The Department of STEM Education in Mary Immaculate College (MIC) has collaborated with the University of Limerick (UL), and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) to bring the Limerick Festival of Science 2024 to audiences across Limerick and Clare.
The festival will run in venues across Limerick city and county, as well as county Clare throughout the month of November. This year’s festival, following the national Science Week theme of ‘Regeneration’ will present a range of activities and experiences to celebrate the role of science and STEM in the lives of people in the Mid-West region. The Limerick Festival of Science is funded by Science Foundation Ireland and part of Ireland’s Science Week (10-17 November 2024).
This year, events organised by the STEM Department in MIC will take place across two weeks in November. Teaching Fellow in STEM Education, Mairead Ryan, who coordinates the Limerick Festival of Science in Mary Immaculate College said she is delighted to launch such a broad programme of events: “The participation of staff and students across the MIC community is much appreciated, as this has helped to develop the diversity of events for public engagement, as well as the variety of interactive workshops for primary school and secondary school pupils in the coming weeks”.
The Head of the Department of STEM Education, Prof. Aisling Leavy, added: “The success of the events this week are evidence of the close partnership between Mary Immaculate College and the broader community. Every year, it is a privilege to provide high quality STEM activities and experiences for adults and children onsite at MIC and in local primary schools. It is wonderful to see children exploring, reasoning and generally enjoying science and mathematics. This week would not be possible without the generosity and interest of our colleagues in the faculties of Arts and Education at MIC, the STEM Education faculty and our student teachers;their enthusiasm and initiative ensures that all children have positive experiences of themselves as STEM-learners.”
As part of the festival, a number interactive workshops and shows for primary schools as well as the general public will be hosted in venues throughout the city and county and extending into neighbouring county Clare, exploring science and engineering, women in STEM, wildlife and biodiversity and plenty more. Some highlights include The Creepy Crawlie Love/Hate Exhibition in the Hunt Museum, Limerick city, where visitors will learn about the fascinating world of bugs and their crucial roles in our biodiversity and daily lives, and Strong Women Science Show, a Circus show for school pupils ages 4 to 15, featuring women scientists turned circus performers.
Click here for more information and tickets to events.
Full list of events outlined below.
- Mon 11 Nov- CSI Workshops, live online workshops facilitated to six schools in the mid-west region.
- Tues 12 Nov- Creepy Crawlie Love/Hate Exhibition, for primary pupils hosted by the Hunt Museum, Limerick City.
- Tues 12 Nov- Science Storytime & Coding workshop, for primary pupils hosted by Kilmallock Library and members of the STEM Dept.
- Thurs 14 Nov-Strong Women Science, hosted by St Finnachtna's NS, Sixmilebridge, Co. Clare.
- Thurs 14 Nov- The Magical Science & Engineering Show, hosted by St Anne's Primary School, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick.
- Fri 15 Nov- Strong Women Science, hosted in conjunction with Ballyhoura Development in Friar’s Gate Theatre, Kilmallock. Co. Limerick.
- Fri 15 Nov- The Magical Science & Engineering Show, hosted by Our Lady’s Abbey, Adare, Co. Limerick.
- Fri 15 Nov – Brainteaser Bandits in Mary Immaculate College, facilitated by MIC undergraduate pre-service teachers and members of the STEM Dept.
- Fri 15 Nov-Animal Magic, presented by Rosie Campbell in Cappamore Library, Cappamore, Co. Limerick.
- Fri 15 Nov- Wildlife Exploration & Biodiversity workshop, facilitated by Lough Gur Lakeshore Park and Visitor Centre, Lough Gur, Bruff, Co. Limerick.
- Mon 11-Fri 15 Nov- The Regeneron Future Scientist Exhibition, in Craft Maker Space, Mary Immaculate College, facilitated by MIC Craft Maker Space Team.
On Thurs 14 Nov, Empathy Detectives: Living with Diabetes Workshop will take place in collaboration with Curam, the National Research Centre for Medical Devices, in Galway City Museum. First to transition year secondary school students are invited to participate in the Empathy Detectives workshops, an immersive educational experience aimed at improving awareness of and empathy for people living with chronic illnesses. This workshop focuses on challenging the myths and stereotypes surrounding diabetes in an engaging, interactive setting that promotes the patients' lived experience as a key element in developing medicines and devices that better meet the needs of people with chronic illnesses. By highlighting how having empathy for the patient's perspective, this workshop demonstrates how working in STEM can directly address many of the real-world difficulties people encounter throughout life.
In addition to the events for primary school children, many other events will be of interest to MIC staff, students, teachers and the public. These events are all free of charge and open to the public. Pre-service and In-service teachers may be interested in the following workshops:
- Wed 13 Nov at 9am- STEM & Climate Change Challenges organised by MIC STEM staff. Interactive workshop for preservice primary school teachers will explores various STEM activities to facilitate teachers’ STEM pedagogy skills in classrooms.
- Thurs 14 Nov at 4pm- The Science of Movement, organised by MIC staff collaborating across the LSRE, AEPE and STEM Depts. This interactive workshop for parents, teachers and student teachers will examine ways to integrate the PE, SPHE and STEM curricular areas.
On Fri 15 Nov at 11am, Kevin Wallace from New Leaf Urban Farmers will talk through his journey, place, methods and soil - Mixing old farming techniques with new and more efficient hand tools which enhance soil fertility and biology with minimum soil disturbance in Lough Gur Visitor Centre. Booking is essential.
Also, on the 15 Nov at 6pm, The Treaty City Brewery will present the Science of Beer in The Treaty City Brewery, Limerick. Learn about the brewing process, the chemistry behind different beer styles, and the history of this beloved beverage. Sample a variety of beers and discover how science plays a crucial role in creating the perfect brew. This interactive workshop is open to the public from 18 years +. Booking is essential.
On Sat 16 Nov, join the team at the Craft Maker Space for a family day filled with fun and excitement with Rosie Campbell and her Animal Magic Show. Get ready to experience the wonders of the animal kingdom up close and personal. From cute and cuddly critters to fascinating reptiles, this event is perfect for animal lovers. Booking is essential.
Join the team on Sat 16 Nov at 10am in Curraghchase Forest Park for the Biodiversity Trail, a fun and educational experience in nature Explore the park's diverse ecosystems and learn about the importance of biodiversity in our environment. Guides will lead you on a journey to discover the rich variety of plant and animal species that call this park home. Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of Curraghchase Forest Park. Booking is essential.
Finally, the STEM Department will partner with Limerick Sports Partnership (LSP), who aim to get Limerick active together with increasing participation in sport. The LSP will run numerous events across Science Week for the public. Join the LSP for a fun and interactive session on promoting inclusion in sports with Limerick Sports Partnership- Inclusion in Sport. This is a sensory-friendly session for neurodivergent children or those with additional needs on Tues 12 Nov at 4-5pm in Flying High Fitness, Ballysimon.
Get active with Limerick Sports Partnership for the over 55s. On Mon 11 Nov and Wed 13 Nov at 10am-10.45am come join the Limerick Sports Partnership for a fun-filled day of activities tailored for those over 55 years old in the People’s Park, Limerick. Get ready to meet new friends, challenge yourself, and most importantly, have a great time. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stay active and healthy while enjoying the company of others in your age group.
Finally, on Thurs 21 at 2pm, the festival will welcome Norma Kelly, for an exciting talk delving into the fascinating world of chocolate with chocolate tasting- An Introduction to the Science of Chocolate, in G10, the Foundation Building, MIC. Norma is the owner of Praline- Pastry and Chocolate Shop and a former Chocolate and Pastries lecturer! Discover the science behind everyone's favourite treat, from cocoa beans to delicious bars. Booking is essential.
