Gas Networks Ireland Launches Our Universe Promoting Science in Primary Schools
Across the country, over 5,000 primary school students will participate in Gas Networks Ireland’s new science education programme, Our Universe. Exploding the myth that science is difficult Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), introduces science through practical and engaging classroom-based lessons. Our Universe encourages primary school students to continue with science as they transition to second level. Each year, 200 volunteers from organisations around the country will be recruited, trained and supported by JAI to facilitate the in-classroom programme, which is an integral part of Gas Networks Ireland’s commitment to fostering students’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).
Our Universe is delivered across five modules spanning the fundamentals of science while highlighting its value to young people in their everyday lives. Promoting STEM to primary school students in a fun and interactive way is crucial in promoting a positive attitude to science. Launching Our Universe at Corpus Christi Primary School, Moyross, Limerick, Minister Jan O’Sullivan said “It is absolutely vital that we have adequate numbers of qualified science graduates if we are to continue to grow the STEM sector in Ireland. These are the graduates of 2025 and the Ireland of 2025 and beyond will increasingly depend on scientists, engineers and innovators. With the help of businesses like Gas Networks Ireland, we will ensure a sustainable supply of qualified personnel in the STEM sector supporting Ireland’s economic growth and development. We will also give these students the widest possible range of options for their futures. Complementing the primary school science curriculum, programmes like Our Universe will enable our young people to explore STEM and encourage them to choose science subjects for the Leaving Cert and beyond.”
“Our Universe is a great programme to educate students in the areas of energy, physics, chemistry and biology. The lessons focus on areas that appeal to young people such as how the human skeleton works, how forensic science helps solve crime as well our own energy module. We hope that students and business volunteers alike enjoy the programme and that, in the long term, it will help to cultivate a greater number of STEM graduates and skilled professionals in the future” said Caroline O’Connor, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Gas Networks Ireland.
Schools and businesses interested in participating in Our Universe can contact Junior Achievement at info@jai.ie.
Pictured above:
Jan O’Sullivan, Minister for Education and Skills, pictured at the launch of Our Universe at Corpus Christi Primary School, Moyross, Limerick with James Quinn and Courtney Ryan.
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