MORE than 300 science teachers, from north and south of the border, converged on the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal town for the Irish Science Teachers' Association's annual meeting last weekend.

Science across Europe, an innovative project using e-mail, was introduced by Joachim Grimm of Offene Schule, Bahenhausen, Germany, at the BASF plenary lecture. A number of teaching packages have been written on topical issues such as acid rain over Europe and renewable energy. Students carry out a project on one of the topics and share their findings with other schools across Europe.

Frank Dooley, of Donegal ISTA, points out that the White Paper on Education proposes that the teaching of science at primary school be pursued in a more active and practical manner. "It is expected that the revised primary school curriculum will detail an improved methodology for teaching science in primary school."

David McCullagh, adviser for science and health education with the Western Education and Library Board, introduced a science resource pack for pupils with learning difficulties.

Dr Brian Callan, of Smithkline Beecham, focused on the dioxin debate. Dioxin, a highly toxic chemical, may be a byproduct in industrial processes, with high temperature incineration being one of the most effective methods of disposal. The debate has moved from the proposed incinerator in Derry to Clarecastle, Co Clare.