Thinking of STEM in Portlaoise College

THE Laois Education Centre in Partnership with Portlaoise College and in collaboration with STEPS (Engineering Ireland) and NCE-MSTL (National Centre for Excellence in Maths and Science Teaching and Learning) are offering a unique opportunity for all 5th class pupils in Laois to participate in a series of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) workshops.

These take place from May 28 to May 30 in Portlaoise College. Students will experience science, technology, engineering and maths in state of the art laboratories with experienced teachers.

The workshops are 1½ hours duration and schools can choose either a morning workshop (10am – 11.30am) or an afternoon workshop (12.30pm – 2pm) depending on availability.

Schools can book places for their 5th class students by telephoning Yvonne at Laois Education Centre (057) 86 72400 on or before Thursday May 16. Early booking is advisable. These workshops are free of charge to schools. Each participating pupil will receive a certificate of participation on the day.

To celebrate the students achievements at the above workshop and to promote a greater awareness of STEM subjects including Project Maths and explore potential careers in the area of STEM, parents and students are invited to attend a STEM conference on the last evening - Thursday May 30 from 6pm – 8.30pm at Portlaoise College, where both parents and 5th class pupils will participate in STEM activities.

Booking is essential and places are limited and will be allocated on a first serve basis. To book contact Yvonne at the number above.

Noel Daly, Principal, Portlaoise College, said he is really delighted with the new venture involving 5th Class primary school students in STEM subjects.

“Our teachers are passionate about their subjects and although we always promoted STEM subjects with local primary schools in previous years we are delighted this year to expand the experience for students across Laois. The parents workshops are a fantastic addition this year”.