Think Big Space aims to inspire interest in science and technology

A NEW educational lab located beside the Tallaght Luas stop was launched last Thursday, April 7, with the aim of inspiring an interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths in the community.

A collaborative project between Amazon Web Services (AWS) and South Dublin County Council, the AWS Think Big Space in Tallaght is one of several AWS Think Big Spaces across the world – but it is the first one in Europe.

Several pupils from St Kilian’s National School in Kingswood were at the launch last week, where they got to grips with robotics and virtual reality (VR) systems.

Events are due to be held in the space throughout this month, including VR workshops which will introduce students to the technology behind VR as well providing a hands-on experience and the chance to see VR in action.

In Creative Hut robotics workshops, students will have the opportunity to collaborate and create robots, take on challenges and get an introduction to robotics technology.

Students from St Kilian’s NS with their teacher Donal Dignam at the Think Big Space launch in The Big Picture

The programme will support interactive hands-on learning and will be available for 4th class to 6th class primary school groups, and 1st year to 4th year secondary school groups.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Fusco, county librarian with South Dublin County Council, said: “We are delighted to announce the launch of the AWS Think Big Space, and this exciting collaboration with AWS.

“Libraries have always moved with the times and this is a perfect example.

“The pace of technological advancement is ever-increasing, and by working with experts in the field like AWS, South Dublin Libraries can help the children of today become the creative thinkers for tomorrow.”

Mike Beary, country manager of AWS Ireland, added: “AWS has been investing in South Dublin for over a decade.

“We’ve grown the number of our employees, expanded our collaboration with colleges and universities, invested in skills programmes, renewable energy projects, and strengthened our relationships with local communities across the country including in South Dublin County Council.

“We chose the Souht Dublin County Council area as the first location in Europe to launch an AWS Think Big Space because of the council’s focus on digital skills for the local community.

“We are deeply committed to the local communities in which we operate, and are excited to see how students and community members explore and cultivate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths)–related interests in the AWS Think Big Space.”