Living Things 

This year in particular, 6th class felt that it made sense to investigate germs and bacteria in science. They learned that four most common groups of germs (or pathogens) are bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa. They discussed how it is common to believe that all germs are bad, but that most germs do not harm you at all and some are even good for you. Nonetheless, it is important to wash hands and surfaces properly...and the results of an experiment that investigated the cleanliness of different surfaces in our classroom had their teachers scrubbing the walls with disinfectant. Have a look! 

Life Cycles

When Senior Infants came back to school on the 1st of March they were so excited to see frogspawn had arrived in their classroom. For weeks the class got to observe the spawn as they turned into tadpoles, froglets and finally, FROGS!

Take a look at their journey! Our teacher's cats were in charge on the weekends. We think Oreo and Wispa did a good job of looking after them too!

Senior Infants also learned about the life cycle of a butterfly, watching them grow from very hungry caterpillars until they were ready to be released in the Fairy Garden.

Minibeasts 

There was such interest in minibeasts in Senior Infants that it became a whole theme for Aistear. Have a look at some of the fun and educational activities that they did to explore this fascinating topic! ​

World Earth Day

On Thursday 22nd April it was World Earth Day and to celebrate this, First Class created a very educational video about the six basic groups of animals: amphibians, birds, fish, invertebrates, mammals, and reptiles.

Big Cats

Fourth Class researched different Big Cats including tigers, snow leopards, jaguars and lions and created projects on these that they presented to the class. 

Planting

In Esker ETNS we are so lucky to have a beautiful fairy garden with planting beds. First Class have made great use of this during the year planting delicious peas and beautiful sunflowers. 

Junior Infants were busy planting, too, especially during March, when they explored the theme of 'The Garden Centre' for Aistear! 

Energy and Forces

Science Week

Papercopters

As part of Science Week, Third Class designed, made and tested helicopters made out of paper and had a lot of fun in the process!

Balloon Rockets

Senior Infants worked together to make balloon rockets. Using a balloon, a straw and some thread, the children made predictions about what might happen and then observed the balloon rocket blast off! What made the rocket move?

Floating and Sinking

In 2nd Class the children had a great time investigating which objects/materials float or sink

Materials 

Skittles Experiment

In 5th Class the class were investigating the reaction that warm water and skittles have and the results were quite astounding! 

Making Sunglasses

This year 4th Class tested out different materials to create their very own sunglasses.

And 4th Class weren't the only ones learning about light! Have a look at these amazing flip books, created in 5th Class!!

Environmental Awareness And Care

Biodiversity In Schools Workshop

This year 4th Class were lucky enough to have a fantastic workshop run by Biodiversity In Schools who came to the school to open their eyes to all of the amazing wildlife that we have right in our very own yard and school. Fourth Class were taught how to map the biodiversity on the school grounds. Fourth Class found a variety of bugs from ants and worms to beetles and saw and heard some beautiful birds such as pigeons, rooks and blackbirds. They also identified a huge array of flowers including buttercups, hawthorn flowers and bluebells.

Biodiversity Talk

Fifth Class were fascinated to learn the story of a man in Cork who made a rooftop garden on the roof of his apartment block over lockdown! 

Tree Of The Week

Tree of the Week was designed to help children identify tress on the school ground and surrounding areas. The children were surveyed to find out what they knew about biodiversity already and the aim is to increase the children's awareness through the initiative. Each week a tree is chosen and shown to all classes and children can put in their entries to see can they correctly identify the tree, Senior Classes have the additional challenge of identifying the tree as gaeilge.

Walk On Wednesday

 As part of our schools Green School and Active Flag efforts, we have Walk On Wednesdays. For this children and teachers are encouraged to walk, scoot or cycle to school. If you live too far away from the school to do this you are encouraged to park and stride. The class that has the most children coming to school in an active Way for the week are awarded with the very prestigious and coveted Golden Boot. 

Signs Of Autumn

Earlier in the year, First Class and Junior Infants were searching for signs of Autumn. 

Signs Of Spring

Later, First Class made sure to search for signs of Spring!