A fire breathing dragon, jugglers, model aircrafts, liquid nitrogen and skeletal bones from the past, all harmoniously blended together at IT Sligo’s annual Science Fair on Sunday, for what has undoubtedly become the biggest, free fun day out for families in the North West. Magic and electronics merged with birds of prey to conjure up a ‘Harry Potter’ type experience, but with an important scientific backdrop.
No threats of inclement weather could keep the crowds away from the spectacular annual event that resonates fun, frolics and excitement for all ages.
Now in its 11th year, visitors were entertained throughout the day at Sligo IT with a vast array of interactive shows, presentations and demonstrations running throughout the afternoon. The sheer diversity on offer was palpable as a buzz of anticipation followed the groups making their way around the campus. Primary school students showed off their own science experiments with great dexterity and knowledge.
Other children got hands on experience on everything from a road traffic speed detector, to mountain rescue equipment and CPR, while older teenagers learned how an Irish-made bomb disposal robot used by the Defence Forces was helping save lives.
There was a marine rock pool and a mobile planetarium to learn all about the night sky. Tucked into another corner were archaeology students bringing dead bones to life with tales of Neolithic man and treasure troves.
Sandra Boyers, Science co-ordinator at Carbury NS on the Mall, said the day was unique: “It’s unique and crucial as children are not just learning from books. They are using materials and will have more of an idea of what science is when they get to secondary school. It is also so nice to get them out of the school, meeting and talking to different people.”
Mairead McTernan, from Scoil Naomh Éanna, Carraroe was equally enthused: “The way science is going, you have to get the interest going at primary level. Days like this are crucial in their development.”
Summing up the day IT Sligo President, Professor Terri Scott said: “It’s an important day for the whole region because the college is open all afternoon for families to come and experience some of the expertise we have on offer. It shows science and technology in everything we do, from archaeology and physics, to computer programming. We were delighted with the turnout. This year was one of the biggest fairs ever, and there really is something here to appeal to everyone. There is a tremendous group of staff involved in this and I am also thrilled to see so many student volunteers. Next year will be even better!”
There will be a host of free, exciting lectures and presentations throughout the week at IT Sligo as part of Science Week. All lectures will be broadcast live on the internet.
SCIENCE WEEK LECTURES
Click here to view live stream of events
Monday, 7.30pm – Have Human Populations Been Affected by Impacts from Space – Professor Mike Baillie, Department of Paleoecology, Queens University Belfast.
Tuesday, 7.30pm – From Cancer to Dirty Bombs: Research on DNA Repair – Dr Ciaran Morrison, Department of Biochemistry, NUI Galway
Wednesday
6pm – 7pm – Archaeology Roadshow – Bringing unknown objects for archaeological analysis to the panel. Shirley Markley, IT Sligo
7.30 pm – Sailing through the Past – Sligo’s Marine Archaeological Heritage – Auriel Robinson, Department of the Environment
8.15 pm – Ireland’s Caves: Exciting Archaeological Discoveries over the Last 100 years – Dr Marion Dowd, IT Sligo.
Thursday
7.30pm – Are we alone? The Hunt for Extraterrestrial Intelligence – Professor Ian Morison, Gresham Professor of Astronomy & Member of Project Phoenix – The Search for Extraterrestrial Life.
8pm – Mountains in the Sea: A year on Tristan Da Cunha – Brad Robson, Fermanagh Area Manager, Royal Society for Protection of Birds.
Fourth year Applied Archaeology student Charles Clarke has a riveted audience, young and old, as he conjures up the lives of our ancestors at the annual IT Sligo Science Fair on Sunday.
Exciting scenes at the presentation from Sue McGrath’s ‘Disgusting Digestion’ presentation.
Students from 4th class at Carbury NS in Sligo Town celebrate the 11th Annual Science Fair at IT Sligo . Also in in the photo are, from left to right, Margaret Mulrooney, Technical Officer and organiser of Science Week IT Sligo; Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo; Marese Mc Gee, Lecturer at IT Sligo and organiser of Science Week IT Sligo; and Dr Jeremy Bird, Head of Science at IT Sligo.