STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) is an approach to learning that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In Holy Family Junior School, the children start to engage naturally in these areas in Infants through play-based learning (Aistear). The children are active, co-operating and exploring, and discovering new ways of doing things while being guided by the teacher.
As children continue through the school, they are presented with fun and challenging experiences that will encourage them to use their scientific skills of questioning, observing, predicting, investigating and experimenting, estimating and measuring, and analysing. They are engaged in activities that involve Designing and Making, where children explore, plan, make and evaluate, e.g., design and make a boat/bridge/ traffic lights, etc. These explorations foster the children’s curiosity and problem-solving skills. If you look in our classrooms and on the corridor, you will be sure to see the displays of all their hard work!