Latest news with #CorkCarnivalofScience
Irish Independent
16-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Independent
Curiosity Cube brings Interactive AI to Cork schools
Merck Life Science recently brought its Curiosity Cube, a solar-powered, mobile science lab, to public events across Cork including a feature at the Cork Carnival of Science. This year's theme focused on Artificial Intelligence, with over 1,400 students and visitors taking part in hands-on experiments led by 45 Merck volunteers. Primary school students were afforded the opportunity to explore how AI is shaping the world around us through experiments and engaging demonstrations. Participating schools included Bunscoil Rinn an Chabhlaigh, Rushbrook; Gaelscoil Mhainistir na Corann, Midleton; Midleton CBS Boys Primary School; Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigtwohill; and Scoil Chroí Íosa, Blarney. The Curiosity Cube offers young learners a unique opportunity to explore real-world science in a fun, engaging way, and this year's visit sparked incredible enthusiasm from both students and educators. Merck, a leading science and technology company, delivered an innovative, hands-on science experience aimed at igniting curiosity and inspiring the next generation of scientists. The Curiosity Cube is a retrofitted shipping container turned mobile science lab, which offers interactive STEM learning opportunities to local students and the wider community, bringing science to life in an engaging and accessible way. The purpose-built mobile science lab is equipped with practical science experiments led by Merck scientists, and is powered by 100% solar energy, harvested by the panels on its roof, reflecting Merck's commitment to sustainability and innovation in science education. Mark Dunphy, Managing Director and Head of Cork Operations at Merck Life Science Ireland said: 'By bringing real-world experiments directly to students, we hope to inspire young minds to ask questions, explore boldly, and consider careers in science and technology. "It's incredibly rewarding to see the level of engagement and enthusiasm from both students and educators here in Cork. This kind of STEM outreach has the power to shape futures,' he added. The Curiosity Cube tours across North America and Europe, making stops at schools, summer camps, and public venues such as parks, festivals, and museums. During its visit to Cork, the initiative was met with great enthusiasm, engaging over 1,400 students and attendees in interactive experiments delivered by 58 dedicated Merck volunteers. It travelled across the two Merck sites, both Blarney and Carrigtwohill welcoming students, educators, and families to participate in a variety of science experiments and demonstrations. This initiative is part of Merck's broader commitment to STEM education and community engagement.
Irish Examiner
13-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
This competition is now closed. Congratulations to Lucy Lane
To celebrate this year's Cork Carnival of Science on June 7/8 at Fitzgerald Park, we're giving our readers the chance to nominate a school to win a day of science fun in 2025 with Mark Langtry — The Science Guy from RTÉ's Let's Find Out. Ignite your curiosity with live science shows, science stalls and learning that feels like play. Prize Details One nominated school will win a day of science fun in 2025 with Mark Langtry. Terms and conditions apply. Non transferrable/exchangeable and cannot be used for re-sale. No cash alternative. Subject to availability. The editor's decision is final. The winner will be announced, 12 noon on Friday May 30. Cork's biggest science event returns to Fitzgerald Park on June 7–8, 2025! The Cork Carnival of Science promises two days of electrifying entertainment, interactive experiments, and live shows for all ages. With free entry, this outdoor festival is Ireland's largest celebration of science. Expect everything from ancient fossils to futuristic tech. Roaming performers will dazzle with pop-up experiments and science street theatre, while top shows dive into the wonders of nature, weather, sport, and flight. Highlights include: 'Storm Chaser' with TV's Mark the Science Guy 'Bubbling Botanicals' from Science 2 Life 'Air Force', featuring flying toilet paper and air cannons The Fossil Roadshow, inviting kids to explore Ireland's ancient past Over 40 interactive STEM zones offer hands-on fun in robotics, biodiversity, energy, and more, hosted by leading universities and researchers including UCC, MTU, Tyndall, APC Microbiome, Merck, and Fota Wildlife Park. With food stalls, a playground, museum, and quiet zones, there's something for everyone. The event is supported by Research Ireland and includes sign language interpretation Visit here for more information.
Irish Examiner
03-06-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Tots to Teens: Tiny atoms make big reactions at Cork Carnival of Science
How do planes fly? What can fossils tell us about the past? And what can rugby teach us about the laws of physics? These questions, and many more, will be answered at this year's Cork Carnival of Science in Fitzgerald's Park on June 7 and 8. This free family event promises two action-packed days of science-based fun. Its interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and performances includes the Budding Botanicals, which introduces children to the chemistry of plants and the surprising reactions when certain natural substances are mixed together. The Fossil Roadshow will also show them how to identify fossils and examine them for clues to prehistoric life. RTÉ's Mark the Science Guy will carry out experiments to investigate the power of weather and electricity. Simply Science will join with the Irish Air Force to explore the principles that govern flight. And Science Made Simple will explore the role that physics and biology play in various sports. Ireland's leading universities, research centres, and scientific organisations are participating in the event, hosting stands and events on subjects as diverse as robotics, biodiversity, and sports science. Food vendors will be in the park over the weekend, along with picnic spaces where families can eat, and there's a quiet zone for those who need time out. Find out more at Breastfeeding book Practical Breastfeeding, by Dublin-based lactation consultant and mother of three, Caoimhe Whelan, is published this week. Combining informative text with 200 colour illustrations, the book provides parents who want to breastfeed with the help they need. During her years working as a lactation consultant, Whelan has seen how mothers attempt to breastfeed, but often stop, due to unforeseen challenges. Her book outlines the causes of, and potential solutions to, these challenges, covering topics such as latching, feeding frequency, mastitis, and cracked nipples. There is a chapter on breastfeeding and mental health, as well as another on the emotional fallout of difficult breastfeeding. The book also represents diverse ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, and body shapes and sizes. Practical Breastfeeding is available at the recommended retail price of €19.99. Sports story If young readers in your house like stories about fun, friendship, and football, consider adding the latest book by children's author Emma Larkin to their to-be-read pile this summer. Féile is the newest addition to Larkin's GAA-themed Twin Power series. This series follows Aoife and Aidan Power, twin siblings who have always dreamed of playing in Féile, the biggest GAA competition. The twins are playing on separate boys' and girls' teams for the first time, and both teams are vying to qualify. They have secondary school to navigate, new teams to adjust to, and an unexpected family mystery to solve. It's going to be a challenging football season. Aimed at readers aged nine and older, Féile costs €9.99. Day of creativity This Saturday, June 7, is Cruinniú na nÓg, a day when free creative events and activities are organised for young people all over Ireland. Cork city is hosting the likes of circus skills workshops, pop-up performances, and a chance to rap with the Kabin Studio. In Cork county, young people can attend clay modelling workshops and storytelling sessions with puppets. There will be sean nós dancing and music classes in Clare, opportunities to build your own robots and create your own bracelets in Kerry, and film-making and stop-motion workshops in Limerick. To find out what's happening near you, visit
Irish Independent
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Notions and necessities: From the Cork Carnival of Science to a jumped-up jumpsuit, it's all here
STEM in action The Cork Carnival of Science will take place in Fitzgerald Park next month over two days, from June 7-8. Ireland's largest outdoor STEM festival includes live science shows, experiments and workshops, exhibitions of science in action, STEM challenges, and nature-focused activities, as well as food stalls and picnic areas. LH For more see NECESSITY Little light of mine Pamalam candles are handcrafted in Dublin 8 using coconut and rapeseed waxes, which are not only more sustainable than traditional waxes, but longer, cleaner and promise a more pure fragrance experience. They come in 10 scent options, including Coconut and Lime, Jasmine and Musk and Tobacco and Oak, and these three are available as reed diffusers. SC Pamalam candles, €20,€35; diffusers, €28, available in selected homeware, flower shops and pharmacies nationwide, NOTION La dolce vita There's a day for everything now, and tomorrow, May 19, is Disaronno Day, a celebration of a classic, 500-year-old liqueur from Lombardy. Sure why not? Beloved for its distinctive almond taste – though it does not contain almonds – feel free to toast this tipple on the rocks, mixed with ginger ale or as an Irish-Italian coffee. It would be rude not to. SC RRP €26, available nationwide NOTION Blooming lovely Bord Bia Bloom is taking place May 29-June 2, with a line up that includes Donal Skehan, Holly White, Diarmuid Gavin, Neven Maguire (above) and Adam Frost. Now in its nineteenth year, the event will feature 20 new show gardens, talks, demos and performances. There will also be interactive workshops at the Budding Bloomers Children's Area. LH Tickets are €30 for adults, €25 for seniors/students and two children (aged 16 and under) go free with each adult ticket purchased. See NECESSITY Jumped up This white denim jumpsuit, €355, is our favourite piece from Irish designer Helen McAlinden's spring/summer collection, which is full of relaxed tailoring for your summer work wardrobe in a palette of olive green, sky blue and khaki, and some more romantic polka-dot pieces - a dress, and wide legged pants - in a brown and cream polka dot inspired by Pretty Woman. LH The SS25 collection is available in-store at No.19 Drury Street, Arnotts Henry Street, and Harvey Nichols. Also available online at Brown Thomas, and Arnotts online, Wolf & Badger, Zalando. NOTION Blanket coverage Inspired by the paintings of Mark Rothko, this 40Shades of Green blanket is the result of a collaboration between artist Ellie Dunne, sixth-generation weavers Molloy & Sons and The Galway Wool Co-op, with heritage wool from their pedigree sheep. Dunne, who is a young adult with Down syndrome and a student at the RHA in Dublin, has previously made bespoke blankets for the Merrion Hotel and a throw in support of Ukraine. She takes her feel for colour and texture to the next level with this new creation, which speaks of the Irish landscape, grass, gorse and even fields of sheep. SC 140x18cm blanket, €675, The Irish Design Shop, D2; Nordic Elements, Blackrock, Co Dublin; NOTION The female gaze The Women Artists Action Group (1987-1991), founded in Clonmel, was a collaboration of women artists, art historians, and professionals working in the arts. including Pauline Cummins, Alice Maher (above), Louise Walsh, Una Walker and Patricia Hurl. The aim was to highlight the work of female artists, and to organise exhibitions and publications. It went on to become part of the International Association of Women in the Arts. (IAWA). WAGG- an archive, is an exhibition of material on loan from the National Irish Visual Arts Library (NIVAL) at NCAD, now taking place in South Tipperary Arts Centre until 21st June. LH
Irish Examiner
16-05-2025
- Science
- Irish Examiner
Win a School Science Day with Mark the Science Guy
To celebrate this year's Cork Carnival of Science on June 7/8 at Fitzgerald Park, we're giving our readers the chance to nominate a school to win a day of science fun in 2025 with Mark Langtry — The Science Guy from RTÉ's Let's Find Out. Ignite your curiosity with live science shows, science stalls and learning that feels like play. Prize Details One nominated school will win a day of science fun in 2025 with Mark Langtry. Terms and conditions apply. Non transferrable/exchangeable and cannot be used for re-sale. No cash alternative. Subject to availability. The editor's decision is final. The winner will be announced, 12 noon on Friday May 30. Visit here for more information.
