Education

Local schools recognised for STEM innovation

Written by Roscommon People Reporter on

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‘How different soil type and pH affect plant growth School’ was the question asked by students Kyle Leonard, Edel Greene, Maddison Keogh, and Sarah Staunton, of Scoil Náiaiúnta Naomh Ceitheach Runnamoat, County Roscommon.

 

For two days recently, Ballinamore became the centre of STEM innovation in the West of Ireland as STEMtacular powered by Analog Devices brought together over 1,000 students for a national-scale celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Students from St Michael’s School, Castlerea, presented their projects ‘Microscope Experiment: Pond Water’ and ‘Bottle Water Fountain Experiment’ at the recent event. Pictured are students Mariah Maughan, Keelan Coyne, James Burbridge, Thomas Adcock, and Rachel Moran.

The event welcomed schools from 11 counties and showcased more than 200 student projects. The local community hall was transformed into a vibrant regional STEM hub, filled with ideas, experimentation and confident young presenters proudly sharing their work.

‘The Magic of Breathing… Breathe, Learn, Play!’ was the theme of the project presented by Ballinlough National School students Zoi Dragomir, Emi Hane, Kaycee Dunne, and Aryawen Duker.

Local schools achieved strong success, with Strabraggan NS winning the Leitrim Enterprise Sustainability Award, St Michael’s in Castlerea coming first for the Manna Aero Special Schools Award, and Ballinlough NS coming in joint third, Rooskey NS winning the FutureCast Research Project Award, Clooneyquinn NS coming second for the Met Éireann Intermediate Award and winning the Scifest Communication Award, and Clonown NS coming third for the AbbVie Senior Category.

‘How do boats float?’ was the question explored by Clonown NS students Lily Macken, Scarlett Yu, and Kyra Meade.

Students explored real-world challenges across renewable energy, biodiversity, engineering, agriculture, health, climate science and technology.

The awards saw Taunagh NS in Sligo receive the Analog Devices Best Overall Project Award, while Annaduff NS in Leitrim was named Best Overall School. Convent of Mercy, Belturbet won the Analog Devices Best Overall Project Award and Ardvarney NS in Leitrim-Roscommon region was awarded Best Overall School.

‘Which Fruit or Veg is the Best Conductor of Electricity?’ was the question posed by Rooskey NS students Danny Overgaard, Matthew McCormack, Matthew Hanley, and Kaeton Moten.