Science Hub at Learning Hub Limerick
Year Awarded
2020
Amount
€50,000
- Organisation:Learning Hub Limerick Ltd
- Audience:Primary Students, Primary Teachers
- Format:Informal Education
- Location:Limerick
Project Summary
The central goal of the Science Hub is to increase engagement and participation in STEM subjects among children, young people and the general public in Limerick City and County. It was conceived as a solution-focused response to the high levels of educational disadvantage experienced in Limerick City. The Science hub has grown from 20 participants in 2011 to 3271 participants in 2019. Discover funding has played a crucial role in the growth of the Science Hub in Limerick.
The Covid-19 pandemic has impeded learning within our community. Research indicates that children from economically disadvantaged communities are negatively impacted by an increased length of time out of formal education. Families from disadvantaged communities experience considerable obstacles to online and home learning. The Science hub has adapted to the needs of the community during the pandemic and it will continue to work with the local community.
Post pandemic the Science Hub will reduce class sizes and deliver more classes particularly focusing on our local DEIS schools. Home Science packs will be delivered and we will run an after-school science class specific to local 1st year Secondary students in order to aid the transition to Junior Cycle. The increase in classes requires that the Learning Hub employs a part-time Science Hub assistant. Support from Discover will allow the Science hub to continue to carry out outreach work with communities around Limerick city whose educational disadvantage has been exacerbated by the pandemic.