The title of Cork Primary Science Quiz Champion was decided on Tuesday November 21st with 180 school children from 60 Cork primary schools competed in a special event to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
The announcement of Cloghroe NS pupils Nessa O’ Shea, Alex O’ Keefe and Ciara Galvin as the overall winners was met with rapturous applause as weeks of preparation and practice bore fruit during eight rounds of tough questions and challenges. The initiative is organised by Cork City Council with support from the Royal Society of Chemistry and the School of Chemistry at UCC.
Speaking at the science quiz, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Kenneth O'Flynn commented “The hard work by the all the children participating and the important role of parents and teachers in the lead up to the event must be acknowledged and it looks like our future is in good hands”. On the importance of STEM Cllr. Flynn said “there has never been a better time to study science as there are a wide range of interesting and rewarding opportunities in this industry with many more exciting roles to emerge in the coming years"
Commenting on the success of the primary science quiz, Ellen Murphy, Executive Scientist and Environmental Awareness Officer with Cork City Council commented, “Events such as these are a fantastic way to engage young children in science subjects in a challenging but fun way. The standard and breadth of knowledge was extremely high, as always” she added “the benefits of early intervention in promoting science, technology, engineering and math’s are long term investments which will secure our future capacity to maintain existing industry and attract new investment to the region. Also, these are the subjects that will help us take Climate Action now and in the future”.
Lifetime Lab is the education element of Old Cork Waterworks Experience on Lee Road and engages close to 15,000 primary school children each year across a wide range of hands-on primary science and maths workshops. The Victorian buildings hosts a dedicated STEM classroom, Visitor Centre with interactive environmental exhibits, steam engine and boiler houses, coffee dock, a picnic area and is fully wheelchair accessible.
For further information, please contact Lifetime Lab at: 021-4941500 or view the website www.lifetimelab.ie