Science Blast 2025

On the 21st of May third, fourth and fifth classes travelled to the University of Limerick to participate in Science Blast. In each class we had to pick a topic to explore and we prepared posters and experiments to display on the day. When we arrived we were greeted by staff members telling us which way to go. We then looked for our area and found where we had to set up. In the third classes our questions were ‘Is the water quality in Ballyalla lake safe to swim in?’ and ‘Can dogs understand different languages?’ Fourth class explored the question ‘Can our brain trick us?’ and fifth classes looked at ‘How do athletes prepare for performance?’ and ‘Can human technology help our oceans?’ We set up our areas and then we got a chance to walk around and explore the other schools’ projects. Some of the projects that we thought were cool were about phobias that we have and natural disasters.

There were also games and photo booths there on the day, and we got to take photos with the Science Blast sign. RTÉ also interviewed some pupils. Tony, Elsie, Mia and Finn were interviewed from third class and they asked us questions about our science projects. A judge also came around on the day and we explained our projects to him. We also attended a science show called ‘Mark the Science Guy’ and he did so many experiments. Hannah and Adam got to go on stage and help Mark launch a rocket, it was so cool! At the end of the day the judge came back to give us our trophy and to provide us with some feedback on our projects. Overall we had a great day out and we would love to do it again next year!

By Finn O’Dwyer and Elsie McInerney.

Science Blast

On Wednesday the 24th of May, both 3rd classes went to Science Blast in Mary I College, Limerick. We went there on the bus. Tina curled her hair and makeup on the bus. When we arrived we got wristbands and pins for our uniform. There were stands for every project and loads of people there. There were students from all over Munster there. Each class presented their project to the judges. There were science shows on different topics such as aerodynamics, one about astronauts. We got to meet a real astronaut Norah Patten. Tina’s 3rd class’s project was about how electric cars work and Michelle’s 3rd class’s project was about how our eyes work. Both classes won a trophy. Some of us got interviewed by Spin South West.

We all met television presenters Clara Murray and John Sharpson. Everyone working there was very nice and gave us high fives.

On the way back we went to Hungry Lyons for something because we were starving after our long and exciting day. We arrived back at the school at half three.

By Megan Downes, Alison Casey, Ellie McMahon, and Alison Dixon.

INTEL Mini-Scientist Grand Final

On Wednesday 22nd February, Jack and Mark went to Maynooth University for the INTEL Mini Scientist. We got there at around 10 o’clock. When we got there we met our principal. We started to get ready at about half 10. We went down to our seats and the judges told us about themselves. The main judge was called Phil Smith the next judge was Sarah Sexton and the last judge was Tracey Nolan. At half eleven they started to judge. There was a book judge and a visual judge. Following that, we went to have lunch. They looked at our project and how it was about to change the climate aka saving the world. After that, we went back and Phil Smith did a few experiments with us. First, he did a rocket experiment. After he did a few other really cool, fun experiments. The judges tallied their scores but sadly we didn’t win, we had a brilliant day!

By Mark Reynolds & Jack O’Driscoll