The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Science festival opens the door to a world of wonder
ROBOTICS, rockets and the science behind bubbles were among the wonders explored by over 2,500 people of all ages at the inaugural IT Tralee Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) showcase held on Saturday at the college’s North Campus.
The family-centered event offered a variety of workshops for children and, aside from the rigours of science, the Fanzini Brothers put on a circus performance, there was face painting too and bouncy castles to make it a fun-filled family day.
The showcase also hosted the first ever all-girls ‘hackathon’ event, at which transition year students were taught creative computer coding to help promote careers in the digital technology sector.
One of the highlights of the day focused on industry panel discussions in which companies involved in agriculture and manufacturing engineering and the ICT sector outlined the career prospects in these sectors. This interactive session was facilitated by broadcaster and lecturer by Dr. Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin.
Companies who participated in this event included: Liebherr, Dairymaster, BorgWarner, Southern Scientific, Aspen Grove Solutions, JRI America, the National Space Centre and FEXCO.
Kerry based STEM businesses were also given the opportunity to encourage young people into the industry, by exhibiting and demonstrating how their organisations contribute to the STEM sector and the career options they offer.
Brid McElligott, Vice President for Research and Development at IT Tralee, thanked Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) for their support of the festival, which, along with contributions from the IT Tralee, Kerry County Council and JRI America, ensured a fun-filled, educational and enjoyable day was had by all.