Intel Mini Scientist competition 2019 in St. Pius X G.N.S.
Trevor and Byron (the Intel judges) had the difficult task of judging the competition. After much deliberation they made their final decision.
Runners-up project
“Does environmentally friendly detergent clean as well as normal detergent?”
– Kayleigh , Hannah, Bailee
Winning project
“What is in an onion that makes your eyes water and how can you prevent it?”
– Abigail, Kate, Katie and Sally.
Congratulations to all the 5th class girls who worked tirelessly on their projects over the last few months.
Great excitement in St. Pius X GNS as the Intel Mini Scientist Competition 2019 kicks off!
Mussel dissection workshop in Ballyroan library
On Thursday 7th November 2019, a number of us from the two 5th classes went to Ballyroan library for a science workshop. When we arrived a scientist called Ross introduced himself and questioned us about biology, particularly marine biology which is biology of sea creatures. He told us that we were going to be dissecting mussels. Many of us had eaten mussels so we knew what they looked like. He told us that a mussel is a mollusc. A mollusc can be a slithery slug, an intelligent octopus, a slimy squid or of course a delicate shell fish like a mussel.
Ross produced a plastic bag full of mussels in garlic. As he removed the mussels from the bag, he dipped them in water to remove the garlic before he distributed one to each of us. Ross directed us as we dissected the mussel. He also gave us each a magnifying glass, a knife and a cocktail stick. The external shell is made from calcium. We firstly examined the growth rings on the shell to see what age the mussel was. Cracking open the shell which was on hinges, we were able to see the soft, squishy, yellowy mussel. Ross told us that the silvery, white shimmer inside the shell was mother of pearl which is used to make pearls. We then removed the mussel from the shell. It was attached to it by an adductor muscle. Using a cocktail stick, we removed the outer yellowy squishy skin which is called the mantle. A mussel, we were told, also has a foot, which we removed and observed closely. It looked like a cocoa bean! Instead of lungs to breathe, the mussel has gills. The mussel we learned is a filter fish which means it sucks in water and food and just filters the food it needs such as plankton, and eats that. We also examined the syphon which is like the mouth of the mussel. Finally, we found a little brown substance with tiny green specks. Ross told us it was mussel poo!!!
We`re not sure whether we`re going to eat mussels again However, we really enjoyed this experience and we hope to be great scientists in the future!
Hannah and Katie
Criminal activity detected in 3rd class!!! The girls had a visit from the Guards, showing all the science they use in solving crimes.
Ms. McCarthy’s Junior Infants are doing great work during their Literacy Stations. They are using kinetic sand, play dough, paint and counters to copy and make different pre-writing patterns!
On Sunday St. Pius GNS was represented at the Leinster Schools Swimming Championships in the National Aquatic Centre by 12 fantastic young athletes. Caitlin, Alison, Hannah-Rose, Alannah, Sadhbh, Shona, Sylvia, Ruby, Emily, Grace, Grace and Laura all took part in individual events and various relays. The girls swam fantastically and the majority qualified to represent the school in the Irish Schools Nationals in February.
In addition to that, Laura, won a silver medal in the 50m free, the U10 girls won silver in their freestyle relay and U12 girls won silver in both their medley and freestyle relays.
They represented the school with such pride. They were a great support to each other, a team that should be congratulated for their hard work and commitment.
On Thursday we celebrated National Singing Week and marked World Mental Health Day with the Big Sing! The whole school gathered in the yard to sing some of our favourite songs together. Choral and group singing has been scientifically proven to release endorphins which are natural chemicals released in our bodies that make us feel good – the same ones that are released when we laugh! Solo and group signing have also been proven to reduce stress, increase focus and concentration and improve memory. We certainly had great fun today! Happy National Singing Week everyone!
The girls enjoying some Golf in the Grange Golf Club. Watch out Rory!
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