Primary School STEM Event Launches in Belfast

NI Primary Schools encouraged to sign up for the ESB Science Blast

ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, has announced that it is returning to Belfast with a live event. The STEM-focused education programme for primary school children, encourages critical thinking and collaboration in a fun environment.

ESB Science Blast will take place at the ICC Belfast on the 25^th of April 2023 and primary school teachers of Key Stage 2 class pupils are invited to submit their applications before the 23^rd of March deadline.

ESB Science Blast is a free, all-Ireland, and non-competitive educational programme for primary schools, that involves the whole class investigating the science behind simple questions, such as “Can slime move without touching it?”.Classes then showcase their work at one of the three national events. Each class will be paired with a STEM expert who will guide the class in their investigation and share positive feedback.

Now in its fifth year, over 30,000 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland.

Geraldine Ruane, Chief Executive of the RDS, said: “We are once again delighted to be bringing ESB Science Blast, Ireland’s largest STEM Programme, to primary schools across Ireland. These live events, which will take place in Dublin, Belfast and Limerick, will see over 13,000 school children showcase their wonderful STEM projects.

“ESB Science Blast, a core programme with the RDS Foundation, is a brilliant avenue to introduce children, at an early stage in their education, to the fun and excitement that learning through STEM can bring. While we are building the ESB Science Blast programme on the success of the last four years, we are really building upon a much deeper engagement in science education by the RDS, one that goes back nearly 300 years. Our investment in this education programme is a long-term investment in the future of society.”

Key findings of teacher survey

In May of last year, the RDS, conducted a survey of over 200 teachers who participated in ESB Science Blast, with the following results:

• 93% of teachers who participated in ESB Science Blast said that their students are more likely to have a positive association with science as a result of the programme.
• 95% of teachers agree that participating in ESB Science Blast developed their student’s communication and collaboration skills.
• 97% of teachers agree that participating in ESB Science Blast enhanced the SESE and/or Maths curriculum in their classroom.
• 83% of teachers agreed ESB Science Blast gave them new ideas on how to teach STEM in the classroom.

Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, added: “ESB is very proud to work with the RDS in bringing ESB Science blast to schools across Ireland.  This important STEM learning programme helps students to develop key skills like critical thinking and problem solving by nurturing their innate curiosity and creativity. I look forward to seeing the energy, enthusiasm and buzz of excitement among the students as we return to in-person events in 2023.”

Tony Young, Headmaster, Crumlin Integrated Primary School, said: “We previously took part in the ESB Science Blast, so we know how much the children really enjoy engaging with STEM in this way. We would certainly encourage primary school teachers of Key Stage 2 class pupils in Northern Ireland to apply immediately and give their children a really fun way to learn about STEM subjects.”

Find out more by visiting www.esbscienceblast.com.