About us
Taking a hands-on investigative approach in the classroom
Discover Sensors supports the use of sensor technology in hands-on scientific investigations by Junior Science students. The project provides students with an experience of "real science" in the classroom by supporting the investigative approach promoted by the Junior Science syllabus.
The project began with a pilot involving 90 teachers from 45 schools throughout Ireland in 2006/7. Based on feedback and evaluation and benchmarking against international best practice, it has expanded and evolved to its current state. To-date, we have worked with almost 500 Junior Certificate science teachers.
We have a cohort of 25 facilitators, who are, in the main science teachers from within the project. These facilitators have worked with our project partners and education consultants in developing and agreeing an inquiry based science teaching and learning framework which forms the main focus of our current round of in-school training sessions. Our facilitators share how they use this approach with their students to support the investigative approach.
Discover Sensors takes a blended approach to teacher CPD and central to the project is a teacher section on this website for our member teachers. Through the forum teachers collaborate and share ideas.
Discover Science and Engineering
Discover Sensors is a project within the Discover Science and Engineering (DSE) Programme. The mission of DSE is to raise public understanding of scientific and technological issues and to bring about a significant cultural shift in attitudes towards science. DSE seeks to promote a positive attitude towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Forfas
Two budding scientists taking part in Science Week
Discover Science and Engineering (DSE) is managed by Forfas on behalf of the office of Science and Technology at the Department of Enterprise Trade & Employment. Forfas provides a range of services to government to ensure Ireland’s promotion of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Forfas recognises the key role our teachers play in ensuring that our schools are constantly adapting to changes within society and the global economy. Occupations are more knowledge-intensive with increased emphasis on skills such as critical thinking, self-directed learning, communication and team working skills We recognise that our schools and especially our teachers have been to the forefront in bringing about reforms in teaching, that ultimately lead to improvements in the quality of the learning experience for our students.
This need is never greater and the government’s blueprint for economic recovery, the Smart Economy document, outlines the key actions which the government must take in order to rebuild our economy. Central to this strategy is the promotion of innovative teaching approaches that engage students actively in their own learning and prepare them for the 21st century. Discover Sensors promotes such an innovative student-centred approach to science teaching.