Promoting pupil interest with the help of science

By Brendan Grehan

A TEACHER from Lucan was among science teachers and educators from across Ireland who attended the 10th SSPC Annual Chemistry Demonstration Workshop to acquire further knowledge about engaging science.

Michelle Dunne from St Joseph’s College in Lucan attended the residential workshop which was held at the Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC) headquarters at the University of Limerick (UL).

The course is designed to upskill and promote science among science teachers and educators in Ireland.

It provides Irish science teachers and educators with the skills to promote problem and inquiry-based learning within the classroom, and to conduct over 40 engaging interactive science demonstrations, which are linked to real world science applications.

Science discovery is full of natural curiosity and this workshop provides a building block for teachers to bring this element to the classroom that makes instruction exciting and one that fosters a better understanding for the student.

Michelle found the workshop to be very supportive of teaching practice in the area of science, especially with regards to engaging students and also making a class session more effective.

She told The Echo: “There are so many advantages to collaborative learning and by making laboratory practice a bit more fun only adds to an active learning experience for science.

“It is important to engage students and give them the opportunity to experience a different thought processes. But it also offers an opportunity for teachers to upskill, be involved in life-long learning and improve on teaching methods that enhance effective teaching.”

Dr Sarah Hayes, SSPC Education and Outreach Officer said: “Courses like this are essential for teachers’ continuous professional development.

“The focus of the course is to utilise demonstrations and ‘mysteries’ to promote pupil engagement, problem-solving and inquiry skills.

“The residential element offers teachers to fully immerse themselves in their own professional development, and develop a repertoire of demonstrations linked to the physical sciences and all aspects of the Junior and Leaving Certificate curriculum. Supporting teachers’ development is vital for the enhancement of the Irish education system.”

The 10th SSPC Annual Chemistry Demonstration Workshop is an important element of Science Foundation Ireland’s (SFI) public engagement remit and SSPC’s education and outreach programme.

It aims to support teachers in their ability to make pathways to navigate better engagement and bring novel science ideas into the classroom.