To celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, two Marie Curie researchers visited Bunscoil Na Toirbhirte, a primary girls’ school in Mitchelstown, County Cork, Ireland. The outreach aimed to encourage young girls to pursue STEM careers by providing positive role models and interactive science activities. The event targeted 4th, 5th, and 6th class students, bringing hands-on experiences to a remote region where access to STEM resources may be limited.
The school welcomed Dr. Yuanyuan Pu, a Marie Curie alumna and assistant lecturer in food science at SETU Waterford, and Dr. Shannon Gwala, a current Marie Curie postdoctoral researcher at Teagasc Moorpark, Co. Cork. These inspiring women shared their journeys, challenges, and successes in STEM, aiming to spark curiosity and ambition among the students.
Event Highlights:
📌 Introduction & Inspiration: A brief presentation introduced the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Marie Skłodowska-Curie, and the importance of women in STEM.
A video compilation featured female Marie Curie researchers from around the world, sharing their paths to science.
📌 Hands-on Food Science Activities: Dr. Pu and Dr. Gwala led exciting interactive science experiments, allowing the students to explore scientific concepts through fun, practical applications:
1️⃣ Nutrition Matching Game – Students tested different dairy products and matched them to their nutritional labels, learning about food nutrition and its impact on health.
2️⃣ Magic Color Change Experiment – Using lemon juice, baking soda, and colorful fruit juice concentrate, students observed acid-base interactions and learned about pH indicators.
3️⃣ Rainbow Milk Science – Mixing milk, food coloring, and dish soap, students created swirling color patterns while discovering the science of fat molecules, surface tension, and detergent reactions.
📌 Closing & Group Photo
The session wrapped up with a lively Q&A, allowing students to ask questions and engage in discussions about science careers. A group photo captured the excitement and inspiration of the day!
Impact & Takeaways
✔ Raised awareness of STEM opportunities for young girls in a remote region.
✔ Provided real-life role models through engaging storytelling.
✔ Made science fun and accessible with hands-on experiments.
✔ Inspired confidence in young students to explore science and innovation.
This outreach event successfully empowered and motivated young girls to see STEM as an exciting and achievable path for their futures! 🚀🔬
