28th June 2017
593 primary schools across Ireland receive award recognising their work in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) over the 2016/17 school year
Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, today announced 593 primary schools nationwide that have received a Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Award. The programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among primary school students and teachers.
The awards recognise the achievements of children and teachers in the application of STEM in their classrooms. To qualify, schools are required to keep a log of STEM activities that they have undertaken throughout the academic year and which involved the whole school. Schools are awarded credit for visiting Discover Science Centres, carrying out their own experiments, using digital technology and maths, going on STEM-related field trips, hosting visits from scientists and engineers, and holding a science open day in the school.
Speaking about the announcement, Tánaiste and Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald TD, said: “I am delighted to congratulate these young students and their teachers on this wonderful achievement. The Science Foundation Ireland Discover Science and Maths Awards guide and inspire the next generation of inventors, problem solvers and creative thinkers. I am confident these students will lead the way and continue to make us proud in the future.”
Minister of State for Training, Skills, Innovation, Research and Development, John Halligan TD, said: “It is fantastic to see the hard work put into achieving these Science Foundation Ireland awards by so many schools. The programme plays an important role in fostering innovation and motivating our young people to explore careers in these areas. STEM skills are crucial to the success of our economy and the betterment of society, so I’m delighted to see so many children getting involved.”
Commenting on the Discover Science and Maths Awards, Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Strategy and Communications at Science Foundation Ireland said: “Science Foundation Ireland is committed to making STEM accessible to all, so encouraging students, particularly girls, to engage with science and maths in a fun and interactive way early on is key. I commend these teachers for their passion and commitment to STEM and congratulate them on achieving the award for their school.”
For more information about the Discover Science and Maths Awards and the DPSM programme, please visit www.primaryscience.ie.
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Notes for Editor
For further media information contact:
Science Foundation Ireland
Donna McCabe - 01 607 3042 / 087 675 6845
Claire Rowley Claire.rowley@drurypn.ie
Drury Porter Novelli 01 260 5000
About Science Foundation Ireland
Science Foundation Ireland funds research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) which promotes and assists the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment in Ireland. The Foundation also promotes and supports STEM education and engagement, and creates awareness and understanding of the value of STEM to society and to the growth of the economy.
Science Foundation Ireland’s #BelieveInScience campaign promotes the potential that science and discovery offer Ireland, today and in tomorrow’s world. The #BelieveInScience campaign helps to promote an understanding of the ability of STEM to create positive change in the world and to drive a sustainable economy in Ireland. The campaign will see Science Foundation Ireland work in partnership with the Irish research community to share a mutual passion for science with the public. Visit www.ScienceFoundationIreland.ie for more information.
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