Two Cork schools take prizes at UL physics competition

Students from two schools in Cork have claimed the podium at a physics competition held at University of Limerick (UL).

The SOPHia Project Physics Competition is designed to teach children about the "wonder of physics" and how it plays a part in everyday life, according to the organisers.

Pupils from Clondrohid National School in Macroom, and St Joseph’s National School in Mardyke, Cork city, took home prizes in the Physics Explorer Challenge.

First prize went to fourth class pupils from Clondrohid NS, Emma Casey, Conor Buckley, and Ciara Collins, for their project, ‘The Physics of an Airfryer‘.

Their classmates at Clondrohid, Cara O’Leary, Leah Coughlan, and Emily Kelleher took third place for their project, ‘The Physics of Rainbows’.

Sharing the third place spot were fifth class students Ethan Hegarty and Ignacy Blok from St Joseph’s NS in Mardyke, who presented ‘The Science of Drifting’.

More than 70 children from primary schools across Cork and Limerick participated in the competition. The SOPHia Project is an initiative of UL’s Department of Physics for primary and secondary schools, and introduces children to the subject of physics through interactive workshops, encouraging them to ask questions, investigate ideas, and discover how the world around them works.

By creating positive early experiences with physics, the SOPHia Project aims to inspire children to see it as a subject that is exciting, accessible and relevant to everyday life.

Margaret Hurley, a fourth class teacher from Clondrohid NS said she is amazed each year by “the enthusiasm, interest, and curiosity shown by the children”.

“They become deeply engaged and learn so much about the physics involved in everyday life through topics such as air fryers, microwaves, rainbows, soccer, and rugby,” she said.

The project also aims to address the gender imbalance in the physics field. There is currently a 3:1 ratio of male to female students studying physics at Leaving Certificate level, an imbalance that continues into university education, research, industry and leadership roles in STEM fields.

Dr Maria Alhajji, Assistant Professor of Physics at UL and the project’s coordinator, said the project works to challenge stereotypes by showcasing women scientists, celebrating female achievements in physics, and ensuring girls see that physics is creative, collaborative and open to everyone”.

“Encouraging more girls to engage with physics is important not only for equality, but because society benefits when diverse perspectives contribute to scientific discovery and technological innovation,” she said.

“Science is stronger when everyone feels represented and included,” she said.