Science Week at DCU

Science Week 2.0 Design Your Future has commenced and the Faculty of Science & Health are staging a number of events in DCU to celebrate the fascinating worlds of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  

Maths Clinics - Commencing November 9th

DCU Maths Learning Centre have commenced free weekly drop-in mathematics support sessions to secondary school students, starting on 9th November for a trial period of 5 weeks, with the final session taking place on 7th December. There has been a huge response so far but there are still spaces available.  Queries can be directed via email (eabhnat.nifhloinn@dcu.ie) or contact Colette O’Beirne, School Liaison Officer, DCU on (01) 700-8510 / colette.obeirne@dcu.ie.

The Science of Dragons - November 10th

Scientific Sue will visit the Venue today in DCU to investigate and explore the science of how dragons fly and then, using some of the science behind the different dragon fire types (steam, icy fog, explosive gases, flammable liquids and of course big flames and tornado type fire!) plus dragon’s disgusting digestion processes, she hopes to engineer a way which will allow the baby dragon to fly.  This show will be attended by 1st and 2nd year students from local secondary schools.

Astronaut Paolo Nespoli - November 12th

ESA Astronaut Paolo Nespoli will visit the Venue in DCU on the morning of November 12th to speak to students from local national and secondary schools.  

From 23 October to 7 November 2007, Paolo flew as a Mission Specialist on Space Shuttle Discovery for the STS-120 flight to the International Space Station. This mission delivered and installed Node-2, a major building block essential for further expansion of the Station. Another important task was to relocate one of the four solar arrays that provide power to the Station. Paolo played a key role inside the Station for the mission’s spacewalks, including the installation of Node-2. During his Esperia mission, Paolo performed a number of experiments for the European scientific community in human physiology and biology. Paolo also took part in educational activities.

In November 2008, Paolo Nespoli was assigned to his second spaceflight, Expedition 26/27. The long-duration mission to the International Space Station was launched on 15 December 2010. Paolo’s duties as a flight engineer during his MagISStra mission included scientific experiments and technology demonstrations, as well as performing educational activities.  After having spent 159 days in space, he returned to Earth on 24 May 2011.

In July 2015 Paolo was assigned a third spaceflight as part of Expeditions 52 and 53 to the International Space Station. He will be launched on a Soyuz vehicle in May 2017 on a five-month mission. The latest mission is part of a barter agreement between NASA and Italy’s ASI space agency involving ESA astronauts.