3rd February 2013
Discover Science & Engineering is calling for all primary schools across Ireland to get involved with Greenwave 2013. Greenwave is a citizen science project which sees primary students observe and track the arrival of spring as it moves across the country, Greenwave also step one of the Discover Primary Science and Maths, Awards of Science & Maths Excellence.
Between the months of February and May, students are asked to log their sightings of six species; frog, swallow, horse-chestnut, primrose, hawthorn and ash, in addition to measuring and recording wind speed, rainfall and temperature. The results are recorded on www.greenwave.ie in order to monitor and map the arrival of spring.
Last year 471 Irish primary schools took part in the Greenwave project, submitting 1338 official records of common species and 745 weather observations.
Speaking at the launch of Greenwave 2013, Minister for Research and Innovation Sean Sherlock, T.D., said: “Educating children at an early age in the subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) is vital if we are to progress and maintain sustainable growth of Ireland’s economy. The Greenwave initiative creates an opportunity for children to engage with science in an interesting, fun and hands-on way, allowing us to teach our children to appreciate the significance of STEM subjects from a young age.”
By taking part in the Greenwave project, schools will have completed part of Step one of the Discover Primary Science and Maths, Awards of Science & Maths Excellence. Primary schools can now register their application for their Awards of Science & Maths Excellence on www.primaryscience.ie.
ENDS
For further information:
Suzanne Murray / Morwenna Rice
Drury
01 260 5000
suzanne.murray@drury.ie / morwenna.rice@drury.ie
Notes to Editors
About Greenwave
Greenwave is a citizen science project where primary school children are encouraged to observe and record signs of the arrival of spring as the Greenwave moves over Ireland www.Greenwave.ie
About Discover Science & Engineering
Discover Science & Engineering is the national integrated awareness programme managed by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) on behalf of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. Its objectives are to increase the numbers of students studying the physical sciences, to promote a positive attitude to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and to foster a greater understanding of science and its value to Irish society. For further information please visit www.discover-science.ie.