Twenty-six sixth class pupils from Scoil Iosagáin in Limerick were excited to be some of the first students in the country to be introduced to science through practical and engaging lessons as part of the online version of the Gas Networks Ireland Energize programme.
Given the current Covid-19 related restrictions, JA are marking 10 years in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland and running the successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education programme, Energize, as a blended learning programme for the first time.
Comprising five modules spanning the fundamentals of science, the programme highlights the value of STEM to young people in their everyday lives in a fun and interactive way, promoting a positive attitude to science.
Since 2018, over 13,000 sixth class students across Ireland have participated in Energize, which is traditionally delivered in classrooms by volunteers from member organisations such as Gas Networks Ireland.
Mr Eoin Crowley, sixth class teacher at Scoil Iosagáin, said: “The pupils were delighted with the online Energize programme; their feedback was very positive. We are delighted to be participating in this very worthwhile project as it’s such a great opportunity for our pupils.
“Bringing science to life in a fun and interactive way is a wonderful introduction to STEM subjects and is essential for children to help develop their curiosity and wonder about how the world works. The Energize programme really supports the curriculum and makes science enjoyable and interesting for my class. Having scientists and engineers from Gas Networks Ireland deliver the programme has certainly promoted a positive attitude and helped inspire my pupils who I hope are Limerick’s engineers and scientists of the future.”
Gas Networks Ireland’s partnership with JA supports numerous STEM education initiatives for students across the country.
Over the past 10 years, 350 Gas Networks Ireland staff have volunteered to facilitate and deliver JA programmes to over 25,000 primary students nationwide. These initiatives include ‘Energize’, ‘Our Universe’ and ‘Science Forward’, which are all designed to cultivate an interest in STEM and encourage pupils to study STEM subjects in second and third level education.