The LOETB are currently running a new school initiative with all ETB schools in Laois and Offaly.
Dunamase College are one of the first schools to commit to this exciting three year programme, from 2023 to 2026.
The college have received state of the art equipment worth €10,000 and ongoing support and training from the Laois Education Support Centre.
“We were delighted to be invited to the official launch of LOETB STEAM programme,” a representative said.
“This programme is designed to provide students with a holistic education that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics that fosters creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
“Our teachers have either undergone training or are currently undergoing training in the areas of Vex Robotics (At both Junior and Senior level), First League Lego, Minecraft and Podcasting.
“The aim of the programme is to encourage S.T.E.A.M. participation and engagement among Junior Cycle students.
“Each area will have an LOETB exclusive competition, with qualification for national finals available.
“There are many benefits to this programme as it is currently being integrated into our school self evaluation plan around digital technologies, excellence in education and wellbeing.
“We are currently utilising this programme through lunchtime and afterschool STEAM clubs.”
The programs on offer are:
Vex Robotics:
VEX IQ Robotics is based on plastic, snap-together pieces specifically designed to build highly functional robots.
In the VEX IQ Competition teams of students are tasked with designing and building a robot to play with other teams in a game-based engineering challenge.
Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications, and more.
Podcasting
Podcasting equipment is arriving this week at Dunamase College where the college will be creating a podcast studio and media hub in the school.
The podcast workshop day takes place on the November 28, where a team of 3-5 students will produce a podcast (15 minutes or less) based on the i-walks model, where students create podcasts about their local area.
The winners will receive €1000 of tech/podcasting equipment and €500 worth of vouchers for the students.
FIRST LEGO League
First Lego League introduces science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) to students aged 4-16 through fun, exciting hands-on learning.
Participants gain real-world problem solving experience through a guided, global robotics program, helping students and teachers build a better future together.
Students in Dunamase College will be taking part in the Challenge division, where teams of students aged 9-16 engage in research, problem-solving, coding, and engineering – building and programming a LEGO robot that navigates the missions of a robot game.
Minecraft Education
The aim of the project, organized by LOETB in collaboration with Microsoft Ireland’s Dream Space, is to provide students with a unique and engaging opportunity to enhance their creativity, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills through the use of Minecraft Education Training.
Students are tasked with creating a replica of a local site in Minecraft Education, emphasizing future sustainability and accessibility.
The challenge involves not only precision in scale and accuracy but also the incorporation of heritage, tourism, and climate action elements into the virtual builds.
Students are encouraged to apply 21st-century skills, including critical thinking and collaboration, as they navigate the design process.
Additionally, the project underscores the importance of accessibility, requiring builds to be inclusive to all.
The initiative provides a holistic learning experience, fostering creativity, technical proficiency, and real-world problem-solving, with potential recognition for outstanding contributions through judging and awards.
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