Schools in Offaly get curious at the ESB Science Blast Dublin

Six Offaly primary schools displayed projects at the ESB Science Blast at RDS Simmonscourt in Dublin.

Primary school students from Scoil Bhride, Edenderry, Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada, Tullamore, Gaelscoil na Laochra, Birr, Scoil Skinchill, Killeigh, Ballinagar NS, and St Patrick's NS, Clonbullogue were among those to display over 400 projects at the event.

Delivered by the RDS Foundation, ESB Science Blast is a STEM-focused educational programme involving whole classes investigating the science behind simple questions.

The Dublin event took place over four days and included a specific day for Gaelscoils.

Pupils from each class participating showcased an experiment and discussed their investigation with a STEM expert. The judging was non-competitive and aimed at growing pupils' interest and passion for STEM. Now in its fifth year, over 35,000 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland, and one of the largest programmes of its kind in Europe.

The investigations by students from Offaly included: Scoil Bhríde Edenderry: How do wind turbines create energy? Why does baking soda erupt when it is mixed with vinegar? How far will it fly? - Does the way you make a paper aeroplane affect its performance? Which laundry detergent works the best?

St. Patrick's NS: Do oil and water ever mix?

Scoil Shinchill Killeigh: Why does the moon appear during the day?

Ballinagar NS: Does eating affect your productivity levels? Does food colouring affect the taste of foods and drinks?

Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada, Tullamore: An féidir cumhacht a ghinniuint as rothaíocht ague an cumhacht sin a usáid chun solas a lasadh nú inneall beag a rith

Gaelscoil na Laochra, Birr: Cén chaoi a snámhann bád faoi thoinn?