Video: Electrifying experience for Co Tyrone students at science show

Local pupils from the Dungannon and Coalisland areas recently attended a free science show to learn about electricity and the huge role electricity plays in our lives.
By Sean Ward
Published 30th Oct 2014, 12:50 BST
Anna from St Josephs College Coalisland, trying out the Van Der Graaf machine at the Eirgrid event in the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre. Pic by Philip Fitzpatrick.Anna from St Josephs College Coalisland, trying out the Van Der Graaf machine at the Eirgrid event in the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre. Pic by Philip Fitzpatrick.
Anna from St Josephs College Coalisland, trying out the Van Der Graaf machine at the Eirgrid event in the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre. Pic by Philip Fitzpatrick.

The students were told the history of electricity, the core principles of how it’s generated and transported, and the application of electricity in today’s world.

Attendees were given demonstrations at the event, which included the hair-raising Van der Graaf generator, an early telegraph system, and competed in dynamo bike competition.

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Students were also able to research which careers are offered through technology, science and maths.

Anna from St Josephs College Coalisland, trying out the Van Der Graaf machine at the Eirgrid event in the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre. Pic by Philip Fitzpatrick.Anna from St Josephs College Coalisland, trying out the Van Der Graaf machine at the Eirgrid event in the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre. Pic by Philip Fitzpatrick.
Anna from St Josephs College Coalisland, trying out the Van Der Graaf machine at the Eirgrid event in the Craic Theatre & Arts Centre. Pic by Philip Fitzpatrick.

The event had the aim of trying to show the pupils how science was applicable to everyday life outside the classroom. The schools who took part in the event included: St. Patrick’s Academy, St Patrick’s College, St. Brigid’s Primary, Aughamullan Primary, Primate Dixon Primary, St. Joseph’s College and Holy Trinity College.

The Event was hosted by SONI which is the Northern Ireland electricity transmission system operator (TSO) and market operator.

SONI General Manager Rob McCormick said, “SONI and EirGrid have developed an exciting educational, interactive show using our own staff to demonstrate experiments from the curriculum and explain the history, context and role that electricity plays in our everyday life.”

To find out more about the EirGrid/SONI schools programme visit http://www.eirgridprojects.com/schools or email [email protected].

Related topics:SONICoalislandStudents