Science Week 2019

Science Week 2019

Monday, 11th – Friday, 15th November

ENTERTAIN – ENGAGE – INFORM – INSPIRE

This year’s Science Week surpassed all expectations as a huge buzz was created throughout the school. Posters of celebrities, sports and stage along the corridors stating their Science degrees and daily updates on the plasma screens set the tone.

We started off with ‘A Case of Conspiracy?’ for all 2nd years. This was an interactive Forensic Workshop. Students were given information about a crime and had to follow the worksheet and activity stations to solve the crime.

We had DNA Profiling Kits from AMGEN, who are based in UCD. To borrow the equipment, teachers must take part in a CPD workshop. Sixth and TY biology students have had the opportunity to use the equipment as part of their practical work. This equipment gave students the hands-on skills relevant to the microbiology and DNA technology component of the Biology syllabus while also expanding their knowledge of genetic engineering and DNA fingerprinting.

On Tuesday 12th, Prof. Jane Farrar from Trinity gave a lecture to 5th and 6th year Biology students. Jane is a Prof of Genetics in TCD. Her area of interest is in genetic diseases which causes blindness and it was relevant to the Leaving Certificate syllabus.

Dave’s Jungle was also a great success – the physical interaction with the animals – snakes, spiders, and crocodiles appeal to all Year groups and some teachers too.

The 3rd Year Science Quiz provided an enthusiastic, noisy, fun-filled afternoon, with half of the year on Thursday, half on Friday with 27 teams each day of 4 students.

On Wednesday the Science Club attended a lecture called “Rapper’s Guide to the Solar System” presented by Jon Chase, a science communicator, rapper and author based in Wales. This event organised by Science Foundation Ireland in TU Dublin, Kevin street. Jon answered a wide range of questions including “How big is the solar system? How puny is Pluto? How cold is a crater? What’s the smelliest planet?” The boys thoroughly enjoyed this interactive and engaging show.

I thank Ms Groves, Ms Nolan and Mr Ward and the Science Department for an outstanding week.