Paul Gogarty (Dublin Mid West, Green Party)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the work that has been carried out in recent years to introduce science modules into the primary school curriculum; if this is being reviewed by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; if there is scope for visits to schools with science demonstrations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31828/07]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Social Environmental and Scientific Education in primary schools is an area of learning which encompasses Science, History and Geography, and which applies to all students from junior infants to sixth class.

The revised primary curriculum was launched in 1999 and has been implemented on a phased basis over the period to 2007. There is a published curriculum and teacher guidelines for science available at www.ncca.ie. The revised curriculum in Science was implemented with effect from September 2003, supported by a national programme of professional development for teachers provided by the Primary Curriculum Support Programme.

In science, a basic understanding of scientific principles and methods, and a foundation of knowledge and concepts in the domains of physics, chemistry and biology and botany, are provided for. A key objective is to encourage children to be active agents in their own learning, to engage in collaborative active learning, to develop high order thinking skills, to be able to observe, collate and evaluate evidence, question, summarise, analyse and interpret, and to develop problem solving skills.

There are four strands to the curriculum throughout, from infant to 6th class. These are Living Things, Energy and Forces, Materials and Environmental Awareness and Care.

Throughout the programme, scientific processes and skills are being developed — safe practices and procedures, questioning, observing, predicting, estimating and measuring, analysing, recording and communicating, exploring, planning, designing and making, evaluating, all important skills for life. There is a key emphasis on building on children's ideas as a starting point for science activities, encouraging practical activities and group and individual work, linking with the environment, and encouraging field trips.

Training for teachers is provided through the Primary Curriculum Support Programme and a network of Education Centres around the country. As well as providing training, a Cuiditheoir service provides school visits and support and assistance, and there are websites with resource directories. The INTOUCH magazine for teachers has published practical examples for schools of fun science activities developed by the PSCP science team, such as a field trip to investigate the sea shore, or a minibeast hunt in the school or locality.

The Discover Science, primary science website, also provides extensive supports and science activities for schools. The programme provides training sessions for teachers, a range of Discover Science Centres to visit, visiting speakers to schools, and an activity support pack which sets out exciting and fun activities for science which support the primary curriculum.

Phase II of the evaluation of the implementation of the Primary School Curriculum is now under way, focusing on Irish, Science, and Social Personal and Health Education. A report is expected to be published in mid 2008.