Discover Primary Science and Maths (DPSM) is the national programme, run by Science Foundation Ireland, to foster interest in science, technology engineering and maths amongst children in primary schools. Since 2010 the programme has been run in conjunction with the European Space Education Resource Office (ESERO) Ireland which uses space to inspire and engage young people in science and technology in the world around them.

Davidstown PS is working towards a DPSM Plaque of Science Excellence. We have almost completed all the criteria necessary to be awarded the plaque of excellence! Look at our class work page to see what we have been up to. Read on to see what hard work goes into achieving the award.

PLAQUE OF STEM

1 hands-on investigation from each of the four curriculum strands (4 in total):

Living things
Energy and forces
Materials
Environmental awareness and care
AND Two or more of the following:
Participate in Science events or projects run by other organisations, see examples at http://www.sfi.ie/events or the ‘other resources’ section of http://www.primaryscience.ie
Invite a Science speaker to your school
Visit an SFI Discover Centre, see http://www.primaryscience.ie for details
Take part in Science Week 2018 http://www.scienceweek.ie
Take part in Space Week 2018 http://www.spaceweek.ie
Show how pupils have used STEM skills in projects on environment or sustainability (see http://www.seai.ie, http://www.marine.ie or http://www.greenschoolsireland.org for ideas)
Take part in Citizen Science Projects e.g. http://www.ispotnature.org, http://www.birdwatchireland.ie.
Attend or host a Science Week event

Step 2: ICT (Technology)

DPSM PLAQUE OF STEM EXCELLENCE

2 or more examples of the children using Technology as part of their school work.Examples can include:
- Record and analyse data collected e.g. a spreadsheet or graph
- Develop a blog, website or video Use electronic components to build simple circuits
- Use different materials e.g. wood, metals and plastics, for design and make projects
- Take part in coding and computer science projects: National Scratch Competition www.scratch.ie, Hour of Code www.hourofcode.com/ie, EU Code Week www.codeweek.eu
- Explore robotics e.g. First Lego League www.firstlegoleague.org
- Engage pupils in the use of game-based learning such as Minecraft
- Use microscopes during investigations
- Participate in Tech Week in May 2019 www.techweek.ie
- Explore renewable energy technologies e.g. Use solar energy kits, build simple windmills

Step 3: Engineering

PLAQUE OF STEM2 or more examples of the children investigating engineering in class or in the local area.Examples can include:
- Design and make activities e.g. making models (exploring, planning, designing, making, evaluating). For sample activities including design a bridge, a boat, a rocket, a water pump, a catapult, see the ’classroom activities’ section of www.primaryscience.ie
- Investigate Engineering in your local area e.g. a bridge, a factory, a wind farm.
- Investigate and develop an understanding of how everyday items e.g. bicycle gears work
- Organise an event during Engineers Week 2019 or use the Engineers Week 2019 classroom pack

Step 4 Math

DPSM PLAQUE OF STEM EXCELLENCE

2 or more examples of how the children have applied their maths knowledge and skills in practical waysExamples can include:
- Use Maths skills and knowledge as part of Science, Technology, Engineering/design and make, or other activities such as baking or gardening e.g. ordering, measuring distances, capacity, weight, recording and analysing data. Using Maths operations; ratio, percentages, averages
- Use Maths to record and analyse your science investigation results where appropriate
- Take part in Maths Week 2018 www.mathsweek.ie
- Develop a Maths trail around your school, see www.primaryscience.ie for templates
- Use Maths in practical ways to help explore and solve real world problems

Step 5: Showcase

DPSM PLAQUE OF STEM EXCELLENCE

Choose one or more of the following:

Show evidence of the children presenting their science work to other classes in the school
Hold a science open day or evening to present your work for the school, parents or the wider community
Participate in a joint science event with another school where students showcase their work