It is hard to overestimate the important role that Science and Technology play in all our lives. The contribution of the Royal Dublin Society (RDS) Science Fairs (now ESB Science Blast) is something we are proud to be a part of. This STEM education program is of national significance and will greatly impact the next generation.

Education is at the heart of our mission, and the Partnership was one of the earliest promoters of science in Ireland. The Irish American Partnership has been a seed funder and proud supporter of the ESB Science Blast Program, one of the largest science education programs for primary schools of its kind, since its inception. This track record complements our current focus on science education in primary schools, an important long-term investment in the future success of Ireland.

Annually, the RDS hosts inclusive primary science fairs aimed at fostering scientific inquiry among students. ESB Science Blast stands as the flagship initiative within the RDS Science and Technology program. And this is just one element—the RDS also provides schools across Ireland with resources like tailor-made lesson plans and interactive online activities.

ESB Science Blast aims to equip primary school children across Ireland with the scientific and problem-solving abilities that will serve them for life.

The annual showcase events in Dublin, Limerick and Belfast have exploded in popularity, with over 17,000 students participating in 2023. While primary-age science fairs are common in the United States, they have only recently gained traction in Ireland. Consequently, the RDS Primary Science Fairs often represent the inaugural and sole opportunity for students to partake in such events, leaving a lasting impact during their formative years.

These events, held without the pressure of competition, provide a platform for classes to showcase their scientific investigations and engage in enriching educational workshops. 

It was brilliant to teach the students STEM and science in the real world rather than on a whiteboard! My class group is Multigrade, which can make some programmes difficult to do, but ESB Science Blast was perfect for all ages and abilities.

— Niall West, Church Street NS, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick, 2023

This innovative program:

• – Fosters long-term interest, understanding, knowledge and skills in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) among primary-aged students.
• – Supports primary school teachers in effectively teaching critical STEM skills.
• – Engages families in nurturing supportive STEM learning environments for children outside the classroom.

By instilling a passion for STEM at an early age, ESB Science Blast is making STEM both exciting and accessible to a new generation of learners. Independent assessments have proved the fairs to be of substantial value for students, with 97% of participants reporting an enhancement in their science skills, and 80% noting an improvement in mathematics proficiency.

I watched my class grow in confidence throughout the process and leading up to the event. It was a great feeling, as a teacher, to stand back and watch them proudly explain their methods to the judges, other students, and the public. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience for both my students and myself.

— Maggie Etherson, Griffeen Valley ETNS, Lucan, Co. Dublin

If you would like more information on this innovative science education program and how we aim to open young minds to a world of scientific possibility across Ireland, please reach out to:
Clodagh Boyle, VP External Engagement & Development
[email protected] | 617 723-2707