Students from Donegal school commended at national  STEM event

Students from a Donegal school have received national recognition at a national-scale celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. 

The team from Lurgybrack NS ,Letterkenny, attended STEMtacular in Ballinamore in Co Leitrim where they secured second place in the Met Éireann Intermediate Category Award.

The school’s students presented projects including Hannah’s Garden and Ceolaí Eolaí Ollie?

Judges said their work demonstrated creativity and the award highlighted the high standard of research and presentation from the Donegal school.

READ NEXT: Raphoe Badminton Club present Lifetime Service Recognition Award to Sammy Magee

Throughout the two-day event, which involved more than 1,000 students,  judges from industry and education travelled from across Ireland to meet students at their stands. 

Lurgybrack NS intermediate students Kayla Cullen, Fionn Sweeney, Jack Callaghan, Hannah Bowden who presented their project The Beautiful Garden School

They commented repeatedly on the clarity, enthusiasm and depth of understanding displayed by the children, noting the confidence with which they explained their hypotheses, methods and conclusions.

The event welcomed more than 50 schools from 11 counties and showcased over 200 student projects.

STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices was founded by Leitrim science teacher Louise Gallagher after she recognised a lack of accessible, high-quality STEM opportunities for young people in the region. What began as a response to that gap has grown into one of the country’s largest primary-level STEM gatherings, bringing industry, education and community together in a powerful way in the heart of the northwest.

Speaking at the event, Louise Gallagher said: “It’s great to see so many young people interested and engaged in STEM. Not every child gets the chance to see industry, innovation and technology up close, so bringing it here to Ballinamore makes a real difference. It’s really important that we provide these opportunities in our region so that no matter where a child lives, they can access high-quality STEM experiences and see a future for themselves in it.”

Students tackled real-world questions through hands-on investigation and research. Projects explored issues such as flooding prevention, renewable energy, soil stability, memory and brain performance, water quality, engineering design and environmental protection. 

Lurgybrack NS Intermediate Students: Aidan Duplessis, Oacar Walker, Peter Pattos and Aaron Price who presented their project Ceolaí Eolaí Ollie?

Some students asked: How can we help prevent an area from flooding? Others investigated Can we detect when peat becomes unstable using soil moisture? and Does pollution affect the growth and development of plants? These were thoughtful, practical investigations rooted in real challenges facing communities today. 

Meabh Shine, Senior Director, Datacenter Power at Analog Devices, said: “Inspiring the next generation to engage with STEM starts with meaningful, real-world experiences. That’s why Analog Devices is proud to support STEMtacular, bringing together industry expertise, educators and the local community to create hands-on opportunities for young people to explore, question and create. Through real-world learning and connections with industry, STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices helps pupils better understand the wide range of possibilities STEM can offer and the opportunities it can open up for their futures.”