Switch on STEM: Engaging Young Learners
In a rapidly evolving world where science and technology underpin almost every sector, from healthcare to climate resilience, the need for equitable access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education has never been greater.
At TU Dublin, the Switch on STEM with Biology project answers this call through engaged learning, early science exposure, and targeted support for children in DEIS schools (Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools). Led by School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences lecturers, Dr Leanne Harris and Dr Shubhrima Ghosh, the project brings together second-year Biosciences (TU751) students, TU Dublin’s Access & Outreach, and Christ the King Girls' and Boys’ National School.
This collaboration created an interactive and inclusive learning environment where TU Dublin students shared their STEM and SDG knowledge in a real-life setting. It directly addressed SDG 3 Good Health and Wellbeing, by connecting young people to STEM education in a way that was creative, accessible and inclusive.
Engaging young learners - Biology demonstrations
In Semester 2 of the 2025/2026 academic year, Biosciences students worked in 10 groups of 5-6 students to design engaging biology-themed demonstrations suitable for primary school-aged children. Drawing on their knowledge gained from their studies, students translated complex topics into simple and engaging experiments with real-world relevance. From microorganisms to the human immune system, and osmosis to the respiratory system, their goal was not just to teach science, but to inspire a generation of learners into the world of STEM.
Throughout the semester, Biosciences students refined their demonstrations and resources while building essential attributes such as collaboration, global citizenship, and life-long learning. They were supported by staff from both their academic programme and Access & Civic Engagement, who provided guidance while giving students ownership over their projects.
The result was a suite of 10 unique, 10-minute biology demonstration, each of which brought a different aspect of biology to life at a level appropriate for young learners.
In the same term, Access & Outreach Project Co-ordinator Ian Roller delivered a talk to students on the role of the Sustainability Action Lab at TU Dublin, highlighting how civic engagement can foster mutually beneficial partnerships by broadening access to higher education and promoting the creation and sharing of knowledge.
Dr Leanne Harris said, lecturer at the School of Biological, Health and Sports Sciences said:
"We are very proud of the incredible work and effort that our students put into this event, mastering professional communication in a fun and engaging way and contributing to sustainability in education."
"Our students brought the showcase together in an enthusiastic and interactive session that was met with equal excitement and curiosity from the visiting primary school students."
The participating students from TU Dublin said:
"I really enjoyed the day, and community engagement as a whole."
"Everyone had a voice and it fostered an inclusive atmosphere."
"The event encouraged creativity, teamwork and active participation."
The pupils from Christ the King School said they learnt so much from the TU Dublin Biosciences students. From navigating the “highways to the heart” to clay modelling of viruses, bacteria, bones of the human body and chromosomes.
Teachers from the Christ the King Girls' and Boys’ National Schools also enjoyed the day saying:
"A great event, wonderful to see such engagement."
"A lovely opportunity for children to learn from TU Dublin students."
"The format works so well to keep the children engaged."
SDG Alignment
This initiative strongly aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing - Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Each Sustainability Action Lab project is underpinned by:
- SDG 17: Partnership for the Goals - Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
- SDG 4: Quality Education - Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
GreenComp Alignment
The project also aligns with specific competences from the GreenComp sustainability competency framework including:
- Envisioning Sustainable Futures
- Embodying Sustainability values
- Acting for Sustainability.
|
Competency Area |
Competency |
Descriptor |
|
Envisioning Sustainable Futures
|
Exploratory thinking
|
To adopt a relational way of thinking by exploring and linking different disciplines, using creativity and experimentation with novel ideas or methods |
|
Embodying Sustainability values |
Supporting fairness |
To support equity and justice for current and future generations and learn from previous generations for sustainability. |
|
Acting for sustainability |
Collective action |
To act for change in collaboration with others |
This collaboration was supported by the Societal Engagement and Sustainability Education teams and through the Higher Education Authority’s Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE) fund.