Alcock & Brown National Schools Science Fair

As an economy, Ireland’s future is clearly tied with Science, Technology and Engineering. Research has shown that to encourage and enthuse young people to take up these subjects we need to create the interest at a young age.

In the school year 2014/15 a STEM ( science, technology, engineering, maths) program was initiated in the Primary schools in NW Connemara funded by the Whalen and Mons Concepit Foundation.

The connection between the Whalen family and Connemara started in the 1960’s when Dr Joseph Whalen (NY) built a holiday home in Mannin, Ballyconneely. He and his wife Elizabeth and family continued to visit the area until his death in 2013 R.I.P. It was his great wish to deliver an education project to the schools in the area that would benefit all the children.
The program involves funding tutors to visit the schools over the year to deliver classes in STEM subjects and Computer Coding. It provides equipment and educational resources and at the end of each year there is an exhibition/ Science Fair where children display their projects. The Whalen Foundation also contributes funding to the local Codor Dojo club.

The theme for 2019’s Science Fair is based on the Alcock and Brown centenary and Marconi and will be held in Clifden Town Hall on Wednesday June 12th. It is open to the public from 11.30am and all are most welcome.

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Image credit: Alcock and Brown National Schools Science Fair / Barry Ryan