Clare Hurler Shane O’Donnell maybe famous in the Banner county for his All-Ireland performance, but the hurler was passing something different recently when he launch the Science Forward Programme for sixth class students across the country.
The new programme is aimed at giving over 2,000 sixth class students across Ireland the chance to experience what a science is like and what opportunities it can lead to. Bord Gais Networks has also partnered with Junior Achievement Ireland to run the programme.
Shane O’Donnell is no stranger when it comes to experimenting with science, as the Clare man is currently studying in Genetics at University College Cork. “Science is my passion. It opens up so many doors but it’s vital we get parents and pupils to understand the importance of sticking with it.” says O’Donnell. “I’m just delighted to get stuck in with the kids and offer them a taste of what they would miss out on if they don’t select it as a secondary school subject and indeed continue with it” he added.
The 2013/14 Science Forward Programme launches in Trinity College Dublin and continues to May 2014 at third level institutes in Dublin, Limerick, Cavan, Galway, Waterford, Cork, Carlow, Sligo and Athlone.
The Science Forward Scheme is run by volunteers, who teach the way science impacts on our daily routines. Students get to learn how the brain functions, the dangers of carbon monoxide and identifying fingerprints are amongst the features of the experimental and workshop elements of the programme.
It is set to be rolled out across 80 primary schools over the course of the next seven months.
RobMoro 