Young Mayo science stars light up ESB Science Blast Limerick

OVER 130 projects from 106 primary schools around the country, including six schools from Mayo, were showcased at this year’s sixth annual ESB Science Blast in Limerick, the RDS Foundation’s flagship Science and Technology Programme.

A STEM-focused educational programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind simple questions, this year’s event took place for the first time at the University of Limerick.

Participating schools from Mayo were Scoil Násiúnta, Thuar Mhic Éadaigh, Gaelscoil Raftéirí, Caisleán an Bharraigh, Ballina PS, Crossmolina NS, Knockrooskey NS, Westport, and Kinaffe NS, Swinford.

Their projects featured questions such as An gcabhríonn gníomhaíochtaí aclaí le foghlaim i bpáistí? An féidir linn ár gcorpacmhainn a fheabhsú i gcúig nóiméad? How does the heart work?

The pupils showcased an experiment and discussed their investigation with a STEM expert (judge/moltóir). The judging was non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils' interest in and passion for STEM.

Over 67,500 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland, and one of the largest programmes of its kind in Europe.

Strong themes emerging from schools at this year’s event centred on biodiversity, the impact of technology on physical and mental wellbeing, and questions focusing on sports and exercise.

Speaking at the event in the University of Limerick, Niamh De Loughry, deputy chief executive of the RDS Foundation, said: “In developing ESB Science Blast we wanted an event that would be informative, inclusive and, above all, a really fun and engaging learning experience. I’ve really enjoyed meeting the children from all around the country and hearing about their learning experience and the process behind it. It’s also great to connect with the teachers and understand how the programme supports in-class learning.”