St Finian's class go for astronaut training
Their vision for transport in 2030 has won students at St Finian’s College in Mullingar a trip to the European Space Centre in Brussels for astronaut training.
For their entry, second year pupils Ailbhe Mulvihill, Erik Slattery, Sean Wylie, Sean Rock, Jessica Thomas and Sarah Murtagh imagined a world with ultra-fast bullet trains, solar-powered ships and voice-enabled, self-driving cars.
In recognition of their efforts, the winning pupils and their science class will be flown to Brussels in January 2014 for astronaut training.
Minister of State Alan Kelly, TD, announced them as the winner of the Saffron School Science Competition, as they beat 11 other finalists from around the country.
The competition, sponsored by eFlow, and ITS Ireland, asked entrants to create a short video with their vision for transport in 2030.
The announcement of winners coincides with National Science Week, which sees schools from all over Ireland take part in events which demonstrate the importance of science, technology, engineering and maths, to the future of Ireland’s economy.
At the European Space Centre, the St Finian’s students will enjoy tuition and experiments in space science, including the launch of micro rockets, moonwalk and space shuttle simulations, evening astronomy, and lectures on extraterrestrial life in the galaxy.
Simon McBeth of eFlow said: “The St Finian’s entry demonstrated innovation and imagination presented in a creative, compelling way. These are the minds we must nurture as we move into the future of transport technology – our doors will certainly be open for them.”
Stephen Keenan, MD of Saffron, added: “Interest in the competition was significant and the level of creativity demonstrated in every entry meant that it was difficult selecting the 12 finalists. However, St Finian’s won the judges’ hearts and minds with their creative, innovative and accessible approach to science. We all know that the winning class will have a wonderful time enjoying the Saffron Science Experience in Brussels in the New Year, and now see science as a viable, fulfilling career path.”