News

DCU hosts visit by Ireland's largest national school

20th May

On the 5th and 11th May, DCU opened its doors to second class students from the largest primary school in the country, St. Oliver Plunkett's N.S. in Malahide. Over the course of the two days, more than 100 pupils experienced the worlds of science, engineering and computing first hand.

The School of Chemical Sciences provided an introduction to the hearts functionality as the students measured each others heart rates and learned about its different chambers. However, the piece de resistance for many of the pupils was the opportunity they got to hold a lamb's heart, an opportunity declined by some! The School also wowed the students with their second set up of "Kitchen Chemistry". Here the pupils used simple household objects to make bath bombs and edible honeycomb.

CLARITY, working with the National Centre for Sensor Research, provided an overview of sensor technology. During this part of their tour, pupils got the opportunity to interact with CLARITY's "Wall of Life" where they played games by moving objects on the screen using their fingertips. They also demonstrated their math's skills by playing CLARITY's dance mat game.

The National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology raised the stakes as they introduced an element of friendly competition into the visit. Students were invited to make their own mini hydrogen cars, which they then raced. The team whose car stayed powered for longest were deemed the winners.

Overall both students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the organisers wish to thank all involved for their efforts.