Anyone with young kids in their life knows that children are the masters of mind-boggling questions. Why are sugary foods more appealing than healthier ones? Which household pet carries the most bacteria? And why do fish not get squashed at the bottom of the ocean?
These are just some of the head-scratchers explored by the young participants of ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS. This free, non-competitive educational programme for primary-school students aged 8-12 gets the whole class involved in investigating the science behind a simple question. They present their findings at one of three showcase events in Dublin, Belfast or Limerick, where each group is paired with an expert judge who shares positive feedback on their project.
While discovery and fun are the order of the day, participants develop creativity, collaboration and problem-solving abilities along the way – helping equip the next generation of innovators with the skills to address big societal challenges like climate change.
STEM a top priority for parents
For children taking part in ESB Science Blast, asking a simple question opens the door to a world of science and learning. At its core, the programme is about fostering interest and skills in a group of subjects known collectively as STEM: science, technology, engineering and maths. These areas are crucial in driving the innovations needed to solve the big-picture challenges facing society today. And in Ireland and beyond, STEM expertise is highly sought after – making investment in STEM education an investment in students’ future career prospects.
The importance of STEM education in shaping learning and career opportunities was highlighted in a survey conducted by Red C Research and released by ESB earlier this year. Three-quarters (74%) of those surveyed believe that a career in STEM offers good prospects; however, only 35% are familiar with the career opportunities offered by STEM. When it comes to the parents of children in primary school, support for STEM is strong: over half (54%) of surveyed parents actively encourage their children to develop their interests in the area, and 80% are happy to back their child taking part in STEM activities outside of the standard curriculum.
A little less than half (48%) of parents with primary school-aged children stated they are satisfied with the STEM learning opportunities in the classroom, with 1 in 7 (14%) ‘very satisfied’. Approximately 27% of parents with primary-school age kids indicate their children have opportunities for hands-on STEM activities in class.
ESB Science Blast provides a unique way for pupils to gain that hands-on experience, and to grow their confidence as they work together to answer a scientific question. Beyond the subject knowledge gained, it helps empower kids at this formative age to build the crucial 21st century skills of ‘the five C’s’: communication, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and curiosity.
Science Blast participants try out their skills with DIY wind turbines
Supporting STEM at primary-level
Since ESB became the title sponsor of Science Blast in 2019, over 70,000 pupils from across the island of Ireland have engaged with the programme and honed their STEM skills. Participation is free of charge, non-competitive and aims to address inequities in STEM education by ensuring equal access for all students, with a 50/50 gender participation and a core focus on DEIS schools and Gaelscoileanna participation.
The enquiry- and problem-based learning promoted and facilitated by ESB Science Blast is fundamental in education from an early stage. Focusing on STEM in primary school fosters an interest and skillset that build a strong foundation for success in these subjects at second- and third-level education. 98% of primary school teachers who participated in the 2023 edition of Science Blast reported that it “increased students’ confidence in STEM”, while 96% said that taking part “enhanced the science and maths curriculum in the classroom”.*
Fostering the skills to deliver net zero
By sponsoring Science Blast, ESB supports the creation of a diverse talent pool, opening young eyes to career opportunities in STEM – with 65% of participating pupils expressing a desire to pursue a future in the field. Taking part in the programme also encourages children to become engaged in the world around them, capable of making decisions to tackle global challenges like climate change. Given ESB’s ambition to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, investing in the next generation of STEM professionals will be vital to delivering that goal.
Following the first ESB Science Blast 2025 event in Dublin’s RDS on 3-6 March, the Limerick edition is on at University of Limerick on 20-22 May and the Belfast event will be held in ICC Belfast on 3 June.
Read more about ESB Science Blast here.
*Results from an external evaluation study conducted by RDS, based on responses from 240 teachers who participated in ESB Science Blast 2023 events.