23 primary schools in Donegal recognised for participation in STEM

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Patrick O'Donovan TD, announced 23 primary schools in Donegal have been awarded the SFI Curious Minds Award 2024.

This year, in Donegal, 22 schools received the Gold Award and one received the Platinum Award. Led by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the programme aims to increase interest in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) among primary school students, parents, and teachers, nationwide in a fun, engaging way.

Gold awards went to Scoil Cholmcille, SN Muire Gan Smal, Scoil Fhionáin, St Francis NS, Gortnacart NS, St. Davaddog's NS, Robertson NS, Scoil Adhamhnain, SN Crannaighe Buidhe, Dromore National School, Gaelscoil Na Gceithre Maistri, Scoil Cholmcille Máigh Rua, Min A Ghabhann NS, SN Muire Gan Smal, Creeslough NS, Inver NS, Scoil An Linbh Íosa, Scoil Mhuire B&C, Stranorlar, Scoil Cholmcille, SN Chill Coinnigh, St Muras NS and Scoil An Chaisil, with the Platinum Award going to Scoil Naomh Fiachra.

Announcing the 2024 Curious Minds Awards, Minister O’Donovan said: “I am delighted to announce the winners of this year’s SFI Curious Minds Awards.

“Congratulations to all involved – your individual and collective dedication and effort has paid off! Curiosity about science provides the building blocks to explore new ideas, increase knowledge and even unearth discoveries. I want to thank the schools and teachers who have facilitated such enthusiastic and productive participation among their students.”

The SFI Curious Minds Awards celebrate and recognise the participation of schools in hands-on, inquiry-based learning in STEM. Since launching twenty years ago, the programme has seen students exploring a wide range of STEM activities, from investigating renewable energy, egg drop challenges, growing vegetables, launching rockets, mini-beast hunts, learning about materials and maths through baking, design and make challenges, marble runs, enhancing their technology skills through coding, and using STEM to solve everyday problems.

The Awards offer three categories for applicants: The Silver Award is aimed at schools starting out on the STEM journey and involves a minimum of two classes. The Gold Award, which is for schools further along their STEM journey, involves at least half of the classes in the school. The Platinum Award is for schools that have already achieved the Gold Award and want to challenge themselves to further integrate STEM into the school culture.

The SFI Curious Minds programme supplies tools to empower schools in teaching science, technology, engineering and Maths, allowing teachers to spark fun and curiosity both inside and outside the classroom.