Mayo exhibitors were among more than 230 second level students from the region whoshowcased their impressive scientific discoveries and explorations at SciFest@IT Sligo on May 4th. The exhibition was part of a series of one-day science fairs that will take place this year at Institutes of Technology across the country. Almost 100 science projects were displayed at SciFest@IT Sligo with the students delving into a range of investigations.

A new Irish website, www.TheMathsTutor.ie, providing online support for Project Maths, has been launched in time for the 2012 exams.  Project Maths is the name given to the new maths syllabus being rolled out by the Department of Education for  both the Junior and Leaving Certificate courses.  This year’s Leaving Cert students are the first full cohort to sit exams based on Project Maths.

As energy prices soar and more and more people consider renewable energy options, Belmullet IT Sligo student, Karen Barrett, chose a timely theme when picking her end of year project. Karen (29) and three fellow students built a wind generator which will now be used as a research and teaching aid at the Institute.

The uncertain future facing many small rural schools in Ireland has been highlighted by both His Lordship Most Reverend John Fleming, the Roman Catholic Bishop of Killala - and The Very Revd Patrick Rooke, Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry.  Bishop Fleming has said that any decisions regarding the review of small schools need to be made, first and foremost, with the child’s best interest at heart.

Mayo schools will join thousands of students across Ireland this week who are putting plans in motion to take part in An Taisce Green-Schools’ National Walk to School Week 2012, which takes place from May 21st to 25th. Lots of schools in Mayo have decided to celebrate the week in their own unique way by creating special walking buses, participating in walking tours, walking fitness workshops, Park’N’Stride events and nature walks - with the ultimate aim of increasing the number of students who make the school journey on foot during the week.

Scoil Phádraig, Ballina, won Best Innovation Project in the Mayo Science and Technology Competition, held in Westport, and run by Mayo County Council.  The boys completed a project on a proposal for a Ballina guide application designed for smartphones.  The students demonstrated how their app would be a useful tourist guide and a major means of promoting local businesses.

Fine Gael TD for Mayo, Deputy Michelle Mulherin, has confirmed that Glenmore National School, Crossmolina, gets a second teacher following a successful appeal to the Department. It is currently a one teacher school. Deputy Mulherin said Glenmore NS will retain its second teacher during the school year, starting in September 2012.

St. Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina, looks set to win its second official Guinness World Record – after almost 1,600 people “Rocked the Boat” together on Tuesday, May 1. Hundreds took to the grounds of this famed all-girls secondary school to perform the well-known ‘Rock the Boat’ dance routine – surpassing the 1428-strong record previously set.

Mayo students were among 130 students of Technology education programmes at UL who showcased their talents by putting their projects on display a the Limerick University. The projects covered a wide range of topics and required great effort and talent to complete. Ranging from the development of novel aircraft to the crafting of high quality ornaments and furniture, the projects all had an emphasis on contributing to the professional development of Technology teachers.

Ballycroy National Park Visitor Centre has lots to see and do for a family day out over the May Bank Holiday weekend.