STeP into Science Project
Engaging Students, Teachers and Parents in Debates
A new project on engaging students, teachers and parents in scientific debates has been awarded funding from Science Foundation Ireland. The project aims to facilitate the teaching and learning of the curricular objectives on Key Skills and Nature of Science. The project is led by Professor Sibel Erduran with partnership of Junior Cycle Team. The EPI-STEM team includes Regina Kelly, Grainne Walshe and Liam Guilfoyle.
The Irish curriculum at the Junior Cycle level promotes Key Skills such as communication, an essential element of scientific debates. The new Specifications for Junior Cycle Science (November 2015) includes a component on “Nature of Science” that aims to foster understanding of science and society. The project will involve training of teachers across Ireland to promote debate skills in socio-scientific issues like nuclear energy and cloning. There will be school-based debate events where parents will be invited to participate.
