Kilkenny students win national carbon monoxide safety competition
Ben Dunphy, Eoin Tobin and Danny Walsh from sixth class in Carrigeen National School, won a nationwide poster competition to raise awareness of carbon monoxide and the dangers that it can pose in our homes.
Earlier this year, Gas Networks Ireland, in partnership with Junior Achievement Ireland (JAI), called for entries to its carbon monoxide safety poster competition. Students who completed the ‘Energize’ Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) educational programme were eligible to enter.
The competition received hundreds of amazing entries from all over Ireland, but it was Ben, Eoin and Danny’s poster which was deemed the winner. Their poster outlined the potential effects that carbon monoxide poisoning can have including upset stomach, ringing in the ears, shortness of breath, headaches and blurred vision.
Speaking as she presented the students with an iPad for use in their school classroom, Gas Networks Ireland’s Social Sustainability Manager, Gráinne O’Reilly said:
"Science, technology, engineering and maths expertise is at the centre of our business, so we’re big supporters of STEM education. Congratulations to Ben, Eoin and Danny, and indeed all in Carrigeen National School for winning term two of the 2021/22 Energize poster competition. Particularly as art is such a wonderful medium to use when engaging with STEM, so we are always excited to see so many creative entries.
"We are delighted that 3,400 students from 100 schools nationwide engaged with Energize last year. Most importantly, more students are now aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of having a working carbon monoxide installed."
The Energize programme delivers science to primary school students around Ireland through practical and engaging lessons to cultivate interest in the subject so students continue with it to second level education. Carbon monoxide awareness is an important element of the programme.
JAI, which last year marked 10 years in partnership with Gas Networks Ireland, now runs its successful STEM education programme, Energize, online. The resources from the programme are also available free to download at www.jai.ie to support learning at home.
Carrigeen National School’s sixth class teacher, Sinead Murphy, said:
"My class thoroughly enjoyed the Energize programme which brought science to life through fun and interactive sessions reflecting the curriculum. The programme enables pupils to understand career possibilities in STEM areas and encouraged them to continue with science in second-level education.
"We are delighted that Ben, Eoin and Danny won this award. All our sixth-class pupils engaged in the poster competition and grasped the important safety messages related to carbon monoxide with wonderful creativity. Thanks to JAI and Gas Networks Ireland; and also, to Gill Higgins from Dawn Meats who helped deliver the programme.”
To have Energize delivered in your school, please contact JAI at info@jai.ie.