Primary School Students Take Part in ‘Extreme Engineering Show’ Hosted by TAP

Posted on: 25 May 2009

Over 1,000 primary school students from 30 Dublin primary schools took part in a Science, Technology and Engineering Programme for Schools (STEPS) event organised in conjunction with the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) in Trinity College Dublin on May 12th last.  The STEPS to Engineering Extreme Engineering Show, which featured a science themed magic show, is an outreach activity designed to encourage children’s curiosity about science and introduce them to the world of science and engineering.

TAP has been working to promote an interest in science among primary school children as part of its outreach work since the inception of its primary schools programme in 2000.  This event marked the first collaboration between TAP and STEPS to Engineering, allowing TAP the opportunity to engage with children from designated disadvantaged primary schools from all over the city and to introduce them to the environment of Trinity College as well as the magic of science. 

The innovative and interactive demonstration, performed by Sue McGrath, has been developed specifically to support the Social, Environmental and Scientific Education section of the primary school curriculum.  The experiments performed were designed to captivate the 3rd to 6th class students and bring science to life.  STEPS to Engineering was established in 2000 to encourage primary and post primary students to consider engineering as a possible career choice.  The programme is formally recognised by the Government and is a key element in the National Discover Science & Engineering programme. 

For further information on the Trinity Access Programmes please contact Melanie McArdle, Student Activities Co-ordinator, on mmcardle@tcd.ie.