‌

Science Week 2022

Science Week is part of Science Foundation Ireland’s work to promote and celebrate the fascinating world of science. The aim is to encourage school children to engage with science in a fun and interactive way, and to promote awareness of the importance and relevance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) to everyday life. 

The festival takes place from 13 – 20 November in venues across Ireland, and the focus this year is to highlight and explore infinite possibilities of science. To celebrate Science Week, Donegal County Library Service has organised an exciting programme of events for children. 

This year's line-up acts as a genuine call for a truly fundamental shift in the attitudes and behaviours of individuals and organisations to combat the climate crisis and protect the delicately interconnected lifecycles of our planet.

Dr Emily Grossman, author, STEM ambassador, and TV science expert will deliver two online events, one which discusses climate change, wildlife loss, and how we can all help look after our planet. Her second event is a brief and simple overview of the cutting-edge field of regenerative medicine and how stem cells are used to treat disease. 

Passionate about sustainable transport and investigating the policies that can make it a reality, engineer and researcher, Vera O’Riordan, will share some facts about electric cars and talk about what the future of travel in Ireland could be - and how we can make it green with more walking, cycling, public transport and electric cars. 

Donegal author of Time Nor Tide Ben Harkin, will draw on research from Ireland and across the world, to explain what we can expect for the future in Ireland with climate change, and how we can prepare for the impacts of what’s ahead. Combining studies and stories Ben clearly explains how we can use the technology we already have to bring our country to being carbon neutral, while building a better future for us all. 

The schedule also includes children’s authors and TV personalities Dr Isabel Thomas, Dr Betina Ip, and author of Corpse Talk series, Adam Murphy. There are also workshops on digital technology – teaching kids how to socialize online, and a Cell Explorers workshop where children will gain a basic understanding of the role and structure of cells and DNA. 

Belinda Glackin, Science Week Coordinator for Donegal County Council Library Service, said: “through our Science Week events, Donegal County Library Service hopes to draw children’s attention to the important ideas about how science works and what scientists do by delivering events that stimulate a child’s natural curiosity and inquisitiveness. We hope to create new experiences for children, to share the joy of discovery, and to shed fresh light on the key issues shaping our future.” 

All primary schools in Donegal will receive an electronic copy of our flyer. Although, events take place during school hours, they are open to home schoolers and the general public.

Full list of programme events can be found here: Science Week 2022 Events List‌

We have put together a list of books exploring how Science is an important part of a shared better future. These books are available as class sets (30 titles of each copy). Find titles here: Science Week - Class Sets ‌‌

If you are interested in borrowing a class set please contact [email protected].‌

‌‌