The 2010 Mayo Science and Technology Festival runs from November 15 to 21 and promises a number of exciting events across the length and breadth of the county. Science Week aims promote the relevance of science and technology in our everyday lives and to demonstrate the importance of these disciplines to the future development of Mayo and the economy of Ireland.
Councillor Eddie Staunton, chair of Mayo County Development Board, has expressed his delight with the success of the festival in recent years. “Science Week aims to give young people in particular a better insight into how science and technology affect our everyday lives,” he said. “Giving young people an interest in science and technology is critical to the future of the Mayo economy.
“I believe the festival has generated a greater public appreciation for the contribution science and technology makes to Mayo. It is important that all of us and young people in particular – are aware of the technology that is all around us.”
This is the fourth year of the festival which has been going from strength to strength since the inaugural festival in 2007. A wide range of events has been planned as part of the festival. These include school excursions to various educational sites throughout the county and a maths roadshow which encourages children to explore the landscape of mathematics through sight, sound, touch, and movement. There will also be a number of competitions and design challenges aimed at both national and secondary school students.
Those with an interest in the future of Mayo are invited to attend the Mayo 2040 Night in the GMIT, Castlebar, on Thursday November 18 at 7pm. This innovative night will have presentations, discussion and debate on the types of technology that might be in use in 30 years time and how these will affect our lives and those of our children.
John Magee, speaking on behalf of the organising committee, highlighted the open day that will take place in the TF Royal Hotel and Theatre on Sunday November 15 at 1pm. A wide range of fantastic interactive shows, hands-on activities, and presentations is organised. All the events are free of charge on a first to arrive basis and it promises to be a fun and exciting day for all. Highlights include a mobile planetarium, an electronics workshop, and talks with Astronomy Ireland. There will be various fun with science shows as well as interactive exhibitions from a huge range of Mayo-based science and technology companies. Many of the best known employers in Mayo have agreed to take part in the open day. On the day they will showcase the types of technology they use on a day-to-day basis, and there is no doubt that this will be a very exhilarating day, not just for children and young people, but for people of all ages. Further information is available on www.mayoscience.ie
