Ballygall students explore ‘Our Universe’

STUDENTS from Mother of Divine Grace School in Ballygall paid a visit to the Gas Networks Ireland National Services Centre in Finglas to celebrate Engineers Week earlier this month.

The sixth class pupils took part in a number of ‘Our Universe’ workshops, run by Gas Networks Ireland volunteers who were promoting STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – to primary school students in a fun, interactive way.

The workshops spanned the fundamentals of science, highlighting its value to young people in their everyday lives. 

Our Universe is an educational programme delivered by Gas Networks Ireland and Junior Achievement Ireland, introducing science through practical and engaging classroom-based lessons to sixth class primary students nationwide.

The programme is designed to encourage primary school students to continue with science as they transition to second level education and it’s an integral part of Gas Networks Ireland’s commitment to fostering students’ interest in STEM subjects, especially to female students. 

Labour market data shows that Ireland continues to experience a skills shortage in the STEM sector despite major growth and employment opportunities.

Having an adequate number of qualified science graduates in the future is seen as being essential to grow the STEM sector in Ireland.

Complementing the primary school science curriculum, programmes like Our Universe are designed to enable young people explore STEM and encourage them to choose science subjects for the Leaving Cert and beyond.

Christina van der Kamp, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Gas Networks Ireland, explained how the Our Universe initiative works during the visit from the local students.

“Our Universe is a great programme to educate students in the areas of energy, physics, chemistry and biology,” she said.

“The lessons focus on areas that appeal to young people such as how the human skeleton works, how forensic science helps solve crime, as well our own energy module.

“We hope that events like this will help to cultivate a greater number of STEM graduates and skilled professionals in the future.”

Helen Rafferty, CEO, Junior Achievement Ireland says it’s critical that industry and education come together to excite young people about studying science and the skills required for success.

“It is through the support of partners like Gas Networks Ireland that we are able to connect our students with business volunteers who in turn share their insights and expertise, linking the classroom and the ‘real-world’ to enhance their learning experience,” she added.

“We look forward to continuing our partnership 

with Gas Networks 

Ireland to ensure 5,000 primary students enjoy the opportunity to learn about Our Universe in the coming years.”