New Perspectives in Science Education
An Overview of the Inaugural Kerry Science Festival
Joseph Walsh, Institute of Technology Tralee (Ireland)
Noel Mulligan, Institute of Technology (Ireland)
Abstract
This paper will describe the inaugural Kerry Science Festival, which was a week-long festival of science events that took place across County Kerry, Ireland in November 2016. The festival was organised by the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the
Institute of Technology, Tralee (ITT). The festival involved a programme of free public engagement events, community talks, exhibitions and shows that provided an opportunity to engage science at multiple levels, with free and fun workshops aimed at primary, post primary school students and
adults. The festival included a series of industry and community group led events demonstrating science and STEM across the Kerry region and culminated in a STEM in Kerry Showcase host by ITT.
This STEM showcase day included a careers in STEM exhibition and panel discussion with STEM industrial leaders who also talked about the varied STEM careers available. Families of all ages were treated with free shows like Mathsworld, Lego WeDo, Cell Explorers, Designer Minds and Spec in a
Suitcase etc. These interactive workshops engaged and intrigued both children and adults alike and brought to life the world of the STEM. This paper will present an overview and observations of the festival and outline the benefits and lessons learned in relation to science education.
References:
[1] Kerry Science Festival, http://kerryscience.com/
[2] Science Foundation Ireland, Science Week Festivals Call 2016, http://www.sfi.ie
[3] Science in Ireland Barometer, http://www.sfi.ie
