Northern Ireland

Pupils walk on egg shells during science day

Cullybackey College pupils Simone Lyle and Robert Anderson join John O'Dowd and principal David Donaldson
Cullybackey College pupils Simone Lyle and Robert Anderson join John O'Dowd and principal David Donaldson Cullybackey College pupils Simone Lyle and Robert Anderson join John O'Dowd and principal David Donaldson

Hundreds of pupils made rainbows, created dry ice bubbles and walked on egg shells during a morning of interactive science and technology.

Young people at Cullybackey College were joined by education minister John O'Dowd at the annual IN-O-V8 event.

Hosted by pupils and teachers, it brings together Ballymena primary schools as they work with each other to develop their skills in science, technology, engineering and maths.

During the morning, pupils made elephant toothpaste, walked on egg shells and made rainbows. They also attended technology workshops involving electronics and made a battery powered torch.

Cullybackey College principal David Donaldson said the aim was to show that learning, particularly in the context of `stem', could be fun

"I think the response of the 740 P7 pupils shows we have achieved that. I am indebted to the support and interest of our feeder primary school principals and staff; the work of my own staff and outside bodies in making this event happen," he said.

Mr O'Dowd said IN-O-V8 would inspire and encourage the youngest pupils as they move on to the next stage in their education.

"All of the schools taking part, and in particular, host Cullybackey College, are clearly demonstrating the added value for all our young people when schools come together to share their learning. It is also an opportunity for local primary school pupils to sample what life at post primary can be like," he said.

"The uptake of stem subjects continues to grow and with the range of exciting and interesting jobs in this sector, studying these subjects provides a wealth of opportunity whether that is building aeroplanes, creating computer games or working as a scientist.

"I am delighted to see such a wonderful turnout and would like to congratulate Cullybackey College in hosting such an interesting and inspiring event."