PUPILS from 27 schools across Limerick took part in the ESB Science Blast exhibition, which was held at the University of Limerick at the end of last month.
ESB Science Blast Limerick ran at the University of Limerick (UL) from May 21 to 23, and saw entire classes of students tackle brain-teasing projects around the areas of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).
Judging in the exhibition was non-competetive and aimed to foster and encourage children’s interest in STEM subjects, organisers said.
Strong themes coming from this year’s competition focused on biodiversity, the impact of technology on physical and mental wellbeing, and questions focusing on sports and exercise.
Schools from Limerick who took part in ESB Science Blast Limerick included Ahane NS; Banogue NS, Croom; Bulgaden NS, Kilmallock; Caherline NS; Carrickerry NS, Athea; Castleconnell NS; Coolcappa NS, Ardagh; Croagh NS, Rathkeale; Church Street NS, Rathkeale; Donoughmore PS; Doon Convent NS; and JFK Memorial School.
Kilfinny NS, Croagh; Killoughteen NS; Knockea National School, Ballyneety; Lough Gur NS, Kilmallock; Lisnagry NS; Nicker NS, Pallasgreen; Our Lady of Lourdes, Rosbrien; Salesian Primary School, Limerick City; Scoil Dean Cussen, Bruff; Scoil Iosef, Newcastle West; Scoil na Mbearnan, Pallasgreen; Scoil na mBráithre, Doon; Shanagolden NS; St Gabriels, Dooadoyle; and the Limerick School Project also took part.
Niamh De Loughry, deputy chief executive of the RDS Foundation said that “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 Limerick.”
“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,” Ms De Loughry said.
Paddy Hayes, ESB chief executive, added that “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”.
