A number of Laois secondary schools celebrated successes at the second annual LOETB STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths) Showcase held recently at Banagher College, Offaly.
The Showcase recognised students’ work across coding, robotics, design, podcasting and filmmaking, highlighting both their innovative projects and the work they’ve done throughout the year.
The Showcase boasted a prize fund of over €10,000 – sponsored by Laois and Offaly County Councils and IT company NIS Ltd.
The nine participating schools took part in initiatives that focused on:
- Scratch coding,
- Robotics using LEGO League and VEX IQ,
- Podcasting with studio kit,
- Design using Minecraft Education.
This year’s programme added the LOETB STEAM Lab, where students experimenting in the use of Virtual Reality in Education.
A highlight of the Lab is the Virtual Reality tour of the schools, created by students for incoming first year students to experience their new school in advance, helping to ease their anxieties about the transition to secondary school.
Each of the nine schools is provided with equipment, training, and support – as well as accompanying competitions.
There was great excitement both in the robotics arena and on the big stage at the Banagher College Showcase as the winners were announced in an Oscars-style event.
St Fergal’s Rathdowney won the top prize at the podcast ceremony for their ‘On the Ball’ podcast, which scooped them a €1,500 prize. The Rathdowney school were also runners up for their facility design in the Minecraft Education category
Reigning podcasting champions Dunamase College were runners-up while the Portlaoise school won Best Showcase Stand and were recognised for their outstanding achievements at the VEX IQ National Finals.
Clonaslee College won the Design Award, while Portlaoise College claimed the Judges Award.
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