Introducing children to Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) at a young age is central to building the skills pipeline for tomorrow’s economy and events like the Royal Dublin Society's (RDS) Primary Science Fair are an invaluable investment in the next generation and in Northern Ireland’s future competitiveness - that's the message from the Northern Ireland organisations who are supporting the inaugural Fair.
Overall, 40 primary schools from across Northern Ireland will participate in the RDS Primary Science Fair at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on June 9. The Fair is a showcase of STEM projects by Key Stage 2 Years 4 to 6 and has been developed and managed by the RDS in Ireland for the past eight years. This will be the first time that Northern Ireland has hosted the Fair.
The Fair will see hundreds of school children exhibit classroom projects on a diverse range of topics, such as:
This year's Fair is supported by The Irish American Partnership, Belfast City Council and Devenish.
Headquartered in Belfast, Devenish delivers innovative nutritional products and solutions for the feed industry, the food industry and for human health. Owen Brennan, Executive Chairman of Devenish, said:"Devenish is pleased to invest in the next generation of industry leaders. Providing an opportunity for students to engage in STEM subjects in an interactive and engaging way is pivotal."
Former head of the NI Civil Service, and Director of The Irish American Partnership, Sir Bruce Robinson says the RDS Primary Science Fair coming to Belfast "presents a great opportunity to set the next generation on the path towards a STEM career".
He added: "International studies have shown that primary-aged students are more open to engaging with STEM subjects than they are in later school years. The Fair is designed with primary school-age children in mind and to provide them with an entertaining, engaging and interactive learning experience. We're looking forward to bringing the Fair to Belfast which will support the curriculum in Northern Ireland."
Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Mary Ellen Campbell, said: "Belfast City Council is delighted to support this event. Young people are our future leaders and we must ensure that they have the right skills base to prosper while also growing the local economy. By getting young people excited about science, they are developing many skills that will encourage them to consider pursuing a STEM career and the RDS Primary Science Fair is a great showcase for this."
The aim of the Fair is to equip students with science and maths skills, as well as soft skills such as increased confidence, better communication, social interaction and teamwork. It is fully managed by the RDS, is a non-competitive event and looks to engage the entire class in a science related project.
A video illustrating how RDS Primary Science Fair operates can be viewed at https://youtu.be/H4haCluK_fo
The Fair has been endorsed by CCEA.
Photo Caption:
Investing in the next generation: The inaugural RDS Primary Science Fair will be held in Belfast for the first time on June 9 in the Waterfront Hall. Pupils of St Oliver Plunkett's Primary School, Belfast, show off the experiment they will be exhibiting at the Fair entitled: "Feeling hot, hot, hot? What is the best material to insulate our home?" Pictured are: Sir Bruce Robinson of the Irish American Partnership, pupils Carla McCann and Sean McBurney, and Dr Vanessa Woods of Devenish.