we now take for granted in our everyday lives!
Once we had completed our projects, we presented them over Microsoft Teams to two engineers who work for Bristol Myers Squibb. We were very excited to present our projects and loved hearing all about the kind of work that is involved in BMS. We were all very proud of our finished engineering projects and have developed a keen interest in all things engineering through our participation in this award!
To start off our projects we looked at our community and brainstormed things we would like to improve to help the whole community. We came up with some really great and innovative ideas! We then picked our favourites and the ideas the four different groups chose were: A bottle that can hold both your food and your drink in it, a mask that will hold your sanitizer as well, a money separator that can be used in shops to divide out the different types of coins and a stay safe package with all your Covid-19 essentials.
We used our imaginations to first sketch our prototypes and then set about bringing our designs to life. We worked really hard in our groups to complete our projects, tested them to find out what did and didn’t work and made improvements. We learned how much work is involved in designing and creating a prototype and were very appreciative of the effort that engineers have put into creating things that we now take for granted in our everyday lives!
Once we had completed our projects, we presented them over Microsoft Teams to two engineers who work for Bristol Myers Squibb. We were very excited to present our projects and loved hearing all about the kind of work that is involved in BMS. We were all very proud of our finished engineering projects and have developed a keen interest in all things engineering through our participation in this award!
2020-2021
Engineering Challenges
Throughout the year, our classes have taken part in a variety of engineering challenges. Check out some of the examples in the pictures below!
Junior Infants B explored different materials using fabric and fibre. We used a hammer to pick our patterns and decide where the nails should go. We then weaved using wool to make the shapes more visible and vibrant!
Junior Infants B explored different materials using fabric and fibre. We used a hammer to pick our patterns and decide where the nails should go. We then weaved using wool to make the shapes more visible and vibrant!
Pulleys in 4th/5th/6th Class: We created a variety of pulleys. We even used a dynamometer to measure the force (Newtons) needed to pull up a variety of materials. We tried to design a stable pulley for lifting materials. We also looked at lots of pulleys in the world around us, such as, cranes, lifts, wells and blinds.
Parachutes for Marbles:
We designed and created a parachute, inspired by Leonardo DaVinci's designs to safely transport 3 marbles from the First Floor to the Ground Floor. The parachute with the most marbles at the end was the winning design. For fairness, we repeated the process 5 times and then found the average amount of marbles left in our parachute at the end of the experiment. We loved creating floating parachutes!
We designed and created a parachute, inspired by Leonardo DaVinci's designs to safely transport 3 marbles from the First Floor to the Ground Floor. The parachute with the most marbles at the end was the winning design. For fairness, we repeated the process 5 times and then found the average amount of marbles left in our parachute at the end of the experiment. We loved creating floating parachutes!
Card Towers
Using a packet of playing cards, we tried to build the tallest tower using cards. It was very frustrating at times. We eventually discovered the power of triangles. We built towers using a triangle method. We had to be extremely careful and work together as a team to ensure that the tower didn't fall down!
Using a packet of playing cards, we tried to build the tallest tower using cards. It was very frustrating at times. We eventually discovered the power of triangles. We built towers using a triangle method. We had to be extremely careful and work together as a team to ensure that the tower didn't fall down!
2019-2020
Bricks4Kidz
Building with Lego and Robotics across the Whole School
During Engineering Week, every child from Junior Infants- 5th Class took part in a Lego engineering task, run by Bricks4Kids. The workshop began with an introduction to engineering and the various types of engineers. For this project, the children worked as automotive engineers, destining and building a variety of large trucks. Following this, the children discussed the reasons that trucks are an important part of the manufacturing chain and the variety of trucks that are regularly seen in Ireland.
Secondly, the students decided on the type of truck that they would like to build. The students worked in small teams to formulate their ideas and create a truck using Lego and a motor. The children carefully followed a set of instructions and communicated effectively with their peers to make the truck. Sometimes it was frustrating, but the children showed a huge amount of perseverance and determination. Finally, when the teams had built their truck, they tested it out. Some children raced their trucks to see which trucks could move faster. Finally, the students evaluated their designs and the process of making the trucks.
It was a very enjoyable engineering session, which helped to develop problem-solving and team-work skills.
Secondly, the students decided on the type of truck that they would like to build. The students worked in small teams to formulate their ideas and create a truck using Lego and a motor. The children carefully followed a set of instructions and communicated effectively with their peers to make the truck. Sometimes it was frustrating, but the children showed a huge amount of perseverance and determination. Finally, when the teams had built their truck, they tested it out. Some children raced their trucks to see which trucks could move faster. Finally, the students evaluated their designs and the process of making the trucks.
It was a very enjoyable engineering session, which helped to develop problem-solving and team-work skills.
2019-2020
Construction in Junior Infants
Múinteoir Emma's Class:
Junior Infants loved looking closely at construction. In particular, we tried to focus on making constructions that were tall but also some that were wide. We talked about how our structures might be freestanding, where it would stand up tall all by itself or where it might need to be supported and our friend might help to hold it! We tried to use as many different materials as possible from the classroom to construct. A lot of the time we combined and mixed different types of objects. This helped to make our structures stronger. Some worked better than others, as you can see! We liked to work in groups sometimes and this made it easier to build really tall structures as everyone helped to hold it up. It was really important to let everyone have a say in how they wanted to build the structure and listen to everyone’s ideas. Sometimes we worked by ourselves and this meant we could make some really interesting designs using our imaginations. Our teacher showed us some designs of different buildings around the world using the class iPad. We thought the “Dancing House” in Prague looked really cool but we loved skyscrapers the most. A lot of us hope to make our own building some day in real life!
Junior Infants loved looking closely at construction. In particular, we tried to focus on making constructions that were tall but also some that were wide. We talked about how our structures might be freestanding, where it would stand up tall all by itself or where it might need to be supported and our friend might help to hold it! We tried to use as many different materials as possible from the classroom to construct. A lot of the time we combined and mixed different types of objects. This helped to make our structures stronger. Some worked better than others, as you can see! We liked to work in groups sometimes and this made it easier to build really tall structures as everyone helped to hold it up. It was really important to let everyone have a say in how they wanted to build the structure and listen to everyone’s ideas. Sometimes we worked by ourselves and this meant we could make some really interesting designs using our imaginations. Our teacher showed us some designs of different buildings around the world using the class iPad. We thought the “Dancing House” in Prague looked really cool but we loved skyscrapers the most. A lot of us hope to make our own building some day in real life!
Múinteoir Kate's Class:
Junior Infants enjoyed learning all about construction during Science Week. They loved experimenting with different materials to make their own standing towers. Firstly, Junior Infants studied different famous buildings and landmarks around the world. Some of the pictures studied included the Eiffel Tower, the Sky Tower, The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Empire State building. The children were particularly impressed with high-rise buildings as they were amazed by the sheer size. After this they continued their investigate of high-rise buildings and with teacher guidance they discussed the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world which is over 828 metres! The class looked at picture of this super tall tower located Dubai and they had so many interesting questions, mainly how can it be so tall and not fall down?
It was clear the class were interested in skyscraper like buildings so they decided that they could try and mirror the Burj Khalifa building in miniature form. Firstly, the class discussed what materials they should use, they had access to straws, paper, cardboard, sand, wooden blocks, plastic construction wheels and fabric. The children decided that wooden blocks would be the best material as it is hard and sturdy, making it fit for purpose. During this experiment the children examined the properties of all the materials. Once they decided on wooden blocks they began to look at how to make a strong structure, some children decided that more blocks would be needed at the bottom to form a strong foundation. Every group had a turn and they decided that to make the building super tall the wooden block tower should exceed their height which was a challenge!
This was an exciting experiment, the children made mistakes which they learned from, they did trial and error experiments, the tower fell down numerous times and it was wonderful to see them all involved with their learning. Our final piece was a wooden block tower that exceeded their height, it was a successful experiment, the children learned so much and most importantly they had so much fun!
Junior Infants enjoyed learning all about construction during Science Week. They loved experimenting with different materials to make their own standing towers. Firstly, Junior Infants studied different famous buildings and landmarks around the world. Some of the pictures studied included the Eiffel Tower, the Sky Tower, The Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Empire State building. The children were particularly impressed with high-rise buildings as they were amazed by the sheer size. After this they continued their investigate of high-rise buildings and with teacher guidance they discussed the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world which is over 828 metres! The class looked at picture of this super tall tower located Dubai and they had so many interesting questions, mainly how can it be so tall and not fall down?
It was clear the class were interested in skyscraper like buildings so they decided that they could try and mirror the Burj Khalifa building in miniature form. Firstly, the class discussed what materials they should use, they had access to straws, paper, cardboard, sand, wooden blocks, plastic construction wheels and fabric. The children decided that wooden blocks would be the best material as it is hard and sturdy, making it fit for purpose. During this experiment the children examined the properties of all the materials. Once they decided on wooden blocks they began to look at how to make a strong structure, some children decided that more blocks would be needed at the bottom to form a strong foundation. Every group had a turn and they decided that to make the building super tall the wooden block tower should exceed their height which was a challenge!
This was an exciting experiment, the children made mistakes which they learned from, they did trial and error experiments, the tower fell down numerous times and it was wonderful to see them all involved with their learning. Our final piece was a wooden block tower that exceeded their height, it was a successful experiment, the children learned so much and most importantly they had so much fun!
2018-2019
Construction in Junior Infants
In Junior Infants, we work as engineers. We do Aistear as play every day. We have a construction station at this play. During play we use our construction station to make different things using different materials. We use different types of bricks and blocks, straws and magnets and we have used sand for constructions too! For our Spring theme, we made lots of spring-inspired constructions. We made flowers, rainbows, butterflies, gardens and many other constructions.
We learnt about symmetry for our flower and butterfly constructions.
We learnt that our constructions need to be broad at the bottom and narrower at the top - that way they will be supported at the top. Otherwise, would easily lose balance and topple over!
We also made space constructions out of recyclable materials. We showed these to our parents during Space week.
We learnt about symmetry for our flower and butterfly constructions.
We learnt that our constructions need to be broad at the bottom and narrower at the top - that way they will be supported at the top. Otherwise, would easily lose balance and topple over!
We also made space constructions out of recyclable materials. We showed these to our parents during Space week.
2018-2019
Bricks for Kids
During Engineering Week in Lucan CNS, Bricks4kidz came into our school and undertook a workshop with Junior Infants, Senior Infants, 1st and 2nd class. 2nd Class were given the task of building a motorised bascule bridge out of Lego bricks! The Infant classes built a motorised vehicle. It was a fantastic process following the instruction manual and collaborating with our friends to bring the two pieces of the bridge together! You can see how we got on in the pictures and videos!
We learnt a lot about the basics of engineering. We also had to problem solve a lot and work together as a team. We practised so many of our skills while enjoying playing and learning.
It was a great engineering experience!
We learnt a lot about the basics of engineering. We also had to problem solve a lot and work together as a team. We practised so many of our skills while enjoying playing and learning.
It was a great engineering experience!
2017-2018
1st Class: Investigating the School Building
In 1st class we have been working as architects. We first discussed what the job of an architect entailed. We examined the blue prints of our new school building. We brainstormed ideas for what our dream schools would look like and what they might be made out of. We then sketched designs for our dream schools. We presented our plans to the class and evaluated each other’s work using 2 stars and a wish. After that we used cubes and straws to create strong structures for our buildings. When evaluating our models we discussed what materials would be best for each building. We agreed that materials such as concrete and wood would be stronger and longer lasting than straws and that sweets and jellies would not be durable materials.
2017-2018
Junior Infants - We Love Building
In Junior Infants we love building. We have made lots of houses out of blocks and cubes. Below there is a picture of a house that Scott made during free play. First he drew his house and then he chose the materials that he needed to make a strong house to live in.
A few months ago we were learning all about cars. We coloured in pictures of cars and we used the Quiver app to make our race cars come to life. We were so excited to see our cars in 3-D!
We were inspired to build race car tracks for our cars. We put on our building clothes and drew a plan for our tracks. Some of us tried to spell the words as well! We then worked together as a team and picked different materials to build the tracks. Some of us tested building tracks that went straight up into the air. We saw how many blocks we could stack before they all fell over. We learnt that sturdy materials are better for building tall towers. We could not build a tall tower with straws or paper. The wooden blocks were strong and smooth so that we could easily stack them.
More recently, we learnt about Jack and the Beanstalk. We used things in our classroom to build the tallest beanstalk for Jack. We tried lots of different items and stacked heavy and light objects to build the tallest beanstalk for Jack. We loved building him a beanstalk and experimenting and exploring with the items we had in our classroom.
A few months ago we were learning all about cars. We coloured in pictures of cars and we used the Quiver app to make our race cars come to life. We were so excited to see our cars in 3-D!
We were inspired to build race car tracks for our cars. We put on our building clothes and drew a plan for our tracks. Some of us tried to spell the words as well! We then worked together as a team and picked different materials to build the tracks. Some of us tested building tracks that went straight up into the air. We saw how many blocks we could stack before they all fell over. We learnt that sturdy materials are better for building tall towers. We could not build a tall tower with straws or paper. The wooden blocks were strong and smooth so that we could easily stack them.
More recently, we learnt about Jack and the Beanstalk. We used things in our classroom to build the tallest beanstalk for Jack. We tried lots of different items and stacked heavy and light objects to build the tallest beanstalk for Jack. We loved building him a beanstalk and experimenting and exploring with the items we had in our classroom.
2017-2018
Materials: Senior Infants - Making a coat for a Snowman
We have been exploring materials and their properties and decided to design our own coats! We had to think what we needed our coat to do i.e keep us warm and dry and match it with the correct material! We talked about cotton, plastic, nylon,wood, metal and some of us even wanted to make a coat out of chocolate!
2017-2018
Specialised Class: Engineering a 'Dream Home'
Engineering Houses
Three children in the Specialised Class used different coloured blocks to create a house as a team. The designing process involved children brain storming different parts of the house and what kind of things would they like to include in the house they will be building – these included different rooms and outdoor areas such as barbeques and swimming pools. The building process involved experimenting with different shaped blocks, balancing, stacking and joining shapes together to create different structures. Children discussed the different shapes of the blocks and why they chose to use that block for that particular purpose. The children trouble-shooted any challenges they faced through guided discussion, for example “We need a door, but we have no rectangular blocks left – we could join two triangles and balance them”. The end product was an imaginary structure of the group’s “dream house” which was built through trial and error and working as a team.
Three children in the Specialised Class used different coloured blocks to create a house as a team. The designing process involved children brain storming different parts of the house and what kind of things would they like to include in the house they will be building – these included different rooms and outdoor areas such as barbeques and swimming pools. The building process involved experimenting with different shaped blocks, balancing, stacking and joining shapes together to create different structures. Children discussed the different shapes of the blocks and why they chose to use that block for that particular purpose. The children trouble-shooted any challenges they faced through guided discussion, for example “We need a door, but we have no rectangular blocks left – we could join two triangles and balance them”. The end product was an imaginary structure of the group’s “dream house” which was built through trial and error and working as a team.