2021 Cavan Monaghan Science Festival Programme

Monaghan County Council Comhairle Chontae Mhuineachaín

Welcome to our 6th Annual Cavan Monaghan Science Festival thanks to the continued support of both Cavan & Monaghan County Councils and Science Foundation Ireland.

Last year, as a result of the Covid restrictions, we moved completely online. This year, we’ve moved cautiously towards a hybrid approach. This means that whilst many of the events are once again being held online, there are a number of In-Person events taking place across both Counties. To ensure the safety of everyone, we ask that you only turn up at the In-person events if you have pre-booked your ticket. Online events will be delivered through a variety of mediums including Crowdcast, Zoom & You Tube.

There are a wide variety of events to choose from this year. We’re covering topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Neuroscience of Stress, Science of Happiness, Science of Fertility and many more.

For our Schools programme we’ll be looking at topics such as the Science of Sweets, Microscopic worlds, Ugly animals, Insect Myth busting, Circus Science and even the Secret Science of Santa!!!

We look forward to seeing your there!

From Cavan Monaghan Science Festival Team

HOW TO BOOK:

All booking can be done through our Festival Website.

You’ll find it at www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie If you are having problems with booking online please contact your local Festival Co-ordinator.

GET IN TOUCH CAVAN

Telephone: (049) 437 8506 Email: sciencefestival@cavancoco.ie Website: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Johnston Central Library, Farnham Centre, Farnham St. Cavan

GET IN TOUCH MONAGHAN

Telephone: (047) 74700 Email: sciencefestival@monaghancoco.ie Website: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie The Library, 98 Ave., Clones, Co. Monaghan

Martin Mc Vicar: An Engineering Success Story Sunday 7th November @ 7.30pm Martin Mc Vicar Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/mmcvicar We’re delighted to announce that our opening event for Cavan Monaghan Science Festival 2021 will be: Martin McVicar, founder & CEO of Combilift in conversation with Frank McNally (Irish Times).

Starting with just a handful of employees in 1998 when Martin established Combilift with Technical Director Robert Moffett, the workforce now numbers around 650 and the company exports to more than 85 countries from its base just outside Monaghan town.

Martin’s career in engineering began when he was a teenager and his skill and insight over the years in identifying exactly what customers need from handling equipment has resulted in the customised approach to the company’s range of products, over 60,000 of which are now in operation.

Martin has a strong commitment to the education and training of future engineers and together with the Monaghan Institute he initiated the OEM in Engineering Traineeship.

Combilift was also recently the winner of the Apprenticeship Employer of the Year 2020 award. This is just one of the many prestigious industry awards that Combilift has won for its products, management and exports since Martin was named the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001 when he was just 29.

You can join in the conversation on Sunday 7th Nov @ 7:30pm. Register now for free at https://www.crowdcast.io/e/mmcvicar.

Online Public Event

Down Syndrome Associated Arthritis - An Overview Monday 8th November @ 8pm Presented by Dr. Charlene Foley Link: www.dscnortheast.ie/events/ We are delighted to team up with the Down Syndrome Centre North East to bring you Dr. Charlene Foley, a leading Irish researcher who has been exploring Arthritis in children with Down Syndrome. Online Public Event Marrying the science of Farming Food and Health Monday 8th November @ 8pm Presented by Dr. Vanessa Woods With a Mission Statement to ‘Communicate Complex Science Simply’ and a Vision to ‘Marry the Science of Farming, Food and Health’, science communication consultancy services are offered to the Agri-Food, Health, Energy and Education sectors

by Vanessa B. Woods Communications.

Vanessa worked with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) in Northern Ireland as a Senior Scientist for 10 years, in the areas of: • Carbon Footprinting • Horizon Scanning & Global Research • Grassland Research • Dairy Cow Data Modelling Online Public Event

Neuroscience of Stress Monday 8th November @ 7:30pm Presented by Dr. Safia Debar Dr Safia Debar is a private GP with an interest in Stress Management and Neuroplasticity. She is the only doctor in the UK who runs the Harvard Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) course. By learniing about your Brain, how it works and how to manage your mind you will be able to create an authentic way of living, thinking & being. Online Public Event Electric Cars What you need to know Tuesday 9th November @ 1pm Presented by Emer Barry Join Emer Barry from Sustainable Energy Ireland for a Lunch & Learn session focusing on the benefits of electric cars to the climate and your pocket!

Online Public Event

The Science of Happiness Tuesday 9th November @ 7pm Presented by Prof. Brendan Kelly Prof. Brendan Kelly looks at the six over-arching principles of a happy life and seven strategies for achieving it - without having to switch political allegiance or move to Finland. Although happiness cannot be purposely built, we can create the circumstances in which happiness is more likely to flourish and so increase our well-being. To this end, the various strategies outlined in this book combine research evidence with scientific, psychological and even spiritual advice in order to chart a happier path through our complex world.

Online Public Event

Fat around the middle Tuesday 9th November @ 8pm Presented by Dr. Marilyn Glenville If you’re apple rather than pear shaped, with a tendency to gather fat around the middle, you’ll know how difficult it is to keep slim. What you may not know is how dangerous the fat around your middle really is (more so than fat on your thighs or bottom), increasing your risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and certain cancers.

Join Dr Marilyn Glenville PhD at this webinar to find out what you can do to get rid of that fat around the middle for good. Follow up bu browsing Dr Glenville’s website where she gives specific advice on the causes and symptoms accompanied by holistic and nutritional solutions to a wide range of health conditions. She explains the natural approach to health and wellbeing including diet, exercise, lifestyle choices, vitamin, minerals and herbs Online Public Event

The Science of Fertility Wednesday 10th November @ 7pm Presented by Dr Sorca O’Brien and Dr Louise Glover Merrion Fertility Clinic was established in 1998 by Prof Mary Wingfield and other fellow Doctors at the National Maternity Hospital, Dublin. Since then the clinic has become a leading fertility centre in Ireland. We are delighted to be joined by Dr Sorca O’Brien and Dr Louise Glover who will give an overview of the issues around Fertility and how Science is overcoming them.

Online Public Event

CyberSense and Sensibility, A practical talk on internet security, safety, activities and conduct.

Monday 8th November @ 1pm Presented by Chris Reina People often wonder how to keep their data safe - we’ll discuss many ways to do this, but always remember there is no give without take. If you sign up for a free service - is it really free? How many of us have really read the “tick box” that contains the Consent Form / Privacy Policy? We instinctively allow our agreement to use any data we submit to a variety of different places for a variety of reasons.

Passwords, ethical hacking, deep search data and more will be discussed in this 60 minute talk. Online Public Event

The Future of Artifical Intelligence Thursday 11th November @ 7:30pm Presented by Associate professor Brian McNamee Brain Mc Namee is Associate Professor in the school of computer Science, University college Dublin. He is also the Centre Director for the SFI Centre for Research Training in Machine Learning.

Brian will be looking at Artifical Intelligence, how it has developed and where it is leading to.

Online Public Event

Our Amazing Universe A journey of Discovery Friday 12th November @ 7pm Presented by Robert Hill, Director of The Northern ireland space Office As we look to the night sky we imagine what lies beyond our protective blanket of the atmosphere. We sometimes glimpse visitors from beyond as shooting stars as they burn up in the atmosphere above. We may witness the night sky light up in a cosmic dance with the beautiful Northern Lights. There is even the possibility to gaze upon ancient distant travelers as comets as they pass by us on their own journey around our star, The Sun. Through telescopes we gaze out into the universe and travel through space and time. Our scientific endeavours and exploration of space through robotic spacecraft have uncovered incredible vistas and secrets yet to be explained. This presentation will take you on a journey through space and time and highlight some of the amazing discoveries we have made about our own Solar System and out into interstellar space and the universe beyond.

Online Public Event

Garden birds and how to care for them Friday 12th November @ 8pm Presented by Brian Burke (Birdwatch ireland) Brian is the coordinator of the Irish Garden Bird Survey as well as a key member of the I-WeBS and CBS teams.

Under the banner of I-WeBS he coordinates annual nationwide surveys of post-breeding Tern roosts (Aug/Sept) and the Icelandic Goose censuses (Greylag, Pink-foot) in liaison with WWT. Having spent three breeding seasons working on the Rockabill conservation project, Brian retains a strong interest in the monitoring and conservation of our Tern and Gull species. He has a BSc. in Zoology and MSc. in Wildlife Conservation and Management, both from UCD. Brian is also a keen bird ringer. Online Public Event

Family Day @ Ballyhaise Agricultural College Saturday 6th November The family fun day takes place at Teagasc, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan on Saturday, 6th November from 11am to 2pm –Please note if you wish to attend both the Met Eireann Talk & Walk & Talk with Éanna you MUST book each separately. No booking required for Inland Fisheries or Environment Section activities. Booking at: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie

• Thomas Townsend, Met Éireann will discuss the Ballyhaise Weather Station and its relevance • Éanna Ní Lamhna will provide a number of talks on nature along the trails at Teagasc, Ballyhaise • Inland Fisheries Ireland will discuss fisheries and their role in the area • Environment Section, Cavan County Council will look at freshwater samples and discuss the bug life therein.

Met Éireann Weather Station with Thomas Townsend, Session times: 11am, 11:45am & 12:30pm Walk & Talk with Éanna Ní Lamhna Session times: 11am, 11:45am & 12:30pm

Wetland Birds of County Cavan

Sunday 7th November @ 11am Location: Killashandra/Lough Oughter Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Ireland has an abundance of wetlands, both coastal and inland, and while these are biodiversity-rich habitats year-round, numbers of birds surge at these wetlands each autumn with the arrival of migratory waterbirds. The majority of species that occur in Ireland migrate from breeding grounds in the north and north-west (principally Canada, Greenland and Iceland) or from the northeast (Scotland and northern continental Europe, including Scandinavia, Russia and Siberia). Join us as we learn about the Wetland Birds that visit Lough Oughter in Co. Cavan. Please note: Booking is essential and suitable clothing should be worn. This event is suitable for all ages however children must be supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times.

Flower Arranging Colour Theory

Monday 8th November @ 10am-1pm Location: Dún Mhuire Adult Education Centre, Monaghan, H18 T383 Facilitated by Cavan Monaghan ETB Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Colour theory is both the science and Art of using colour, it explains how colour is perceived and the visual effects of how colours match and contrast. Learn how to create colourful and eye catching floral displays by using the theory of the colour wheel.

Experimental Printing

Monday 8th November @ 7pm-10pm Location: Carrickmacross Workhouse Facilitated by Cavan Monaghan ETB Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Also available on Wednesday 10 November @ 10am-1pm Location: Dún Mhuire Adult Education Centre, Monaghan, H18 T383 Combine Art & Science with Experimental printing. Experiment with printing by taking impressions from every day objects and printing them onto backgrounds created by using the technique of marbling in which colours float on a liquid surface and are transferred onto paper to create a marbled patterned background to create prints and greeting cards.

Winter Planting Tuesday 9th November @ 11am-12noon Location: Dún Mhuire Adult Education Centre, Monaghan, H18 T383 Facilitated by Cavan Monaghan ETB Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie You might think that there is very little that can be done in the garden in winter.

But November to March is an ideal time for planting trees. Trees have an important role to play in combating climate change. They encourage biodiversity by providing places for animals and birds. And of course, trees are important in contributing to the beauty of the world around us. As more of us become aware of the need to protect the environment, there is an increased interest in planting our own trees and shrubs. This one-hour session will cover the ecological benefits of planting trees, how to go about it, and (weather permitting) a practical demonstration.

How Holistic therapies can complement Science

The Science of Skincare

Treating Acne

Afterschool Science in Johnston Central Library

Tuesday 9th November @ 7pm-10pm Location: Dún Mhuire Adult Education Centre, Monaghan, H18 T383 Facilitated by Cavan Monaghan ETB Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Many of us are familiar with the use of Holistic therapies such as Aromatherapy, Reiki, Meditation, Acupuncture. But how can they be used to complement modern medicine?

Let’s find out.

Thursday 11th November @ 7pm-9pm Location: Dún Mhuire Adult Education Centre, Monaghan, H18 T383 Facilitated by Cavan Monaghan ETB Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Acne is a skin condition many of us have suffered with either as Teenagers or indeed as adults. It can be difficult to deal with and can often lead to low self-esteem. But the good news is it is treatable. Breda Treanor will discuss what it is that causes Acne and look at some of the treatments available.

Friday 12th November @ 10am-1pm Location: Carrickmacross Workhouse Facilitated by Cavan Monaghan ETB Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie ”Beautiful skin requires commitment, not a miracle.” – Erno Laszlo Are you confused by all of the scientific terms association with Skincare? Acids, AHA’s, Peptitdes, Hydra-Peptides…..but what exactly do they do and do we need them on our skin? Do your skin a favour and join Breda for a look at the Science of Skincare.

Tuesday 9th November, Wednesday 10th November & Thursday 11th November @ 4-5pm Location: Johnston Library, Cavan Town No Booking required – Drop in sessions daily.

(Please note Children must be accompanied)

Learn how to use a microscope and view some amazing slides with staff from the Environment section of Cavan County Council in Johnston Central Library.

Explore the Air monitoring station located at the Courthouse. Calculate your Carbon with the interactive EPA Carbon Counter and learn about the biodiversity of the area.

Anyone for Science?

Saturday 13th November 10am: Ages 6-8 11:30am: Ages 8-12 12:30 pm: Autism Friendly Session for children aged 6-12 Location: Market House, Monaghan Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Anyone 4 Science have been part of the Cavan Monaghan Science Festival since the very beginning. You’d usually find them at the Family Fun Day combining Science & Fun with Slime or possibly Ice Cream! Who knows what wonders they’ll get up to this year during these stand alone workshops.

Planet Science Kids

Saturday 13th November 10am: Ages 6-8 11:30am: Ages 8-12 12:30 pm: Autism Friendly Session for children aged 6-12 Location: Carrickmacross Library Book: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.com Planet Science Kids will be in Carrickmacross Library to bring some Science Fun to South Monaghan.

Children will have the opportunity to explore the fun side of science with these hands on workshops. Numbers will be strictly limited so pre-booking will be essential.

Go Fly Your Kite

Saturday 13th November 11am: Ages 8-10 12:30pm: Ages 10-12 Location: Clones Branch Library Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie There’s a lot of science behind all sorts of flying, be it space rockets, aeroplanes or Kites! Join us as we look at how flight happens then design & fly your very own kite which you can take home with you afterwards for lots more aeronautical fun!

Restoring Sliabh Beagh

Saturday 13th November @ 10am Location: Meeting point Sliabh Beagh Hotel Facilitator: Billy Flynn & CANN Project Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Fancy getting your hands dirty? We’re looking for volunteers to help us restore Sliabh Beagh to its natural state. We need help to remove overgrown Laurels and in return we’ll offer expert advise on our natural biodiversity with Billy flynn followed by lunch in the Sliabh Beagh Hotel.

The Science of Horror Movies

Saturday 13th November @ 7pm Location: Clones Courthouse Booking: www.eventbrite.ie/e/201250183717 Do you like scary movies? The continuing popularity of horror films would suggest many people do. But why do we like being scared and what makes a great horror film? Find out in this fun event, as scientist and film fan Dr Declan McKenna explains the tricks that horror movies use to frighten us. Using clips from wellknown films, he explains the science behind the emotional and psychological responses we experience when we watch a scary movie. It won’t be for the faint-hearted, but it promises to be a monster night out for horror fans! You can choose to stay on after the presentation for a screening of one of the Classic Hitchcock Horrors! Over 18’s Only.

Exploring River Biodiversity

Sunday 14th November @ 2.30pm Location: Doohamlet Community Centre Booking: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Did you know there are about 74,000Km’s of River channels in Ireland? Can you imagine how much of our ecosystem relies on this water being clean & healthy? Come along to Doohamlet and learn about the importance of biodiversity in our Rivers.

We’ll have samples of the creatures who live in our local waters for you to get up close and persona with! Suitable for all the Family. Booking essential as numbers will be strictly limited.

Primary Schools Puzzling Maths

Monday 8th November @ 10am Platform: Crowdcast Age Group: 3rd - 6th Class Presented by Andrew Jeffrey Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/puzzlingmaths In this fun maths-based session, your pupils will combine fluency and reasoning to become champion problem-solvers, by learning to solve the phenomenally popular puzzles known as ‘KenKen’. Your host, Andrew Jeffrey, regularly used these puzzles during his career as a maths specialist teacher, and children quickly became addicted to these most fascinating number puzzles, all the while becoming better problem-solvers!”

Code a game

Monday 8th November @ 11am Platform: YouTube Age Group: 2nd – 6th Presented by MakerMeet.ie Link: bit.ly/codeagame1 Join us to code a playable game in less than 60 minutes! Participants only need a device to learn how to code and play a game - which they can then edit afterwards!

The Science of Sweets

Monday 8th November @ 12noon Platform: Festival Website Age Group: All Ages Presented by Stefan Gates, the Gastronaut.

Link: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie Stefan is usually found on CBBC, but we’re delighted he has taken time out to put together a special show for us on the Science of Sweets. Stefan’s high-energy, curriculum-driven shows are full of explosive chemistry and extraordinary food. They are designed to inspire a fascination with science as well as adventurous, healthier eating. This show will premier at 12noon but will be available for viewing until Wednesday 10th November.

Ugly Animals Preservation Society

Tuesday 9th November @ 10am Platform: Crowdcast Age Group: 1st – 6th Class Presented by Simon Watt Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/uglyanimals At the Ugly Animal Preservation Society, we celebrate and explore the incredible biology of the animal kingdom’s most monstrous. What adaptations make them amazing? How did such hideous creatures evolve in the first place? The show features videos, demonstrations and lots and lots of audience participation. This show has been hailed as an example of British Science Communication at its best and has been performed as part of a tour of Canada, Ireland and the UK as well as in Bulgaria, Mexico and the USA.

Have a Heart

Tuesday 9th November @ 11am Platform: YouTube Age Group: 1st-6th Link: bit.ly/heartscience1 Teachers &/or Children will learn how create a simple model to explore the role of heart valves in preventing blood from flowing the wrong way. They will then use their knowledge to build a model representing the blood flow into and out of a chamber of the heart, demonstrating how blood is pumped through the chamber to/from the body.

Sci-Tunes

Tuesday 9th November @ 11.30am Platform: Crowdcast Age Group: 4th-6th Class Presented by Jonny Berliner Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/scitunes A fun, fact-filled show! Johnny’s unique combination of science, songs and comedy are a breath of fresh air, and his shows are always very well received.

Jonny makes science accessible by engaging students with great songs and humour. But it’s not just fun & games, Jonny is a qualified science teacher with an MA in science education. He’s an expert in using songs in the classroom, as a revision tool and a means to communicate complex information in a simple, engaging way.

The Science of the Circus

Wednesday 10th November @ 10am Platform: Vimeo Age Group: All Ages Presented by Inspirational Science Link: bit.ly/circus2021 Roll up, roll up and explore the science behind the thrills and spills of the circus. Dr Ken takes you on a voyage of discovery investigating how performers make use of many scientific principles in their tricks and stunts. Find out why jugglers love gravity, how clowns use the force like a Jedi and why unicyclists need to keep moving to stay still. It’s science but not as you may know it!!!

Access Code to view on Vimeo will be provided upon booking. This show will then be available to view for the remainder of the week.

Explore the Microscopic world

Wednesday 10th November @ 11am Platform: YouTube Age Group: All Ages Link: bit.ly/microscopic2 We always see the world around us - from news to our own local environment. But what about the other world that lives just under our noses? (Sometimes literally!) See the microscopic world in full HD detail!

Figure out what a variety of objects are in this fun and engaging lesson.

Fizz Inflators: A fizzy look at Chemistry

Wednesday 10th November @ 1pm Platform: Zoom Ages: 1st – 6th Class Presented by Planet Science Kidz Link: bit.ly/fizz101121 Explore the exciting world of Chemistry with a hands-on activity in your classroom. We’ll supply the Scientist but you will need to supply the materials!

For Younger classes Teachers might choose to demonstrate the experiment themselves. Older children should be able to conduct the experiments themselves however you will need more supplies! Here’s your shopping list: • Baking Soda • Small (250 ml) water bottle • Balloon • Vinegar Zoom link will be provided upon booking. Numbers Limited.

SEAI Energy exploration

Thursday 11th November @ 10am Platform: Crowdcast Age Group: 4th-6th class Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/seai SEAI is Irelands national sustainable energy authority. They’ll be joining us to look at the various types of energy we use in Ireland but will focus on the main renewable energies and what the future of energy looks like for us in Ireland. There’ll be an opportunity for classes to join in with some hands-on experiments but you will need to have the following items ready beforehand: • 1 empty Fizzy drinks can • 1 large mug that the empty can will fit into.

• 1 tennis ball • 1 larger ball e.g a basketball This workshop is perfect for senior classes and Green school committees.

The Secret Science of Santa

Wednesday 10th November @ 1.30pm Platform: Crowdcast Age Group: 1st - 6th Class Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/santa How does Santa Claus travel around the world on Christmas Eve? Have you ever wondered how Santa Claus avoids rainfall and snowstorms? How far does Santa Claus travel on Christmas Eve? Barry W. Fitzgerald seeks to answer these and many other questions during his presentation.

Perhaps we’ll learn the science behind the incredible technologies that Santa uses to help him deliver presents on Christmas Eve. Santa has developed these technologies with the elf-scientists at his Arctic workshops. You’ll learn the science behind Santa’s flying reindeer, his cuttingedge weather prediction methods and the gadgets that allow Santa fly large distances in the blink of an eye! Are you ready to unlock the Secret Science of Santa Claus?

Insect Myth-busting

Thursday 11th November @ 11.30am Platform: Crowdcast Ages: All Ages Presented by Dr. Linda Birkin Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/insects Join Entomologist Dr. Linda Birkin as she busts some myths surrounding Creepy Crawlies! Do Earwigs really want to creep into your ear and lay eggs? What is that yellow substance that Ladybirds leave on your hands if you pick them up…could it really be wee??!!! Join Linda for some more weird and wonderful insect facts.

Fruit Canoes: Chemistry never tasted so good!

Thursday 11th November @ 1:15pm Platform: Zoom Ages: All Ages Presented by Planet Science Kidz Link: www.cavanmonaghansciencefestival.ie It’s another opportunity to conduct some Hands-on Chemistry – this time with a Fruity flavour! Once again, we’ll provide the Scientist if you can supply some Lemons, Grapefruit, Oranges, Limes & Baking Soda.

Numbers Limited.

Fur, feathers, scales and tails – Who am I?

Friday 12th November @ 10.30am Platform: Crowdcast Ages: Junior – 2nd Class Presented by Dublin Zoo Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/zoo1 Dublin Zoo were such a hit in 2020 we decided to invite them back for more!

Join us for a quizzical look at some of the Zoo’s residents and what promises to be a morning of animal fun!

Who lives here? Journey to the Rainforest Friday 12th November @ 11.30am Platform: Crowdcast Ages: 2nd-6th Class Presented by Dublin Zoo Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/zoo2 Dublin Zoo is home to many amazing animals - but which species originated in the Rainforests? Let’s find out as we welcome Dublin Zoo for a session.

Volcanoes: An explosive look at Geology Friday 12th November @ 1pm Platform: Zoom Ages: All Ages Presented by Planet Science Kidz Link: bit.ly/volcanoes12 What else would you be doing on a Friday afternoon, except having some explosive fun with Geology!? If you enjoyed the hands on activities earlier in the week you won’t want to miss out on this one. Here’s what you’ll need to take part: • Play Dough • Baking soda • Food colouring • Vinegar • Plastic shot glass

For younger class groups it is recommended that the Teacher demonstrates the experiment. For older children, you may like to provide them with the materials to complete the experiment themselves.

Numbers limited.

Our Partners at Science Foundation Ireland have also put together a range events which you are welcome to attend. You can find their listings at bit.ly/sfi-events2021

Secondary Schools Climate Action – What’s the story?

Monday 8th November @ 10am Platform: Crowdcast Presented by CARO Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/caro CARO have been tasked with supporting a low Carbon & Climate Resilient Ireland but they you’re your help. In this 40 min Session we’ll look at Climate Science (what is causing climate change), what the government are doing (key legislation and policies and what they are aiming to achieve – i.e. transition to a carbon neutral society by 2050) and what might Ireland look like in the future (based on these policies/legislation.

This session will also be repeated on Wednesday 11th Nov @ 10am. Booking at www.crowdcast.io/e/caro2

A look at the Respiratory System

Tuesday 9th November @ 10am Platform: Zoom Link: bit.ly/breathing21 This interactive Zoom session will lead you through a Hands-On experiment which explores the Respiratory system.

We’ll supply the Scientist but you’ll need to supply the materials as follows: • Scissors • Straws approx 3 per student • 250ml bottle + bottle cap with hole per student (Similar to small sports cap water bottles available in supermarkets) • 2 - 3 ballons per Student • Sellotape Zoom link made available after booking.

Numbers limited.

STEM Careers In Cavan & Monaghan

Tuesday 9th November @ 11:15 - 12:30pm Platform: Crowdcast Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/stemcareers Both Cavan & Monaghan have been identified as low intervention Counties in terms of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) so it is hoped to encourage more people to become involved in STEM. This Careers event will showcase a “day in the life of a....” demonstrating various STEM positions in some of the STEM related enterprises across County Cavan and Monaghan.

Staff from Combilift, Kingspan Group, Mannok, Abbott Ireland and Lakeland Dairies will be involved and will be detailing their interests in school, the course or training they undertook, details on the company they work for and their role within the company.

This talk will be recorded and available for viewing through the same link for the remainder of the month.

DNA Base Pairing, Double Helix, DNA ladder

Viruses & How they hack into the human system

• Thick candy rope/ Strawberry Pencils (2 per Student) – Available in Mr. Price, Tesco etc.

• Small sticks - small wooden toothpicks or craft small sticks (bags of craft sticks usually available in stationary shops, Mr. Price etc) • Jelly tots (Dna Bases)

• Different Colour play dough • Scissors • Toothpick / Ear buds

Wednesday 10th November @ 10am Platform: Zoom Link: bit.ly/dna-sweets DNA can be a complex topic to get your head around so we’re making it easy and tasty with sweets! This is a HandsOn activity so once again you’ll need to gather up some materials in advance.

Materials Needed for DNA as follows:

Numbers limited.

Cyber Sense & Sensibility

Monday 8th November @ 1pm Platform: Crowdcast Presented by Chris Reina Link: www.crowdcast.io/e/cybersense People often wonder how to keep their data safe - we’ll discuss many ways to do this, but always remember there is no give without take. If you sign up for a free service - is it really free? How many of us have really read the “tick box” that contains the Consent Form / Privacy Policy? We instinctively allow our agreement to use any data we submit to a variety of different places for a variety of reasons. Passwords, ethical hacking, deep search data and more will be discussed in this 60 minute talk.

Friday 12th November @ 10am Platform: Zoom Link: bit.ly/virus1221 We’ve heard a lot about viruses to last us a lifetime, but even after a global pandemic, do you really understand how viruses work? This Hands-on look at how they hack the system will help explain it. In order to take part in the hands on elements you’ll need:

Numbers limited.