Two primary students win Marine Institute competition at Galway Science Festival

Two primary school students from Galway are the winners of the Marine Institute's competition held as part of Galway Science and Technology Festival on Sunday 24th November 2019.

Jason Heffernan, 3rd Class at Scoil Fhursa, Galway has won a tour of the Marine Institute's RV Celtic Explorer for his primary school class. Erin Hayes, 3rd Class at Scoil Mhuire Clarinbridge, has won a Seashore Safari for her primary school class, as part of the Marine Institute's Explorers Education Programme.

Jason and Erin entered the competition by visiting the Marine Institute exhibition stand and answering questions about our ocean and the Marine Institute's RV Celtic Explorer, ROV Holland 1 and Argo Floats.

This year as part of Galway Science and Technology Festival, the Marine Institute showcased work undertaken by the Institute to observe and understand how our ocean is changing. The Institute had an Argo Float on display which is used to collect important data on the temperature and salinity of the ocean. A mini Remotely Operated Vehicle and a model of the RV Celtic Explorer were also on show, and visitors learnt more on how this infrastructure is used for fisheries and oceanographic research. There was also an interactive touch screen on the Institute's involvement in marine biodiversity research.

Children also saw marine life in the Marine Institute's Explorers Primary Schools Education Programme 'Nobby Boat' display. There were also ideas for visitors about what easy swaps and alternatives they can make at home and at school to reduce their impact on the planet and the ocean.

Sinéad Coyne, Communications Manager at the Marine Institute said, "Each year, we look forward to exhibiting at the Galway Science and Technology Festival to raise awareness about our ocean and once again, visitors were enthusiastic and eager to learn about the work undertaken by the Marine Institute. We are delighted to announce Jason and Erin as our competition winners and offer these unique learning experiences."

The Galway Science and Technology Festival 2019 attracted more than 20,000 visitors during Science Week. This year's festival focused on climate action, understanding climate change and how science and technology can help us create a positive climate impact. For more information visit galwayscience.ie

ENDS