Why take part in ESB Science Blast?

  • A free and fun-filled, interactive way to engage your entire class with STEM skills (we can’t emphasise the fun part enough!), as well as a massive confidence builder for every child in the class.
  • Measured improvement in Maths and Science, as well as oral and literacy skills.
  • Join us at one of our three nationwide Showcase events, where your class will be paired with an amazing STEM expert, who will talk to them about their investigation and give them positive feedback.
  • Every class gets a trophy!
  • We have amazing resources to help you along the way, such as ready-made Lesson plans and Worksheets, animated videos containing Top Tips for Your Investigation and ESB Science Blast TV. These will help you to guide your class through the steps of their investigation and if you are looking for new ideas and inspiration, look no further than past examples of previously submitted investigations!

Testimonials

Catherine Gallagher

It was a fabulous experience for the children to get the opportunity to meet and chat to so many people with a STEM background. For a small country school, that opportunity was invaluable. Exposing our children to the world of STEM leaves them with a sense of ambition that anything is possible.

Teacher, Clea PS, Keady, Co. Armagh

Marian Ní Ainle

Bhain na páistí agus mé féin mar mhúinteoir sár-taitneamh as Science Blast! D’fhoghlaim na páistí conas ceist eolaíochta a chumadh agus a fhiosrú ag baint as creatlach a tugadh dúinn ó eagraithe Science Blast.
Bheinn ag moladh Science Blast go mór do mhúinteoirí. Is seans iontach é do pháistí eolaíocht a fhiosrú go praicticiúil chomh maith le taitneamh a bhaint as!

Muinteoir, Gaelscoil na gCloch Liath, Cill Mhantáin

Rachel Deegan

Ag tabhairt chomhairle Bleaist Eolaíochta fúinn, phioc ár rang ceist faoi cheannas na bpáistí. Mar mhúinteoir ní raibh a fhios agam céard a bheadh i gceist ina dhiaidh sin! Ach rinne an rang sár obair ag déanamh imscrúdaithe agus taighde ar thopaic ina bhíodar an tógtha leis. Bhí ríméad orthu buaileadh leis an moltóir Jerry agus ár dtorthaí a phlé leis. Bhaineamar an taitneamh as Bleaist Eolaíochta i mbliana. Go raibh míle, míle maith agaibh go léir!

Gaelscoil na Fuinseoige, Baile an Teampaill, BÁC 14

Maggie Etherson

I watched my class grow in confidence throughout the process and leading up to the event. It was a great feeling, as a teacher, to stand back and watch them proudly explain their methods to the judges, other students and the public. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for both my students and myself.

Teacher, Griffeen Valley ETNS, Lucan, Co. Dublin

Eilish Murray

We loved the experience of taking part in ESB Science Blast for the first time and we have already decided that we will definitely take part again next year!

Grange NS, Fermoy, Co. Cork

Sarah Whelan

I felt the pupils took ownership of the projects. The zoom meetings and working on their presentations for judges were great to build confidence and great experience for secondary school.

Ballyneale NS, Carrickonsuir, Co. Tipperary

Eva Ní Mháirtín

Míle buíochas le muintir an Bhleaist Eolaíochta as eispéireas iontach eile i mbliana do pháistí Scoil Lorcáin. Bhí an-lá go deo againn leis an bhfoireann ón 'Roadshow'. D'eagraigh Rang 6 'Féile Eolaíochta' le rith go comhcéimneach leis an gcuairt sin agus d'éirigh le gach páiste sa scoil páirt gníomhach a ghlacadh ag an bhféile thar dhá lá. Táimid uilig spíonta ach an-bhródúil as na páistí go léir. Míle buíochas arís táimid ag súil leis an mbliain seo chugainn.

Scoil Lorcáin, Baile na Manach

Niall West

It was brilliant to teach the students STEM and science in the real world rather than on a whiteboard! My class group is Multigrade, which can make some programmes difficult to do, but ESB Science Blast was perfect for all ages and abilities.

Church Street NS, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick

Éanna Ó Muiré

Deis iontach a bhí sa Bhleaist Eolaíochta an obair a bhí déanta ag na páistí sa rang a chur ar taispeáint, maraon le páistí eile ó fud fad na tíre. Bhí sé iontach freisin aischothú a fháil ó na moltóirí. Mholfainn go mór páirt a glacadh ann!

Muinteoir, Gaelscoil Eiscir Riada, Co. Átha Cliath

Anita Keeve

We had an amazing day yesterday and one that will promote science in our school for a long time to come. I want to pass on my sincere thanks to all involved. The children in our school had so much fun.

St. Eunan’s NS, Raphoe, Co. Donegal

Carmel Barry Murphy

The class had a wonderful time in Limerick - they learned and experienced so much. I'm sure they will have memories to last a lifetime – memories of the teamwork, the cooperation, the satisfaction at the completion of the project work and the encouragement

Teacher, Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Cork City

21st Century Skills

Every primary school on the island of Ireland is encouraged to think, wonder, investigate, create, design, explore and learn new skills. Working on investigations and presenting their findings to a STEM judge/ móltóir helps children to develop the core skills of collaboration, creativity, communication and creative thinking.

It's about the journey

We can’t emphasise enough that it is the learning journey and not the destination that counts. There is no right answer! Participation gives your class the opportunity to look around them, ask a question and work as a team to investigate a question that interests them. The judging is non-competitive. Our STEM ‘judges’ are looking to give positive encouragement and communicate their enthusiasm for STEM.

Previous Events

  • Dublin
  • Belfast
  • Limerick

Why the RDS?

Since 1731 the mission of the RDS has been to contribute to the cultural and economic development of Ireland. Working in science education is just one way in which it fulfills this mission. ESB Science Blast has been developed by the RDS and continues to be operated by it on a not-for-profit basis across all three venues, including at its own venue in Dublin. The RDS views this education programme as a long-term investment in the future success of Ireland.

As well as science, the RDS also works on a not-for-profit basis in the areas of agriculture, the arts, equestrianism and enterprise. Each year it spends approximately €3 million through its work in these areas, fulfilling its mission.

Why ESB?

ESB is Ireland’s leading energy company established in 1927. Since its foundation, ESB has brought light and energy to communities in Ireland and beyond, helping them to reach their full potential. Today, ESB is leading the transition to a low carbon energy future, powered by clean electricity. This involves investing in low carbon and renewable generation, developing a smart network capable of supporting the further electrification of society and empowering customers to take more control over their energy use.

ESB’s Generation Tomorrow programme will see the company invest €7.5m over the next five years to support the work of a number of partners including ESB Science Blast. The Generation Tomorrow programme aims to help young people develop scientific literacy and critical thinking skills through programmes that encourage curiosity and discovery, helping them not only to become creative and innovative problem solvers, but also active and engaged citizens, capable of making informed choices to tackle climate change and other global challenges

Ready to blast off?

Register and get involved today!

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