Over 130 projects from 106 primary schools around the country, including eight schools from Clare, 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 the event took place at the University of Limerick for the first time, last week.
Pupils from Clare 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 Limerick event centred on biodiversity, the impact of technology on physical and mental wellbeing, and questions focusing on sports and exercise.
Participating schools in Clare included Knockanean NS, Ennis and St Aidan’s NS, Shannon. Their projects featured questions such as:
How does the light bulb work, how does electricity get to it and are LED bulbs more efficient?
Does sun cream really work?
Speaking at the event in the University of Limerick, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, said: “It’s wonderful to see such a great turnout here in Limerick for our key Science and Technology Programme from primary schools across Ireland, including Clare. 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.
“We’re also delighted to welcome more Gaelscoileanna than ever before to Limerick, a 100% increase on last year, and to welcome back so many returning schools, proving how beneficial and enjoyable teachers and pupils find taking part in ESB Science Blast to be.”
Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, added: “Every year ESB Science Blast brings STEM learning to schools in communities across Ireland and ESB is proud to work with the RDS on this unique initiative. Through the programme, children of all backgrounds and abilities are developing life skills that will help them to become innovative and creative problem solvers, as well as active, informed and engaged citizens. I always look forward to seeing the energy, the excitement, and the celebration of curiosity at ESB Science Blast.”
A free and hands-on way to engage young learners with STEM, ESB Science Blast is specifically designed for primary school and funded by the RDS Foundation through its Science and Technology Programme.
Following the Limerick dates, ESB Science Blast will also take place in Belfast on 4th June 2024.
For more information, visit www.esbscienceblast.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, or X.
from Co. Clare who participated:
Kilmihil NS Kilmihil
Ballynacally NS Ennis
Raheenwood CNS Tuamgraney
Scoil na Maighdine Mhuire Newmarket on Fergus
Scoil Chríost Rí Ennis
New Quay NS Burrin
Knockanean NS Ennis
St Aidan’s NS Shannon
