The Science of Sound

The children enjoyed a fascinating workshop at The Lifetime Lab on the science of sound.

The session began with an engaging discussion on the nature of sound. The children shared what they already knew, leading to an engaging conversation about how sound is created, how it travels through different materials, and how we hear. Through simple experiments, they discovered that sound moves in waves, can be absorbed or reflected, and changes depending on the medium it travels through.

With plenty of hands-on activities, the children got to see science in action. They explored how vibrations produce sound, how pitch and volume can change, and how sound waves behave in different environments. It was a day full of discovery, learning, and fun!

Lifetime Lab – Light

Last week, the Senior Room had a great day at The Lifetime Lab. The workshop, designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for science, introduced the children to the fascinating world of the science of light.

The workshop kicked off with an engaging discussion on the nature of light. The children were encouraged to share what they already knew, leading to an interactive conversation about how light travels, natural and artificial sources, and how light enables us to see. Using simple experiments, the children learned how light travels in straight lines and how it can be reflected, refracted, and absorbed.

With plenty of hands-on activities, the children got to see science in action. They explored how light moves in straight lines, bounced off surfaces as reflections, and even disappeared into different materials.

Science Workshop

We were delighted to welcome Chuck Delpier (Mr. D.) back to Togher N.S. Mr. D. presented a fascinating and engaging workshop on inertia, computer assisted microscopes, spools and gears, upward forces vs gravity and heat transfer. The children were soon developing their STEM skills through exploring the different science stations and experimenting with the equipment.

 

Science Week – Mouse Trap

The children in the Senior Room were busy making mouse traps today as part of Science Week. The children explored potential energy and kinetic energy.  The mouse trap STEM experiment focuses on the science concept of “simple machines that move.” When the children’s mousetraps were set the elastic band became a source full of potential energy. This energy is being stored, not used, but as soon as the trap is released, it is converted to kinetic energy (the energy of motion) that propels the snapper arm forward.

Scratch Programming

The children have been busy creating computer games using Scratch programming. Scratch is an excellent, engaging and fun environment for children to learn some fairly advanced mathematical concepts and the basics of computer science too. Scratch is deceptively simple with its palette of brightly coloured blocks but children can do amazing things when they combine the blocks in interesting ways. As children progress they are able to use Scratch in more and more advanced ways. Scratch programming allows children to use computers to express their creative ideas and solve practical problems and empowers children to be digital makers not just digital users.

 

Visit to Stryker

The children in 4th, 5th and 6th really enjoyed their visit to Stryker in Cork. It was fantastic to see how CAD design and 3D printing is transforming many manufacturing processes. Following a presentation and tour of the premises the children enjoyed a lovely meal, a fun quiz and some lovely prizes. We hope you enjoy our latest entry into the 3D Printing Sustainability Challenge.