Science day for primary schools

A national science day for primary schools and a new science journalism award feature in the Government's 1999 science and technology awareness programme, details of which have been announced by the Minister of State for Science, Technology and Commerce.

A talkative radio-controlled robot, A-Tron, was brought along to add a technological flavour to yesterday's proceedings, and the shoulder-high robot engaged the Minister of State, Mr Noel Treacy, in conversation as photographs were taken.

The programme this year had a £350,000 budget, Mr Treacy said, but there was a great deal of "added value" contributed on a voluntary basis by business, schools and groups. Much of this will come during Science Week Ireland, which this year is from November 7th to 14th. There were more than 150 events during Science Week last year.

The programme was designed to focus public attention on the importance of science and technology to Ireland, he said. A better public understanding of science issues was critical to Ireland's continued development.

New elements this year include a National Science Day for all primary schools during Science Week Ireland. The journalism award is also new and will recognise the coverage given to science and technology issues in the national and local media, according to Forfas, which manages the programme on behalf of the Office of Science and Technology.

A new national poll on the public's opinions and attitudes towards science and technology issues is also being prepared. A similar survey conducted in 1998 showed that there were significant gaps in public awareness of what the sciences involved and in recognising career opportunities in the science disciplines.