Library service hosts first science festival
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS LIFTS THE LID ON SCIENCE FOR ALL AGES
LOUTH Libraries’ inaugural Science Festival is in full steam with a host of events to suit all ages.
Organised with funding from Science Foundation Ireland (SFI), the Festival aims at increasing interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths) subjects.
An ambitious programme of events is taking place in the main branch libraries in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee with outreach events in schools in Carlingford and Dunleer.
The library service has put together a really exciting event schedule in co-operation with scientists and researchers from DkIT,the Crann Institute, iCrag and Adapt Centre in Dublin, as well as input from local industries.
Teenagers and their parents are welcome to attend a timely talk today (Tuesday) at 1.30pm entitled ‘HPV; The Whole Story, Warts & All: A talk on HPV’ by scientist, lecturer and researcher Dr. Sinead Loughran from the School of Health and Science at DKIT covering the significance of HPV as a cause of cancer, how the HPV vaccine protects against HPV and the facts about the safety of the vaccine being used in Irish schools.
The fascinating science behind Mandala Art will be explored in a two hour workshop this evening at 6pm. Mandala art is the ultimate cross over between art, mathematics and science and touches on concepts ranging from Vedic mathematics, geometry, astronomy, art history, philosophy and much more. Local business The Great Northern Larder will talk about the science of food preservation, including fermentation & vinegars on Thursday at 11.00am.
While almost everyone has a smart phone these days, not everyone is getting the most out of these mini computers. Find out how to use them to their maximum potential at a two day course on Thursday and Friday afternoons at 2.30pm. This course will be repeated the following week.
Young people wondering about what career they should choose have a couple of workshops. The first by Teagasc on Wednesday afternoon at 2pm looks at the opportunities for farming.
A Day in the Life of a STEM Professional on Thursday at 6pm comprises a panel discussion with STEM professionals to showcase different STEM careers, answer questions and put a spotlight on the STEM career environment and the opportunities available, in a world increasingly shaped by science & technology.
Once Upon a Star is a science themed morning of stories and art activities for the very young on Saturday at 11.30am
The festival continues next week with an important workshop for parents, The Science of Cyberbullying on Tuesday November 13 at 6pm. Delivered by Barnardos, this workshop covers a range of topics including popular apps, internet safety the signs to watch out for that indicate a child is experiencing cyberbullying.
expert beekeeper Eoghan Mac Giolla Coda presents ‘Bee Wise’ an informative workshop on the honey bee and everyday uses for honey on Thursday November 15 at 11.00am. The Science of your Smart Device: Get the most of your smart phone in this two day course on November 15th & 16th at 2.30pm as part of Louth Science Festival. Booking is essential.
Children are invited to use Scratch, a fun programme language which introduces them to the world of computer coding in a workshop led by Joan McCann from {The_Code_Lab} on Saturday November 17th at 2pm.. Participants will learn how to create their own animation or game on Saturday November 17th at 2.00pm as part of Louth Science Festival.
All the above events take place in Dundalk library. While they are free of charge, booking is essential. Phone Dundalk library at 9353190 to reserve a place.