Primary schools across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to sign up now for ESB Science Blast, with the submission deadline fast approaching on Friday 13 March. Participating schools will be invited to showcase their projects at the Belfast event taking place on Tuesday 5 May at ICC Belfast.
ESB Science Blast is a free, non-competitive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programme delivered as part of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Science and Technology Programme, with ESB as title sponsor. Open to Key Stage 2 pupils, it encourages whole classes to explore the science behind a simple question -turning everyday curiosity into hands-on discovery. Particularly if you are a Primary 7 teacher, this is the perfect programme to finish your class’s Primary School experience.
From investigating forces and motion to exploring biodiversity in school grounds or testing how materials react, pupils are supported to think like scientists by asking questions, testing ideas and presenting their findings. The programme focuses on participation and encouragement rather than prizes or rankings – meaning there are no winners or losers, just learning and celebration.
Since launching in 2010 as the RDS Primary Science Fair and evolving into ESB Science Blast in 2019, the initiative has engaged more than 90,000 pupils.
Paul Kelly, CEO, RDS said “The RDS was founded almost 300 years ago with a mission to see Ireland thrive and there is no better way to drive that mission than by sparking curiosity in the next generation. 2026 will see us surpassing a significant milestone of 100,000 participants since the programme began. We are proud to provide the platform powering the critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will support innovation for decades to come”.
The Belfast Showcase on Tuesday 5 May at ICC Belfast will bring together schools from across Northern Ireland to celebrate their work in a vibrant, supportive environment that highlights creativity, teamwork and effort.
Paddy Hayes, ESB Chief Executive added “ESB Science Blast encourages students to ask questions about the world around them and to explore innovative possibilities. At ESB, we are proud to be partnering with the RDS on this unique programme, empowering young people to be curious, to think critically, and to interact positively with STEM – for future us!”
Schools across Northern Ireland are invited to get involved now. To register your class project before the Friday 13 March deadline, visit www.esbscienceblast.com
