Balgaddy students explore the exciting world of science

By Ellen Sweeney

STUDENTS and families from Divine Mercy National School in Balgaddy were given the opportunity to explore the exciting world of science through a unique and innovative education programme.

The events coincided with National Science Week, which ran from November 13 to 20.

Hosted by the healthcare company Abbott, students ,together with their families and teachers, took part in the event at the Balgaddy school.

Fifteen volunteers from Abbott’s Medical Optics facility in Liffey Valley, shared their passion for science with the students and introduced them to the joy of scientific discovery through a range of hands-on experiments.

The programme aims to ignite the curiosity of the next generation.

Among the unique elements of the programme is the involvement of families – parents and children work together making fun discoveries with experiments.

According to Abbott, up to 95 per cent of parents participating in the science programme agree that it motivated them to seek other science education opportunities for their family.

Niall Scolard, Director of Customer Service, Abbott Medical Optics, Liffey Valley, said: “At Abbott, we share a passion for breakthrough invention, and through this programme we can share that passion with our local communities.

“We believe that by sparking the interest or young people early in life, we can provide a foundation for the next generation of scientific leaders to shape the future of innovation.

“Abbott Family Science is now in its eighth year in Ireland. To date, we’ve engaged more than 10,000 students and families nationwide.”