Mayo young scientists impress at STEAM exhibition

Hundreds of young science enthusiasts exhibited their STEAM projects at the University of Galway’s inaugural ReelLIFE SCIENCE STEAM showcase.

The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) projects were developed by over 100 students across ten Foróige youth services and youth development programmes across the county and nation.

The Ballyhaunis Targeted Youth Service Programme youth members built and coded an impressive dancing robot using Lego Education spike kits.

The University of Galway ReelLIFE SCIENCE programme challenges young people in schools and youth groups across the island of Ireland to engage with science and technology while developing the communication and digital skills so important for the 21st century.

From dancing robots to dancing rappers, the next generation of scientists, engineers and filmmakers took part in the annual event.

Foróige’s Digital Youth Work Strategic Plan aims to ensure that all young people develop the key digital skills, values and competencies necessary to excel in the digital era by design and not simply by chance.

The STEAM Showcase was funded by the Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) discover programme and is a joint initiative between ReelLIFE SCIENCE and Foróige.

Dr Ruth Freeman, Director of Science for Society at SFI, congratulated all the participants of the ReelLIFE SCIENCE and Foróige STEAM Showcase.

“STEAM initiatives are vital for broadening participation in science and technology, promoting greater engagement with and understanding of STEM topics, and to break down STEM stereotypes and misconceptions. Learning to communicate STEM is a vital skill that will stand to all of the participants going forward,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Foróige Digital Youth Work Coordinator, Megan Depinna, said as the work of the young people is celebrated comes a reminder of ‘the boundless possibilities that emerge when we combine knowledge with imagination’. 

She said: “The projects showcased are not just demonstrations of STEM knowledge; they are displays of curiosity, determination, and imagination.”

Attendees at the Institute for Lifecourse and Society took part in activities run by Foróige’s Digital Youth Work Team, including GO Build, GO Virtual, GO LevelUP, GO Safely and GO Sonic, as well as ReelLIFE SCIENCE stop-motion animation workshops run by College of Science and Engineering students.

Since 2013, more than 26,000 young people, supported by teachers and youth workers in 750 schools and youth groups, have taken part in the ReelLIFE SCIENCE video competition.

More information about this year’s competition can be found on Reel Life Science’s website.