The Insight Research Ireland Centre for Data Analytics will once again be offering coding workshops for primary schools during the Galway Science and Technology Festival, both at its University of Galway site and directly in classrooms.

Dates: November 11th, 14th, 18th, 20th and 21st.

Bookings: Contact Brendan Smith at [email protected]

This engaging 60-minute workshop invites pupils (ages 8–12) to explore biodiversity and imagine how humans and nature can thrive together. Through lively discussion, and hands-on creativity, children learn about Irish wildlife, habitats, and the importance of balance in ecosystems.

Working in small groups, they build their own “mini worlds” from paper and cardboard—adding rivers, forests, homes, and wildlife—while considering how people can share space with animals and plants.

The session ends with group sharing and reflection, helping pupils connect their creations to real actions they can take at home or school to support biodiversity. The workshop is delivered by Lindsay Deely of Toodlelou Creativity Lab and Developed in collaboration with the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water.
Suitable:  ages 8 – 12
Location: Classroom
To book:  Complete the booking form

Introduce students to the art of Origami and raise awareness of Origami as not only a STEM-related activity but also an art form, and put the A in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, ART and maths)!.
This workshop will cover elements of the school curriculum, including learning simple paper folding techniques and terminology, and discovering how Origami is used in the field of science and engineering. Students will discover the maths hidden in origami; find lengths, angles, shapes, and solids found during, or after, folding various origami diagrams; and learn through the creation of art.

Location – classroom visit
Duration– 2.5 hours
Suitable for : ages 10+
To book:  complete the booking form

Join Scientific Sue for a Journey Through Time with Chemistry and the Celts and Step back into the Iron Age and immerse yourself in the world of the Irish Celts with Scientific Sue’s innovative science show, Chemistry and the Celts.  This dynamic performance will captivate and educate young minds through the magical lens of engineering and history.
Suitable: for all ages
Location:  School Hall
To book:  Complete the Booking Form

Join us for an exciting 45-minute workshop on “Then, Today and Tomorrow,” led by an experienced science educator with many years of inspiring young minds. Tailored for children aged 4-12, this hands-on session will immerse participants in the wonders of science through time, incorporating fun and interactive investigations. Activities may include a selection of:

• looking at clocks through the ages
• a focus on travel through the ages with investigations, experiments and demonstrations with passenger boats, paper planes and rockets

This workshop promises an engaging and educational experience, sparking curiosity and a love for science in young learners. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to explore the impact of science inventions through the ages and on into our future!
Location:  School hall or classroom
Suitable:  All ages
To book: Complete the booking form

Students learn to develop an understanding of code and algorithms to build their own Retro Games using Makecode Arcade. The students talk about the games they are familiar with and how code plays a major role in these games. They add soundsu, characters and instructions to their games to create authentic and interesting chase games. They discuss how to introduce challenges such as timers and count downs as well as rewards such as scoreboards. They learn about computer programmers and coding languages such as Python. They learn how they can continue to develop their skills using the Makecode Arcade resources available online.
Suitable for 5th & 6th class
Time: 75 mins per workshop
Location: Classroom
To book:  email [email protected]

Bricks 4 Kidz believe that learning is most effective when it’s enjoyable. Their programs are centered around the idea of “learning through play” and combines the timeless fun of LEGO® bricks with hands-on learning experiences. Their age-appropriate STEAM chool enrichment programs are designed to inspire creativity, foster critical thinking, and provide a unique platform for students to explore various educational concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Suitable:  Ages 8 – 12
Location: Classroom or hall
To book:  Complete the booking form

Showcase your school’s brilliant STEM projects and let the public see the wonderful science and technology work your students are creating in the classroom. This is a chance for your pupils to step into the spotlight, share their passion, and teach the wider community about the world around us!