Science classes won't be the same after Alana Carolan from the Royal and Prior School took part in this chemical workshop.
Alana Carolan, Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe, Co. Donegal at the workshop at the University of Limerick. Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media
Chemistry teacher Alana Carolan has experimented with explosive lessons recently in a weeklong workshop at the SSPC workshop at the University of Limerick.
The annual event hosted by Synthesis and Solid State Pharmaceutical Centre (SSPC) and the Dept. of Chemical Sciences offers exemplary professional development for Irish science teachers.
Ms Carolan has been encouraged to be more confidence with chemical demonstrations and to bring effective learning strategies to the classroom.
The workshop offer an opportunity for teachers to incorporate experiments that will capture students’ imagination.
The workshop includes explosions and some of the coolest reactions in chemistry involving a chemical demonstration show, simple physics demonstrations, Spectroscopy in a Suitcase by Royal Society of Chemistry, and covers safety aspects and the use of ICT in demonstration.
The course enables teachers to utilise demonstrations to stimulate curiosity and problem-solving ability on the part of the students.
This approach offers many advantages, including the future active engagement of students in chemistry projects and teachers can see the benefits of the workshop as chemistry plays an important role both in our lives today and in our future.
Alana Carolan, Royal and Prior Comprehensive School, Raphoe, Co. Donegal at the workshop at the University of Limerick.
Photo: Oisin McHugh True Media
SSPC’s Education and Public Engagement Officer, Dr Sarah Hayes said: “The workshop showcases the relationship between the practicality of the work and the enthusiasm for teaching. The Centre has developed the course to give the hands-on experience with various experiments and enhance confidence in teaching methods. Every year the feedback we receive shows it is very useful, engaging and offers teachers a real opportunity to present in the classroom with self-assurance.”
SSPC’s General Manager, Jon O’Halloran, added: “Teachers need the opportunity to step back from teaching and to develop new skills and new ways of presenting science. These workshops give them the time to build their confidence and expertise, to share ideas with fellow teachers, and we find that they return to their schools invigorated and more enthused about teaching chemistry.”
Do you have a story to share? Email news@donegalwoman.ie
