START To Discover: Fuelling curiosity with trials and scientific interaction
START To Discover aims to make STEM learning engaging and accessible for all primary school children in Ireland, fuelling a new generation of scientific curiosity and discovery. The project builds on two successful projects by University of Galway - the ‘START (Schools Teaching Awareness of Randomised Trials) Competition’ and the 'Meet the Scientist Webinar Series'.
Wednesday, 28th Feb- The START projects were part of University of Galway public engagement and education outreach initiatives which were awarded funding through Science Foundation Ireland’s Discover Programme.
The projects are among 38 being supported with €5million investment announced by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Simon Harris T.D., and Minister for Education, Norma Foley T.D. to encourage understanding of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The funding will create greater public awareness of the impact of STEM on society and everyday life, generate opportunities for dialogue and encourage diversity in STEM-related disciplines.
The 'Meet the Scientist Webinar Series' lets children interact with real scientists, hearing about their jobs and careers, asking questions, and learning about the different paths in STEM. These webinars encourage children to see themselves in these roles, sparking curiosity and ambition.
The 'START Competition' gives children the chance to become scientists themselves. They work together to create, carry out, and report on their own science experiments, learning about how research works and experiencing the excitement of discovery.
Dr Sandra Galvin
Dr Sandra Galvin
The project team, led by Dr Sandra Galvin, aim to bring in a wider range of professionals for the webinars, providing more resources for schools participating in the competition, and finding new ways to involve and inspire more children.
The START to Discover project is set to transform the way scientific education and career exploration are approached within our primary school classrooms. This project is not just about imparting knowledge; it's about inspiring curiosity, fostering a culture of inquiry, and making science accessible and engaging for every young mind. Thanks to the generous support from Science Foundation Ireland, we will expand the impact and scope of these initiatives far beyond their current reach. This initiative represents a crucial step towards creating a more inclusive, informed, and inspired generation ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and curiosity.
"Empowering young minds with knowledge about clinical trials is key to fostering a generation that not only understands the importance of medical research but actively participates in shaping the future of healthcare. By educating children early, we sow the seeds for a healthier tomorrow."