ESB Science Blast Takes Off as Parents of Primary School Kids See Science as Key to Their Future

Research conducted on behalf of the RDS reveals most parents of primary school students want to see an increased focus on science education, as they believe it will give their children an advantage in their future careers and be beneficial for society.

This research was commissioned to coincide with the inaugural ESB Science Blast Dublin event and conducted by iReach amongst 500 parents. Developed and delivered by the RDS, ESB Science Blast Dublin will host over 6,000 primary school students from more than 250 schools over two days. It will be followed later this year by showcase events in Limerick and Belfast which will see over 5,000 students participating. ESB Science Blast nurtures STEM skills (Science, Maths, Engineering & Maths) through entire primary school classes investigating a simple question about the world around them. It is a great way to learn science in a fun, non-competitive and hands-on method, that has many proven benefits.

Scientific Advances and Advantages

The research shows that 96% of parents identified the growing need for their children to learn life skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication. As a result, over half (57% of parents) saw science as the third most important subject after Maths and English in delivering these life skills.

In fact, the research showed parents understand the critical role of science today. 83% of parents believe a good understanding of science is needed to live and work today. The majority (82%) also believe basic science education will give their kids an advantage in life. A large proportion of parents (64%) talk with their children about science subjects and activities in their school.

When it comes to their children’s future, the majority of parents (86%) of parents are very open to their child pursuing science as a career. Over three-quarters of parents see good career opportunities for their children, if they learn about science.

Participating in the ESB Science Blast encourages students to engage with the Four Cs of STEM education: Critical thinking, Creativity, Collaboration and Communication, each an essential part of their investigation. All of the 256 schools will display the findings to their chosen investigations at RDS Simmonscourt. Some of the questions that the students have been investigating this year are: Why is the sky blue? How much weight can spaghetti hold? Why do things smell? Why is water clear? How do we stop onions making us cry? How do magnets work? Is chocolate good for you? Why do your fingers go wrinkly in water?

“The skills that the students gain from working on their investigations are essential science skills, but also vital life skills,” says Michael Duffy, RDS. “Such skills are increasingly recognised as desirable in workplaces all over the world.’

‘The RDS has been cultivating interest in science and helping to develop science skills in Ireland for generations. We know that a positive interaction with science at a young age can make a vital difference to later education choices. We hope that all participants enjoy exploring the amazing possibilities of science through their investigation, but that for some of them this is the start of a life-long interest”.

ESB is the title sponsor of the event across all three venues. Chief Executive, Pat O’Doherty commented on their involvement: “ESB is committed to supporting STEAM education and learning as a way of empowering young people to fulfil their potential and encouraging them to positively engage with the issues and challenges facing society. ESB Science Blast taps into the innate curiosity and creativity of children to help them develop key 21st-century skills that will enable them to critically assess the world around them and become the problem solvers and influencers of the future”.

Alongside ESB as title sponsor, this initiative is partly funded by Science Foundation Ireland through the SFI Discover Programme, as well as a number of other partners.

The Limerick showcase event takes place on May 21-23 with only a few places left for interested schools. Deadline for Belfast participation remains open until April 3, with the showcase event taking place on June 5-6.