More than 500 projects from primary schools around the country, including eight schools from Kilkenny, were showcased at this year’s sixth annual ESB Science Blast, the RDS Foundation’s flagship Science and Technology Programme. ESB Science Blast is a STEM-focused educational programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind simple questions. Picture: Pupils from St Canice's Co. Ed. NS, Granges Road, Kilkenny TAP '>' OR NEXT ABOVE FOR NEXT PIC The Dublin event took place over four days in RDS Simmonscourt, from March 4 to 7, and included a 'lá speisialta do Ghaelscoileanna agus do scoileanna Ghaeltachta'. Pupils from Kilkenny showcased an experiment and discussed their investigation with a STEM expert (judge/moltóir). The judging was non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils' interest and passion for STEM. 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. Strong themes emerging from schools this year included climate change, biodiversity, the impact of fast fashion and questions related to physical and mental health. Participating schools in Kilkenny included St Aidan's NS, Kilmanagh, Skeoughvosteen NS, Scoil Naomh Fiachra, Freshford and Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, Graignamanagh. Their projects featured questions such as: - The Power of Advertising: Does branding influence our taste buds?- How do plants react to different environments?- What animals in Ireland are most impacted by climate change?- Does the material of your hurl impact how far you can hit a sliotar? Speaking at the event in RDS Simmonscourt, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, said that 'it's wonderful to see such a great turnout from primary schools across the length and breadth of Ireland, including Kilkenny'. "In developing ESB Science Blast we wanted an event that would be informative, inclusive and, above all, a really fun and
PICTURES: Kilkenny students shine bright at ESB Science Blast
Pupils from St Canice's Co. Ed. NS, Granges Road, Kilkenny with their class teacher. Their project investigated the science behind the question: 'Does the length of your throw improve with practice/technique and strengthening exercises?'
2.
Pupils from St. Senans NS, Kilmacow. Their project investigated the science behind the question: 'How do glasses help our eyesight?'
3.
Pupils from Gaelscoil Osraí, Loch Buí. Chuir siad an cheist: ‘Cad atá le fhoghlaim againn faoi H2O?’
