Tipperary students celebrate the fun of National Science Week

A wide range of activities took place for South East Science Festival in schools throughout Tipperary which was held as part of National Science Week.

The festival was organised by Calmast, the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) Engagement Centre at the South East Technological University (SETU).
Activities ran from November 9 to November 18 with support Science Foundation Ireland and local STEM companies Abbott and MSD and local libraries.

Events for the South East Science Festival in Clonmel included Dave’s Jungle who brought his exotic animals to Gaelscoil Chluain Meala.

CIRCUS
Dave enthralled the students with a journey of discovery through the reptile and arachnid world where they gained knowledge of how these creatures, see, hear, and hunt in their natural habitat.
Students got to touch and hold some of the animals. Dave also gave students ideas on how they can do their bit for conservation.

Dr Ken Farquhar introduced over 700 primary and secondary school pupils to the science of the circus with 3 shows kindly hosted by the Presentation Secondary School in their hall.
The show combined entertainment and science through juggling and unicycling for the fabulous circus themed show.
He also presented a free family show at Clonmel Library.

LEGO
UK presenter Caroline Ainslie brought her Bubbly Science show to St Oliver’s in Clonmel while other events in Clonmel and Carrick On Suir Libraries included the ultimate LEGO building workshops with Bricks 4 Kidz and also introduced primary and secondary school pupils to coding through fun hands-on activities.

Both teachers and students were excited to have visitors back in the classrooms.
Online events included with Wild about Wildlife with Explorers Education Programme from the Marine Institute, South East Science school quiz and a virtual reality field trip of the Copper Coast Geopark.
Pupils from Presentation Schools, St Oliver’s, Powerstown, Gaelscoil Chluain Meala, St Mary’s Parochial, Sisters of Charity, St Mary’s CBS, Scoil Cormac Cashel, High School CBS, St Peter and Paul’s, Presentation Ballingarry took part in the festival.