ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, the STEM-focused education programme for primary school children, which encourages critical thinking and collaboration, has announced a series of live events for 2023 at its launch on 12 December.

ESB Science Blast will take place in Dublin in RDS Simmonscourt for three days from 28 February, with a lá speisialta do Ghaelscoileanna agus do scoileanna Ghaeltachta taking place on 2ú Márta 2023.

Teachers of third to sixth class pupils are invited to submit their applications before the 13 January deadline.

ESB Science Blast is supported by the Department of Education. It encourages children’s natural curiosity, asking them to investigate the science behind a simple question using essential 21st century skills.

ESB Science Blast will also take place in Belfast (25 April) and Limerick (23-25 May) in 2023.

Creating an impact

ESB Science Blast is a non-competitive educational programme for primary schools that involves the whole class investigating the science behind a simple question.

Classes will then showcase their work at one of the three national events. Each class will be paired with a STEM expert who will guide the class in their investigation and share positive feedback.

Now in its fifth year, over 30,000 children have participated in ESB Science Blast to date, making it the largest primary school programme on the island of Ireland.

Key findings of teacher survey

In May of this year, the RDS conducted a survey of over 200 teachers who participated in the blast, with the following results:

  • 93% of teachers who participated in ESB Science Blast said that their students are more likely to have a positive association with science as a result of the programme.
  • 95% of teachers agree that participating in ESB Science Blast developed their students' communication and collaboration skills.
  • 97% of teachers agree that participating in ESB Science Blast enhanced the SESE and/or maths curriculum in their classroom.
  • 83% of teachers agreed ESB Science Blast gave them new ideas on how to teach STEM in the classroom.

    • Launch

    RDS chief executive Geraldine Ruane said: “The RDS is once again delighted to be bringing ESB Science Blast, Ireland’s largest STEM Programme, to primary schools in all 32 counties on the island of Ireland.

    "These live events will take place in Dublin, Belfast and Limerick, and will see over 13,000 school children showcase their wonderful STEM projects.

    "ESB Science Blast, a core programme with the RDS Foundation, is a brilliant avenue to introduce children, at an early stage in their education, to the fun and excitement that learning through STEM can bring.

    "While we are building the ESB Science Blast programme on the success of the last four years, we are really building upon a much deeper engagement in science education by the RDS, one that goes back nearly 300 years. Our investment in this education programme is a long-term investment in the future of Irish society.”

    Speaking about the launch, Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said: “ESB Science Blast is a fantastic opportunity for primary school children to engage in STEM in a fun, non-competitive way and then to have the opportunity to showcase their work and share their passion for STEM with other children and adults from across the country.

    "I commend the RDS for their continued commitment to this inspiring programme that nurtures, promotes and enhances STEM education and I look forward to seeing the creativity and innovation of all the children involved.”

    ESB chief executive Paddy Hayes added: “ESB Science Blast is a fantastic STEM learning programme. ESB is proud to work with the RDS in bringing science blast to schools in communities across Ireland each year.

    "By encouraging their own innate curiosity and creativity, ESB Science Blast helps children develop key skills like critical thinking and problem solving.

    "I look forward to seeing the energy, the excitement and the celebration of curiosity when the in-person ESB Science Blast returns in 2023.”

    For more information on how your school can get involved, visit https://www.esbscienceblast.com/.