A Class Act: Uisce Éireann teams up with local school to celebrate Science Week
Second Class students at St. Joseph’s NS, Leitrim Village participating in a water experiment when Uisce Éireann representatives visited the school to celebrate Science Week. Pic: Gerard O’Loughlin
Uisce Éireann is home to some of Ireland’s best scientists, so it was fitting that Carrick-on-Shannon scientist Karina O’Grady visited a local school during Science Week to demonstrate to students the many ways that she uses science every day in her job.
Exciting experiments and plenty of participation were the order of the day when Uisce Éireann visited St Joseph’s NS in Leitrim Village to celebrate Science Week.
Karina is a key member of the Uisce Éireann team, working as a Water Process Optimisation Specialist with the utility. She delivered a fun and engaging presentation for the school’s inquisitive Second Class pupils, which gave rise to a thought provoking discussion on the value of water.
From explaining how Uisce Éireann produces 1.7 billion litres of safe drinking water a day, to being mindful of what we flush down the sink and toilet, Karina’s presentation certainly sparked the interest of the pupils who shared their own views on ways we can all do more to safeguard water for the future.
Following the presentation, Karina explained: “As scientists working in the vibrant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) sector, we are delighted to have the opportunity to share our stories and knowledge with young people in our local communities. Ireland’s future will increasingly depend on scientists, engineers and innovators. Having spent time with these children, I’m convinced the future is in good hands.”
The school visit provided a great opportunity to showcase the work that Uisce Éireann is doing, every single day, to support local communities to thrive by providing safe drinking water, supporting economic and social development, and enhancing the environment.
To learn more about our water and wastewater networks, Karina carried out some experiments with some very helpful and budding scientists in the class. She outlined proactive ways the children and their families can play their part in supporting Uisce Éireann’s efforts to protect the environment.
“It was fantastic to see that many of the students were already aware of the 'Think Before You Flush’ campaign and the three P’s message; that only pee, poo and paper should be flushed down the toilet. It was wonderful to see their young minds in action and heartening that they already have a strong awareness of the physical environment around them,” added Karina.
School principal Richella Kelly thanked Uisce Éireann for celebrating Science Week with the school. “We are delighted to have representatives from Uisce Éireann visit our school during Science Week. To have an experienced scientist from Leitrim deliver STEM activities really supports our science curriculum and brings it to life for the students in our school. The pupils found taking part in the experiments and learning more about water very enjoyable and they had lots of tips to go home and share with their families,” she said.
