Last week the Southern Education & Library Board (SELB) welcomed over 1400 pupils from 21 post primary schools through out the board’s area to participate in the unique experience of meeting a real life ‘Galileo’ who discussed the history of Maths.

Pupils and teachers alike where enthralled and fascinated with Peter Joyce, an actor from England who transforms himself into Galileo by dressing, talking and telling stories of the discovery and development of Maths.

Galileo is most famous for his discovery of the laws of the pendulum and developing the telescope. He also claimed that the Earth rotated on its axis while revolving around the Sun, whereas popular belief at that time was based on Aristotle laws that the Sun and Moon revolved around the Earth. Even imprisonment would not persuade Galileo to change his mind on what he believed to be the truth.

Esther Ross, SELB Adviser for Mathematics and her team organised the weeklong programme. Esther is in no doubt as to the success of such events in developing and enhancing pupils’ comprehension of the Maths subject. She commented, “Taking children from the classroom to an event such as this adds a different dimension to the learning curve. Effectively pupils obtain background knowledge on the various areas of Maths from Galileo whilst at the same time enjoy practical activities that aim to stimulate interest, add confidence and enhance their understanding”.