ESB Science Blast is a STEM education programme designed to inspire primary school children across Ireland. This programme encourages entire classes to investigate scientific questions, fostering creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills among students. The culmination is the showcasing of their projects at an event in Dublin, Limerick or Belfast. The Dublin event recently took place at the RDS Simmonscourt from 3rd to 6th March.
12,775 students from 277 schools including students from Gaelscoileanna, DEIS schools and special education schools, presented their projects and received feedback from STEM professionals. Day 4 was dedicated to Gaelscoileanna and we were delighted to have Irish speaking staff on hand to interact with Irish speaking visitors to our stand.
Waterways Ireland’s interactive stand showcased the canals with The Boatman’s Journey Storymap featuring a selection of our archived heritage resources with this new and engaging digital storytelling experience. (A Boatman's Journey)
Our VR headsets proved extremely popular, offering a virtual experience of the canals. This immersive approach allowed students and educators to explore Ireland's waterways digitally, enhancing their understanding and appreciation of these natural assets.
Waterways Ireland's participation in the ESB Science Blast aimed to promote STEM through:
Education and Engagement: By providing educational resources and interactive experiences, Waterways Ireland fostered a deeper connection between young learners and the waterways, promoting environmental stewardship and awareness.
Innovation and Technology: The use of VR technology at our stand demonstrated how innovative tools can make the exploration of waterways more accessible and engaging.
Community Outreach: Engaging with schools and the broader community at events like ESB Science Blast strengthens partnerships and encourages collective responsibility for the preservation and enjoyment of waterways.