Thousands of primary schoolchildren will visit Carlow this month for an event which could help re-establish the county as a centre of science.
The Magic of Science, which comprises over 40 science exhibitions and a light and sound show, is to be opened on Monday at the Carlow Institute of Technology by the Tanaiste, Ms Harney.
The event is to be the forerunner of larger interactive exhibitions, and there is talk of a permanent science centre for the town, although plans are still at the preliminary stage.
Carlow has a tradition of contribution to the sciences going back to the 19th century when John Tyndall, one of the greatest scientists of his time, was born in Leighlinbridge. Among many other achievements, it was Tyndall who explained scientifically why the sky is blue. The event opening on Monday runs until June 24th and is organised by the institute of technology and Carlow Urban District Council. The exhibitions are provided by Techniquest, a Cardiff educational company which stages such events around the world.
The event is interactive, where children will be invited to launch rockets, make raindrops and zoom beyond the Milky Way by computer. Almost 4,000 schoolchildren from Cos Dublin, Cork, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Laois and Carlow have booked tickets for the event.
Further information is available from Ms Mary Bates at 0503-70446 or e-mail mary.bates@itcarlow.ie
