Outreach
SCIENCE FOR SCHOOLS
Science for Schools’ is a series of lectures developed by the Nanoscale Function Group (NFG) to promote science at primary school level. We regularly visit primary schools throughout the year and always have an overwhelmingly positive response to our visits. We feel it is imperative to target children at primary level, so that by the time they reach secondary school, they will have developed a keen interest in the inspiring world of science.
There are three main lectures/demonstrations targeted for specific age groups in the primary cycle.
1. Me and my senses - This lecture is aimed at smaller children (5-7 years old), introducing them to the concepts of working scientifically by guessing the identity of a series of objects using sensory clues.
2. Fun with a microscope - This demonstration is aimed at the age group from 7-10 years old, here, children get a hands-on experience, preparing and examining simple slides and learning basic microscopy techniques.
3. It’s a small, small world - This lecture is aimed at older children (10-12 years old) and expands on the principles of microscopy, aiming to encourage a better comprehension of size, scale, materials and their role in the world around us. We also take time to discuss the concepts of nanotchnology and nanoscience and their role in modern society.
Outreach Mission
We have put together a series of lectures with tangible demonstration elements to give primary school children a real feel for science. We are committed to always having a diverse team involved in our outreach activities, with a good gender balance and a wide cross-section of ages and nationalities. We endeavour to act as positive role models and to actively support and encourage schoolchildren to study science. By working with pupils from 5 to 12 years, we can potentially ignite and foster their interest in science during their formative years as well as influence and direct their subject choice towards science as they enter secondary school.
Recent News
In 2009, we were able to expand out outreach programme by securing additional funding from external sources. In July 2009, Dr. Liz Tully was the recipient of an RDS Science Live bursary and subsequently secured additional funding for outreach from the UCD seed fund in August 2009.
Recent Outreach Activities / School Visits
- Cullmullen N. S., Drumree, Co. Meath - 60 pupils (10-12 year olds) - Mar 2009
- Harolds Cross N.S., Dublin 6 - 200 pupils (8-12 year olds) - Apr 2009
- Hedgestown N.S., Co. Dublin, 100 pupils (6-12 year olds) - Apr 2009
- Monkstown Educate Together, Dun Laoghaire - 50 pupils (4-6 year olds) - Oct 2009
- Lusk N.S., Chapel Road, Lusk, Co. Dublin - 60 pupils (10-12 year olds) - Nov 2009
- RDS Science Live Lecture, RDS – 200 pupils (10-12 year olds.) - Nov 10th 2009
- Willow Park Primary School, Blackrock - 100 pupils (5-8 year olds) - Nov 2009
- St. Clare’s N.S., Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W - 160 pupils (6-10 year olds) - Dec 2009
- St Patrick's N.S., Diswellstown, Castleknock - 50 pupils (8-12 year olds) - Jan 2010
- BT Young Scientist Exhibition - Jan 16th 2010
- Holy Rosary Primary School, Tallaght, Co. Dublin - 60 pupils (8-10 year olds) - Feb 2010
- UCD Science Shadowing Day for Secondary School Students - 3rd Feb 2010
- Hedgestown N.S. Co. Dublin, 35 pupils (8-10 year olds) - Mar 2010
- Corduff N.S., Co. Dublin - Mar 2010
For further information or to arrange a school visit, please contact Bart Lukasz
Outreach Gallery
Primary and secondary school students with Dr. Liz Tully of the Nanoscale Function Group, at the BT Young Scientist Expo in the RDS on January 16th
Transition Year Student Placement Opportunities
As part of our Outreach Programme, we are happy to provide work experience opportunities for transition year students who are particularly interested in the sciences. Click here to contact us.
Interested in finding out about what we do ?
Members of our research team are willing to travel out to your school or event to give a talk.
Click here to contact us.