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At the launch of Greenwave 2014, Minister for Research and Innovation, Seán Sherlock with Eva Kavanagh (7) from Clane, County Kildare

Watching spring unfold in Clare

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CLARE primary schools have been asked to help track the arrival of spring by getting involved in Greenwave 2014.

This citizen science project, which sees students log their sightings of six Greenwave species by uploading images to the greenwave.ie website, is one of the five criteria necessary to achieve a Discover Primary Science and Maths (DPSM) Award of Science and Maths Excellence. It is part of the Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme.

Between the months of February and May, students are asked to capture their sightings of six species: frog, swallow, horse-chestnut, primrose, hawthorn and ash, in addition to making at least one weather observation by measuring and recording wind speed, rainfall or temperature. The results are then logged on the Greenwave website in order to monitor and map the arrival of spring.

Now entering its 8th year, Greenwave continues to grow in popularity amongst students, teachers and parents alike. Last year 554 Irish primary schools, including 23 Clare schools, took part in the Greenwave project, submitting a total of 1,600 official records of common species and 8,600 weather observations. This year as part of the Greenwave First in Frame photography competition, six schools will be recognised for best images of the Greenwave species and will win a digital camera for their efforts.

Director General, Science Foundation Ireland and Chief Scientific Adviser to the Government, Professor Mark Ferguson said, “The Greenwave project encourages children to use fundamental science and maths skills such as observing, measuring and recording. Through their involvement in this national project, primary school pupils are gaining an appreciation of the fundamental importance of science and maths in our everyday lives. In addition, they are also getting a head start in completing one of the steps involved in the DPSM Awards of Science and Maths Excellence.”

The closing date for entry to the awards is Friday, March 21, however, schools who register before this Friday could win a visit from a member of the Science Excellence Squad, a panel of real life scientists championed by maths educator and TV and radio presenter Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.

Visit www.greenwave.ie for more details on the Greenwave project. To register for the DPSM Awards of Science and Maths Excellence, visit www.primaryscience.ie

 

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