I was out at the University Campus Today for the Festival of Science, It was a great Day out for all the family, with plenty to do and see. Live 95FM were there with the Shadows and JP was reporting in live from the show. Slide Show is below.
The University of Limerick, in association with Forfas under the 'Discover Science and Engineering Programme, has planned an exciting programme of events which will appeal to all ages for the Limerick Festival of Science, Engineering & Technology on Sunday 8th November 2009. The Festival is intended to be a show-case for industry providing an opportunity to promote science and technology, especially to those deciding on future careers, and to provide an entertaining and educational day out for all.
In common with other third level institutions, the University is concerned by the significant decline in numbers of second level students electing to study science and the long term consequences this will have in meeting the national capacity to satisfy demand for skilled workers for the economy.
A primary objective for Science Week is to convey to the general public, and particularly, young people the fascination of science, it's importance in so many aspects of everyday life and the exciting, rewarding career opportunities that exist in Irish Science, Engineering and Technology-based industry.
We are particularly delighted to be running the very popular School Poster Competition the "Science in our Life" for primary and secondary schools with the winners being formally announced at the Festival, a major highlight of the Festival. The schools poster entries will be displayed at the Festival and the winners will be announced during the event. In celebration of International Year of Astronomy a special prize will be awarded for the best entry with an Einstein focus - sponsored by the Institute of Physics.
Limerick Festival of Science, Engineering & Technology is intended to be both a showcase for industry and an opportunity to promote science, engineering and technology, but also feature many events and attractions designed to provide a fun-filled yet educational day for all the family. The Limerick Festival of Science, Engineering & Technology will consist of interactive stands and displays from industries and organisations and will also include interactive exhibits devised by the University's science, engineering and technological departments and associated clubs and organisations. The emphasis in the displays is on presenting the most up-to-date and interesting applications of science and technology in our life and will provide an informative and enjoyable event for young and old alike. There will be a series of parallel demonstrations and lectures including Dr Peter Douglas's famous Chemistry and Light Show demonstrating how light can be generated electrically, thermally and chemically and how light might be used to solve two of the most important problems facing mankind i.e. the production of clean water and clean energy; Dr Ian Russell's live demonstration of exploding custard and Dr Andy Newsam will take you on a trip through Space with some Star Gazing and Planet Watching; Sue McGrath is back again this year due to popular demand with her exciting flame show while Sarah Hayes will baffle young and old with Chemistry Magic.
Would you like to know how soap is manufactured? How can ordinary cooking oil be converted into a fuel for commercial use? How does suntan lotion really work? These are just some of the demonstrations you can expect to see. The afternoon will have many live displays - plans are in place to have the Army Ordnance Corps showing how they use robots to detect and dismantle explosive devices; in addition the Air Corp, Fire Services and Civil Defence will demonstrate the latest in technology; located in the Plaza area will be a Flight Simulator, which uses sophisticated technology previously developed for the training simulators as used by pilots and astronauts, to provide a unique entertainment that allows people to enjoy a virtual flight experience; the Simulator incorporates sound, vibration, acceleration and braking forces, thrillingly correlated with " eye view" film, to create an illusion so much much more .
ADMISSION IS FREE - SO COME EARLY!
to the University of Limerick Festival of Science, Engineering & Technology
For further information email Vicky.Kelly@ul.ie University of Limerick.
Tel: 061 202642 Fax: 061 202602
