A visit to ESB Science Blast 2020

POI went along to Science Blast Dublin this year to see what all the fuss was about! ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, is a non-competitive programme for primary school classes from 3rd to 6th class, that invites children to investigate the science behind a simple question that interests and excites them. Examples of this year’s projects included: ‘Can you taste the difference between branded and generic foods when blindfolded?’ (6th Class, Scoil Chronain Naofa, Dromakeenan), ‘How do you win a game of rock, paper, scissors?’ (6th Class, St Patrick’s Senior School, Skerries), and ‘Do tall people run faster?’ (6th Class, Presentation National School).

POI’s Communication & Public Engagement Manager, Dr. Fiona Lanigan, was invited to be on the judging panel for ESB Science Blast this year. She was highly impressed by the scientific thinking and communication skills of the participating classes, enjoyed blind tasting cornflakes, and was thoroughly schooled in the use of game theory to tackle a game of rock, paper, scissors!

The goal of the programme is to ignite children’s innate curiosity about the world around them, and promote curiosity, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking in children at primary school age to enable them to better respond to the challenges of the future. More than 12,000 children from 500 schools around the country participated in the Dublin ESB Science Blast 2020 event in the RDS in March 2020. More details can be found at www.esbscienceblast.com.

 

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