Cork Safety Alert

Young science stars from Cork light up ESB Science Blast Limerick

Pupils from Dunderrow NS, Kinsale, Co Cork. Their project investigated the science behind the question “Are food preservatives necessary?”

Over 130 projects from 106 primary schools across Ireland, including 31 schools from Cork, were showcased at this year’s sixth annual ESB Science Blast in Limerick. Organised by the RDS Foundation, this event is a key part of its Science and Technology Programme and was held for the first time at the University of Limerick from 21st to 23rd May.

ESB Science Blast is a STEM-focused educational programme that engages entire classes in investigating the science behind simple questions. The programme aims to foster a passion for STEM among young learners through hands-on projects and non-competitive judging. Over 67,500 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school STEM programme in Ireland and one of the largest in Europe.

This year’s event featured strong themes around biodiversity, the impact of technology on physical and mental wellbeing, and questions related to sports and exercise. Pupils from Cork schools presented their experiments and discussed their findings with STEM experts, with projects addressing questions such as:

  • Are food preservatives necessary?
  • What makes the amazing buildings that engineers create stand so strong?
  • Can renewable gas be created using household waste and manure? And how is it created?

Participating schools from Cork included Dunderrow NS, Kinsale, Drimoleague National School, Rockmount, and Timoleague NS, Bandon, among others. These schools represented a diverse range of topics and showcased the creativity and scientific curiosity of their students.

Speaking at the event, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, expressed her delight at the high turnout and the engaging learning experience provided by the programme:

“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 Cork. 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,” she said.

Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, highlighted the importance of the programme in developing life skills among young learners:

“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,” he remarked.

The ESB Science Blast will continue its journey, with the next event scheduled to take place in Belfast on 4th June 2024. For more information, visit www.esbscienceblast.com or follow the event on Instagram, Facebook, or X.

Participating Schools from Cork:

  • An Mhodh Scoil, Dunmanway
  • Analeentha NS, Mallow
  • Ardfield NS, Clonakilty
  • Baltydaniel NS, Mallow
  • Bandonbridge NS, Bandon
  • Gaelscoil Thomáis Dáibhís, Magh Eala
  • Charleville PS, Charleville
  • Charleville CBS Primary, Charleville
  • Douglas Rochestown ETNS, Maryborough
  • Drimoleague National School, Rockmount
  • Dromohane NS, Mallow
  • Dromina NS, Charleville
  • Dunderrow NS, Kinsale
  • Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, Midleton
  • Gaelscoil Dhroichead na Banndan
  • Glasheen BNS, Glasheen
  • Glenahulla NS, Mitchelstown
  • Goggins Hill, NS, Ballinhassig
  • Kilcoe NS, Skibbereen
  • Kilmeen NS, Rossmore
  • Newmarket GNS, Newmarket
  • Ovens NS, Ovens
  • Scoil Íosagáin BNS, Farranree
  • Scoil Ghobnatan, Mallow
  • Scoil na nÓg, Gleann Maighir
  • St Anthony’s NS, Ballinlough
  • St Joseph’s NS, Macroom
  • St Joseph’s GNS, Clonakilty
  • St Joseph’s NS, Fermoy
  • Strawberry Hill NS, Cork
  • Timoleague NS, Bandon

ESB Science Blast is proudly supported by the RDS Foundation, ESB, and various other sponsors and partners, including the Department of Education and Science Foundation Ireland, among others. The RDS, through its philanthropic efforts, aims to inspire and empower positive change in Ireland, with a strong focus on promoting STEM education and innovation among young learners.

For further details about the RDS and its initiatives, visit www.rds.ie, and to learn more about ESB and its commitment to a sustainable future, visit www.esb.ie.

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