STEM night in Laois college was engaging and interactive

THE annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Night in Portlaoise College's offered local primary school students an engaging and interactive event.

The intriguing event underscored the importance of creativity, perseverance and problem-solving skills in today’s world. It also aimed to ignite young learners' enthusiasm for through hands-on activities and collaborative challenges.

The evening was organised by the Science and Biology teacher Ms Kelly along with the college’s Head of Technology Mr Kenny and Technology teacher Mr Bennett.

Past pupil Laoise Shaughnessy who now studies in NUI Maynooth assisted in delivering the Science workshop with enthusiasm and expertise, inspiring the next generation.

The students took part in four workshops, each tailored to ensure learners of all abilities experienced both success and enjoyment.

In the Science workshop they performed hands-on experiments to identify whether various substances were acids or bases. In the Computer Science workshop they explored the educational potential of Minecraft and immersed themselves in virtual reality through VR headsets. The Engineering workshop challenged the students to design and construct bridges capable of holding a specific weight which fostered teamwork and innovation. While in the Mathematics workshop the students transformed 2D templates into 3D shapes, employing precise calculations to achieve their goals.

Ms Kelly said: “STEM Night is always a fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. It’s wonderful to see the students so engaged and enjoying themselves.” 

Principal of Portlaoise College Noel Daly said: “Events like this highlight the incredible dedication of our staff and the power of hands-on learning to inspire the young minds of our community.”