RDS reveals overwhelming support for flagship Science and Technology Programme

The RDS today (19.02.2024) revealed overwhelming support for its flagship Science and Technology Programme ESB Science Blast. Research conducted by the RDS has found that over 98% of primary school teachers who participated in 2023 said it ‘increased student’s confidence and knowledge in STEM’, while 96% said that taking part ‘enhanced the science and maths curriculum in the classroom.’* ESB Science Blast returns to the RDS from 4th to 7th March.

98% of teachers said participation ‘increased students’ confidence and knowledge in STEM’

 

The RDS today (19.02.2024) revealed overwhelming support for its flagship Science and Technology Programme ESB Science Blast. Research conducted by the RDS has found that over 98% of primary school teachers who participated in 2023 said it ‘increased student’s confidence and knowledge in STEM’, while 96% said that taking part ‘enhanced the science and maths curriculum in the classroom.’* ESB Science Blast returns to the RDS from 4th to 7th March.

 

Speaking at a photocall with pupils from Glasnevin Primary School, Dublin, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, warmly welcomed the research findings.

 

“It’s wonderful to see this endorsement for our key Science and Technology programme from those most closely involved in it – primary school teachers across the country.  In developing ESB Science Blast we wanted an event that would be informative, inclusive and, above all, a really fun and engaging learning experience and these results show that it’s delivering where it matters most - in the classroom.

 

“I’m also delighted that we’ll welcome an even split of repeat attenders and ‘first timer’ primary schools to the RDS this year, with over a quarter of all Gaelscoileanna taking part in the dedicated day for Irish speaking schools, on 7th March.”  

 

With the countdown now on to the four-day event at the RDS Simmonscourt, ESB Science Blast is already at capacity, with over 500 projects registered. 

 

Strong themes emerging from schools this year include climate change, biodiversity, the impact of fast fashion and questions related to physical and mental health. 

 

Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, added:

 

“Every year ESB Science Blast brings STEM learning to schools in communities across Ireland and ESB is proud to work with the RDS on this unique initiative. Through the programme, children of all backgrounds and abilities are developing life skills that will help them to become innovative and creative problem solvers, as well as active, informed and engaged citizens.  I look forward to seeing the energy, the excitement, and the celebration of curiosity at ESB Science Blast 2024.” 

 

One of the largest science education programmes of its kind, ESB Science Blast is a free and hands-on way to engage young learners with STEM, specifically designed for primary school and funded by the RDS Foundation through its Science and Technology Programme. It involves the whole class investigating the science behind a simple question and then showcasing their work at one of three annual events in Dublin, Limerick and Belfast.

 

Olive Walsh, Principal of Glasnevin Primary School, said:

 

“This will be my sixth time taking part in ESB Science Blast and every year it brings a fantastic level of fun and excitement into the classroom. Because the whole class is involved it encourages real teamwork and collaboration and the children take huge pride in their research and in showcasing their findings. But, above all, it really makes them see how relevant science is to their everyday lives.”

 

Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, met the pupils from Glasnevin Primary School at the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, which were opened to the public in 1800 with support from the RDS.    

 

Following the Dublin dates, ESB Science Blast will also take place in Limerick from 21st - 23rd May and in Belfast on 4th June 2024. 

 

For more information, visit www.esbscienceblast.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook, or X.

 

ABOUT SPONSORS

ESB Science Blast is a STEM education programme developed and delivered by the RDS. It is funded and supported by the RDS, ESB as title sponsor, the Department of Education, Science Foundation Ireland, An Foras Pátrúnachta, Bristol Myers Squibb, COGG, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Foras na Gaeilge, Irish Aid, Irish American Partnership, Jones Engineering, Kinia, Met Éireann, and Teagasc.

 

THE RDS

The RDS is a philanthropic organisation operating in a membership context to make Ireland a better place for all. The purpose of the RDS is to inspire, enable and empower positive change. The RDS Foundation delivers programmes, bursaries and activities on an all-island basis across five priorities including Agriculture, the Arts, Enterprise, Equestrianism, Science and Technology.

ESB Science Blast is the flagship project within the RDS Science and Technology programme and an integral way in which the RDS drives positive change for Ireland. All events which take place at the RDS venue create the resources to support the work of the RDS Foundation.

 

ESB

ESB is Ireland’s leading energy utility with operations spanning electricity generation, transmission and distribution and energy supply.  Since 1927, it has worked to enhance the lives of customers, support economic growth and ensure a brighter future for all.  Today that means taking leadership in the transition to a low carbon future, with a target to reach net zero by 2040.  Through our portfolio of brands, ESB Networks, Electric Ireland, ESB International and NIE Networks, we are removing carbon from our generation fleet, creating a smart network to support a low carbon energy system and developing new products and services to help our customers manage their energy use more efficiently. www.esb.ie