Mayo students excel and shine brightly at ESB Science Blast

Over 500 projects from primary schools around the country, including three schools from Mayo, were showcased at this year’s sixth annual ESB Science Blast.

The Dublin event took place over four days in RDS Simmonscourt, from March 4 to March 7.

The RDS Foundation’s flagship science and technology initiative is a STEM-focused educational programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind simple questions.

The participating Mayo schools were Ardagh National School, St. Attracta's National School, and Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mairt.

The pupils showcased an experiment and discussed their investigation with a STEM expert judge, while the judging was non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils' interest and passion for STEM.

Strong themes emerging from schools this year included climate change, biodiversity, the impact of fast fashion and questions related to physical and mental health.

Over 55,000 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.

Participating schools in Mayo included Ardagh National School, St. Attracta's National School, and Gaelscoil na Cruaiche, Cathair na Mairt.

Their projects featured various questions such as 'Why do Jamaicans excel at sprinting?' which was queried by pupils from Ardagh, while St Attracta's pupils asked, 'How often is Once in a Blue Moon?'

Meanwhile, pupils from Gaelscoil na Cruaiche asked, 'Does the amount of air in a ball make a difference?'

Speaking at the event in RDS Simmonscourt, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, said she was hugely encouraged.

“It’s wonderful to see such a great turnout for our key science and technology programme from primary schools across the length and breadth of Ireland, including Mayo," she 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."

Ms De Loughry said she thoroughly enjoyed meeting the children from across the country and learning so much from the wonderful projects that they showcased last week.

“I am also delighted that we welcomed an even split of repeat attenders and ‘first timer’ primary schools to the RDS this year, with over a quarter of all Gaelscoileanna taking part in the dedicated day for Irish speaking schools, on March 7," she added.

Meanwhile, Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, stated every year the event brings STEM learning to schools in communities nationwide and they are proud to work with the RDS on the 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 said. "I always look forward to seeing the energy, the excitement, and the celebration of curiosity at ESB Science Blast.” ESB Science Blast, one of the largest science education programmes, is a free and hands-on way to engage young learners with STEM and it is specifically designed for primary school and funded by the RDS Foundation through its science and technology programme.

It involves the whole class investigating the science behind a simple question and then showcasing their work at one of three annual events in Dublin, Limerick and Belfast.

Following the Dublin dates, ESB Science Blast will also take place in Limerick from May 21 to 23 and in Belfast on June 4 next.

For more information, visit www.esbscienceblast.com