Rugby star lines out for Science Week

It is all about science next month when Science Week 2014 gets under way with 800 events taking place up and down the country, including exhibitions, festivals and fun events.

Two Science Week ambassadors were on hand in Dublin yesterday to launch the week which runs from November 9th-16th. Rugby international and Leinster captain Jamie Heaslip lined out in support of the event along with scientist and GAA team manager Prof Niall Moyna of Dublin City University.

Science festivals are planned for Dublin, Galway, Cork, Sligo, Mayo, Waterford and the Midlands over the week, and there are events taking place in university labs, libraries, schools and halls around the country.

The Curiosity Lab in Dublin will kick off the week on November 8th and 9th, turning Smock Alley in Temple Bar into a curiosity hub where science of all sorts will be presented in fun and interesting ways for children and adults.

In other events, Letterkenny will host “Earth Festival: Science through Art” on November 11th-13th which will display a series of illuminated sculptures inspired by cutting-edge science. ReelLIFE Science is a competition for pupils who are asked to deliver short video productions on aspects of science.

There are courses for teachers demonstrating ways to engage primary school pupils with science and “Junior Einstein” shows are planned for schools across the Midlands.