Showcase
2023-2024
Science Week in LCNS
Lucan CNS held its Science Week from November 12th to 19th, 2023, providing an eventful and thrilling experience for all participating classes. The week was full of exciting activities that enabled us to acquire various science skills. You may refer to the week's summary for a glimpse of our learning journey.
Science Carousel:
Every afternoon, the children had the opportunity to switch classes and teachers for a 30-minute session of science fun. The SET team visited a new class daily to provide an exciting science lesson for each class. This innovative approach not only enabled us to delve into various science topics but also allowed us to acquaint ourselves with other teachers in the school. Throughout the week, we conducted exciting experiments such as investigating magnetism, static electricity, and the reaction between acids and bases, among other science projects. The afternoons were always a blast as we eagerly delved into new and exciting scientific concepts.
Poster Competition:
During the week, all the classes were tasked with creating science posters to explore various science topics. These posters were then showcased in the P.E. hall for the Science Showcase, where parents and everyone else could view them. We thoroughly enjoyed designing and crafting the posters to showcase our scientific knowledge.
Science Showcase:
The school held a Science Fair on Friday, where parents were invited to attend. Each class had set up a 'Science Fair Stand' where the students explained their experiment to the parents. The students also had the opportunity to explore the fair and learn about the science projects from the other classes that had taken place during the week. The experiments showcased included the tallest tower challenge using marshmallows and spaghetti, paper towel colour mixing, lava lamps, and dancing raisins. The highlight of the event was the chance to dress up as 'Mad Scientists.' It was an enjoyable experience for all, and we relished the opportunity to showcase our knowledge to our parents and peers in the school.
Mad Scientist Dress Up:
During the Friday of Science Week, we thoroughly enjoyed donning our mad scientist outfits and had an amazing time!
Science Carousel:
Every afternoon, the children had the opportunity to switch classes and teachers for a 30-minute session of science fun. The SET team visited a new class daily to provide an exciting science lesson for each class. This innovative approach not only enabled us to delve into various science topics but also allowed us to acquaint ourselves with other teachers in the school. Throughout the week, we conducted exciting experiments such as investigating magnetism, static electricity, and the reaction between acids and bases, among other science projects. The afternoons were always a blast as we eagerly delved into new and exciting scientific concepts.
Poster Competition:
During the week, all the classes were tasked with creating science posters to explore various science topics. These posters were then showcased in the P.E. hall for the Science Showcase, where parents and everyone else could view them. We thoroughly enjoyed designing and crafting the posters to showcase our scientific knowledge.
Science Showcase:
The school held a Science Fair on Friday, where parents were invited to attend. Each class had set up a 'Science Fair Stand' where the students explained their experiment to the parents. The students also had the opportunity to explore the fair and learn about the science projects from the other classes that had taken place during the week. The experiments showcased included the tallest tower challenge using marshmallows and spaghetti, paper towel colour mixing, lava lamps, and dancing raisins. The highlight of the event was the chance to dress up as 'Mad Scientists.' It was an enjoyable experience for all, and we relished the opportunity to showcase our knowledge to our parents and peers in the school.
Mad Scientist Dress Up:
During the Friday of Science Week, we thoroughly enjoyed donning our mad scientist outfits and had an amazing time!
2022-2023
Science Blast in the RDS
On Monday 27th of February, 4th, 5th and 6th class went to Science Blast to present our projects! For the project, each class came up with a fascinating question, investigated it, and documented it. 6th class’ chosen question was ‘Do water filters really purify our water?’ We investigated the things that are found in different types of water by using a microscope.
An extreme amount of effort and time was put into this wonderful experiment. We gathered our equipment, such as the microscope, slides, and samples of yard water, filtered and unfiltered water. We carried out surveys to predict the results. The majority of the class predicted that the filtered tap water would be safe to drink, but still not 100% pure, and that there would be microorganisms in the other water samples. We observed and recorded our findings after each slide with the water samples was examined. The results were fascinating!
We could see microorganisms that, from research online, resembled phytoplankton, nematodes, paramecium and algae in the unfiltered water and the yard water. It definitely made us grateful for water filters because the microscope results for the filtered water were crystal clear! However, we still believe that, with greater magnification, there would be more to discover in the filtered water. We also carried out a blind taste test between the (safe) unfiltered water and filtered water. The filtered water was selected as the tastier option.
All of this work was documented through pictures, videos, graphs and notes. It was assembled into our project, which we displayed, alongside 4th and 5th class at Science Blast in the RDS. Did we have fun! When we arrived, we set up our astronomical project on the assigned stall. We got to experience VR, Photobooths, Kite Building, Hit-the-Button, and many more exciting activities. An extremely intelligent judge came around to ask our fabulous 6th class group some stimulating questions, and really challenged our brains! We were awarded with a tremendous trophy, which we were delighted to receive. Overall, this was an extraordinarily memorable project, and a great learning opportunity.
An extreme amount of effort and time was put into this wonderful experiment. We gathered our equipment, such as the microscope, slides, and samples of yard water, filtered and unfiltered water. We carried out surveys to predict the results. The majority of the class predicted that the filtered tap water would be safe to drink, but still not 100% pure, and that there would be microorganisms in the other water samples. We observed and recorded our findings after each slide with the water samples was examined. The results were fascinating!
We could see microorganisms that, from research online, resembled phytoplankton, nematodes, paramecium and algae in the unfiltered water and the yard water. It definitely made us grateful for water filters because the microscope results for the filtered water were crystal clear! However, we still believe that, with greater magnification, there would be more to discover in the filtered water. We also carried out a blind taste test between the (safe) unfiltered water and filtered water. The filtered water was selected as the tastier option.
All of this work was documented through pictures, videos, graphs and notes. It was assembled into our project, which we displayed, alongside 4th and 5th class at Science Blast in the RDS. Did we have fun! When we arrived, we set up our astronomical project on the assigned stall. We got to experience VR, Photobooths, Kite Building, Hit-the-Button, and many more exciting activities. An extremely intelligent judge came around to ask our fabulous 6th class group some stimulating questions, and really challenged our brains! We were awarded with a tremendous trophy, which we were delighted to receive. Overall, this was an extraordinarily memorable project, and a great learning opportunity.
2021-2022
Science Week in Lucan CNS
November 8-12 was Science Week in Lucan CNS.
Unfortunately, it was a little different this year due to COVID restrictions, however it was still lots of fun with many exciting activities.
Experiment Carousel: Each morning, a new teacher came to our class. We took part in a new experiment each morning. It was so much fun. We learned a wide variety of science topics and we loved meeting new teachers. It was a really exciting part of Science Week.
Zoom Workshops: 3rd and 4th Class registered for the Cork Science Festival 'Table Top Science Zoom Show' with 'Wonderstruck'. We logged into the call and we were so excited. The experiments were dangerous and exciting. We loved that it was interactive and we could talk to the scientist. We learned a lot about fuel, fire and oxygen during the Zoom call. It was a highlight of the year for us!
Science Fair: On Friday the 12th of November, each class placed their class science experiment in the hall. Students from each class manned their stand for a few minutes each throughout the day. We had a timetable of classes to visit the hall. Each class had a chance to learn about the experiments and learn something new. We liked talking to the other classes and learning about their experiments.
Poster competition: We held a poster competition and there was winners (Homework Pass) from each class. The posters were outstanding and we displayed them in the P.E hall. We displayed some of the posters around the school this year too! The poster was based on any science topic that we found interesting.
Mad Scientist Dress Up: On Friday the 12th, there was a Mad Scientist dress up day. We loved dressing up as mad scientists and really excelled in our costume designs this year!
The images and video below show our Science Fair, where students presented their projects to other classes.
2020-2021
Science Week in Lucan CNS
November 9-13 was Science Week in Lucan CNS.
Unfortunately, it was a little different this year due to COVID restrictions, however it was still lots of fun with many exciting activities.
Virtual Science Fair: Through Teams (on Microsoft 365), our classes paired up and reported a science experiment to other classes. We had a virtual science fair! Junior Infants called each other, Senior Infants shared their experiments, 1st Class linked up, 2nd and 3rd shared their learning on Teams and 4th/5th and 6th Class had a lot of fun talking together online.
Experiment Carousel: Usually, we take part in an experiment carousel. However, this year we could not go to different classes. Instead, each class took part in a science experiment every day. It was a very exciting week!
Science Fair in 5th/6th Class: In 5th/6th Class, we created our own science questions to investigate. Some of us investigated the best mixture for a 'volcanic' eruption. Some of us investigated whether we could tell the difference between own brands and popular branded items. One group even tried to create secret ink to share messages privately! We had to plan, research and gather the materials for our own experiments. We created presentations to share our findings with the class. Finally, we shared our knowledge with our peers before discussing our learning via Teams with 4th Class. It was a great learning experience for us and we really enjoyed creating our own science questions to investigate.
Poster competition: We held a poster competition and there was winners (Homework Pass) from each class. The posters were outstanding and we displayed them in the P.E hall. We displayed some of the posters around the school this year too! The poster was based on any science topic that we found interesting.
Mad Scientist Dress Up: On Friday the 13th, there was a Mad Scientist dress up day. We loved dressing up as mad scientists and really excelled in our costume designs this year!
Zoom Workshops: 5th/6th Class registered for the Cork Science Festival 'Table Top Science Zoom Show' with 'Wonderstruck'. We logged into the call and we were so excited. The experiments were dangerous and exciting. We loved that it was interactive and we could talk to the scientist. We learned a lot about fuel, fire and oxygen during the Zoom call. It was a highlight of the year for us!
2019-2020
Science Week in Lucan CNS
Science Week took place in Lucan CNS from the 12th-16th November 2019. It was an action-packed, fun-fulled and exciting week for all classes. We learned a lot of different science skills during the week. Take a look at the overview for our week.
Science Carousel:
Each morning, the children moved to a new class and a new teacher for 30 minutes of science fun! This was an exciting way to learn lots of different science topics and to get to know other teachers in our school. Some experiments included exploring magnetism, investigation static electricity, exploring the missing of acids and bases, nature studies, along with many other science projects. We had so much fun each morning learning new science topics.
CSI - Investigation:
In the P.E hall, a very exciting CSI investigation was set up. We went to the hall with our class to discover who had solved a serious crime. We learned all about DNA and fingerprints. It was really interesting and exciting. We had to work in teams to uncover the convict. We felt that we learned a lot about forensics and we really enjoyed the whole experience.
Tallest Tower:
Each class was challenged to build the tallest tower using classroom materials. The tower had to be sturdy enough so that it could be moved to the hall for our Science Showcase on Friday morning.
Poster Competition:
Throughout the week, each class made science posters to explore and explain a variety of science topics. The posters were put on display in the P.E hall for our Science Showcase so that everybody could see them, including our parents. We loved designing and making the posters to show our science knowledge.
Science Showcase:
On Friday, the parents were invited into the school at 8.30am. Children from each class stood at their 'Science Fair Stand' and explained their experiment to the parents at the stands. The children also had the opportunity to look around the fair and find out all about the science projects that had taken place in each class during the course of the week. Some experiments included the effects of coke on your teeth, air-resistance with parachutes, water surface tension experiments and exploring static electricity. The best part of the showcase was that we could all dress up as 'Mad Scientists'. It was a lot of fun and we loved showing our knowledge to our parents and peers in our school.
Science Carousel:
Each morning, the children moved to a new class and a new teacher for 30 minutes of science fun! This was an exciting way to learn lots of different science topics and to get to know other teachers in our school. Some experiments included exploring magnetism, investigation static electricity, exploring the missing of acids and bases, nature studies, along with many other science projects. We had so much fun each morning learning new science topics.
CSI - Investigation:
In the P.E hall, a very exciting CSI investigation was set up. We went to the hall with our class to discover who had solved a serious crime. We learned all about DNA and fingerprints. It was really interesting and exciting. We had to work in teams to uncover the convict. We felt that we learned a lot about forensics and we really enjoyed the whole experience.
Tallest Tower:
Each class was challenged to build the tallest tower using classroom materials. The tower had to be sturdy enough so that it could be moved to the hall for our Science Showcase on Friday morning.
Poster Competition:
Throughout the week, each class made science posters to explore and explain a variety of science topics. The posters were put on display in the P.E hall for our Science Showcase so that everybody could see them, including our parents. We loved designing and making the posters to show our science knowledge.
Science Showcase:
On Friday, the parents were invited into the school at 8.30am. Children from each class stood at their 'Science Fair Stand' and explained their experiment to the parents at the stands. The children also had the opportunity to look around the fair and find out all about the science projects that had taken place in each class during the course of the week. Some experiments included the effects of coke on your teeth, air-resistance with parachutes, water surface tension experiments and exploring static electricity. The best part of the showcase was that we could all dress up as 'Mad Scientists'. It was a lot of fun and we loved showing our knowledge to our parents and peers in our school.
2018- 2019
Science and Engineering Week in Lucan CNS
Experiment Carousel:
As part of science week, the children visited different classrooms and teachers every day to do experiments ranging across the different strands of the curriculum.
As part of science week, the children visited different classrooms and teachers every day to do experiments ranging across the different strands of the curriculum.
Planetarium:
As part of science week, a planetarium came to school to teach each class about different aspects of space such as space exploration, the planets of the solar system, how the sun interacts with our atmosphere etc.
As part of science week, a planetarium came to school to teach each class about different aspects of space such as space exploration, the planets of the solar system, how the sun interacts with our atmosphere etc.
Science Fair:
The children presented experiments they carried out in class to their parents ranging across different aspects of the curriculum. The also presented sculptures and pieces of art they made using recycled materials. The pupils presented to the other classes the work that they had done. They also presented to their parents and answered any questions that the parents had about their investigations.
The children presented experiments they carried out in class to their parents ranging across different aspects of the curriculum. The also presented sculptures and pieces of art they made using recycled materials. The pupils presented to the other classes the work that they had done. They also presented to their parents and answered any questions that the parents had about their investigations.
Bricks 4 kidz:
During engineering week, the students were visited by Bricks 4 Kidz who gave each class the opportunity to create objects based on different types of engineering. You can find out more about this activity on our Engineering Page!
During engineering week, the students were visited by Bricks 4 Kidz who gave each class the opportunity to create objects based on different types of engineering. You can find out more about this activity on our Engineering Page!
Engineering Week:
During engineering week, each class took some time to explore different types of engineering in their classrooms.
Engineering Week Assembly:
At the end of the week, the children had the opportunity to present their creations of engineering week and explain the main components of that specific type of engineering. It was presented at a whole-school assembly. The students discussed their work, learning and creations for the whole school. It was a great learning experience!
During engineering week, each class took some time to explore different types of engineering in their classrooms.
Engineering Week Assembly:
At the end of the week, the children had the opportunity to present their creations of engineering week and explain the main components of that specific type of engineering. It was presented at a whole-school assembly. The students discussed their work, learning and creations for the whole school. It was a great learning experience!
2017-2018
Satellites with Griffeen Community College
In conjunction with Space Week, 3rd class linked with 1st years of our local Secondary School, Griffeen Community College. First Years taught a lesson to the children on Satellites, building on their previous knowledge of the following
They were then specifically taught about Earth Observation Satellites, navigation satellites and Space Stations. Questioning, researching terms on their iPads and understanding how the manner in which they orbit depends on the purpose of their satellite, looking at the various components of each type of satellite, research how they orbit and how they are launched into space.
Children devided into groups, each group choosing their own satellite for creation using paper, scissors, sellotape, glue and iPads for researching their Satellite. Each group had to present to the 1st year students and the class on the following:
Each group put their Satellite on display for the 1st years to judge, review, question and and give feedback on each one.
While the 1st years were in our school, we taught them about using lego to build robots. We showed them some of our technology skills on the iPads and practised our research skills.
Sharing learning with older students was a really enjoyable experience and we learnt so much from them! We loved working with Griffeen Community College and we are hoping to go to their school to show them some of our STEM work, with the aim of teaching them something new!
- Space and weather satellites (which had been covered previously with the class)
- Terms already taught: atmospheric pressure, orbit, Space Stations, launching control
They were then specifically taught about Earth Observation Satellites, navigation satellites and Space Stations. Questioning, researching terms on their iPads and understanding how the manner in which they orbit depends on the purpose of their satellite, looking at the various components of each type of satellite, research how they orbit and how they are launched into space.
Children devided into groups, each group choosing their own satellite for creation using paper, scissors, sellotape, glue and iPads for researching their Satellite. Each group had to present to the 1st year students and the class on the following:
- Type of satellite
- Manner in which it orbits, namely low earth orbit/ geostationary orbit/ Polar orbit
- Name the specific parts of the satellite and describe their function.Eg Antenna, Rocket Motors, Micrometeor gauges
Each group put their Satellite on display for the 1st years to judge, review, question and and give feedback on each one.
While the 1st years were in our school, we taught them about using lego to build robots. We showed them some of our technology skills on the iPads and practised our research skills.
Sharing learning with older students was a really enjoyable experience and we learnt so much from them! We loved working with Griffeen Community College and we are hoping to go to their school to show them some of our STEM work, with the aim of teaching them something new!
2017-2018
A Visit from a Scientist!
During Science Week, a scientist called Cat came to visit each of our classes. She talked about Health and Safety when doing science and told us about the clothes that she wears to protect our bodies from chemicals. We learned about mixing liquids and liquid density. We made Elephant toothpaste and explosions using a variety of materials. It was really exciting and we were amazed by the colour changes that took place. We learnt how to put a pencil through a ziplock bag. We couldn't believe that the water didn't pour out. Cat taught us about polymers and she explained how the experiment worked. We hope Cat will visit again soon to teach us some more fun experiments!