Free workshops bring STEM subjects to life for children with autism
Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Co Laois are part of a ground-breaking initiative to explore science, technology, engineering and maths through a series of free workshops showcased as part of #YourCouncil Day on Friday 27 June.
Seanie Morris, STEM engagement officer with Laois County Council, has developed the programme, which has already been delivered to children in the ASD units of St Fergal’s College, Rathdowney, Portlaoise College and St Joseph’s National School in Ballyadams.
The two-hour sessions in the schools where students built a robot car from scratch and then learned how to drive it, as well as creating ‘pop’ rockets and learning about astronomy.
“I am a Level Six SNA [Special Needs Assistant] myself, and working with kids I feel it is very important that no child gets left behind as they grow,” said Morris.
“School and education is not only about learning skills, facts and numbers, but also about having fun and building their own personalities.
“Sometimes, something extra is needed to help them along the way. Maybe it’s sports, which every school automatically has a focus on, but not every kid is sporty.
“STEM is another avenue, and the activities I do help bring a lot of children out of their shell and add new soft-skills like verbal communication and presentation, teamwork co-ordination and even patience. It’s great fun for me, but it’s the kids who will be the real winners.
“Previous workshops in coding, astronomy and pop rockets that I have hosted in libraries and special events have all had children from different backgrounds and educational needs, without the need for distinguishing one from the other – they are all treated equally. Kids deserve everything good, that’s why I love working with them.
“We do things like make pop rockets out of toilet roll holders. We put vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in special bottles inside and as the pressure builds it explodes safely and in so doing it ‘launches’ the rocket off the table.
“There’s great excitement when that happens and it gives the children real time science investigation and experimentation.”
These and similar concurrent STEM programmes are part of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Plan Pathway for Transition, co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the EU Just Transition Fund Programme 2021-2027.
The project is an initiative of the Local Authorities of the Midlands region, comprising Laois (lead partner), Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
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