A NUMBER of primary school children in Waterford have received Awards of Science Excellence in recognition of their increased participation and knowledge gained through the Discover Primary Science (DPS) programme.

The 13 Waterford schools presented with awards were: Ballymacarbry National School, Gaelscoil na nDéise, St John of God National School, Knockanore National School, Scoil Naomh Mhichíl, Whitechurch National School, Bunscoil Gleann Sidheain, Kilrossanty National School, Aglish National School, S N Lios Mor Mochuda, Scoil na Croise Naofa, Waterford Educate Together National School and Garranbane National School. Commenting at the Awards, Peter Brabazon, Director of the Discover Science and Engineering programme, said: "Waterford Primary School students have done their county proud. Their awards are testament to the increased quality of science education in primary schools in Waterford. Credit is due to all participating schools in the programme as it plays a vital role in developing children's enthusiasm for science and ultimately helping to create a knowledge and learning based economy for the future."

A total of 498 Primary Schools will receive Awards of Science Excellence at a series of ceremonies nationwide over the next fortnight, representing an increase of over 50% on the 2006 figures.

The increase in the numbers of schools receiving the awards is largely due to the rise in participation in the programme, with some 2,400 schools currently registered in the Discover Primary Science (DPS) Programme. The programme will have been made available to all Primary Schools nationwide by the next academic year, and registration has begun in earnest to fulfil that target.

The Awards of Science Excellence are presented to schools in recognition of the knowledge gained through the Discover Primary Science programme during the course of the school year.

The DPS programme was developed to help primary school children understand the extensive part that modern science plays a part in their everyday lives. Schools applying for an Award of Science Excellence were required to keep a Discovery Log recording their science related work.

Credit was given for completing a certain number of activities from the classroom activity pack as well as visiting one of the 18 DPS accredited Discover Science Centres or alternatively inviting a speaker to talk about science. Additional tasks such as taking part in the Greenwave project, involvement in Science Week, and many other explorative and hands-on activities to encourage continued discovery into science were also credited in Discovery Log submissions.

A hands-on training session and sub cover are provided for a nominated teacher from each school that registers with the programme and a range of resources are supplied for dissemination throughout the school. In addition, teachers are supported with a website: www.primaryscience.ie which distributes a quarterly e-newsletter, additional programme information and online resources for both primary school students and teachers.