‘Exceptional standard’ during inaugural Primary School STEM Fair at Scoil Mhuire

The inaugural Primary STEM Fair 2026 took place at Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana on Thursday, 26th March, with over 60 pupils from local Inishowen national schools taking part.

The event showcased 20 innovative projects across a range of STEM disciplines, including: Biological, Chemical and Physical Sciences, Technology, Health and Wellbeing, and Sustainability and Biodiversity.

The aim of the STEM Fair was to foster problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking skills, highlighting the creativity and curiosity of young learners as they explore real-world challenges through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

The Fair was well represented by local and national STEM organisations including: Flo Gas (sponsors of the award for the best overall project), BMDH Mechanical (sponsors of the Biological, Chemical and Physical Science category), MOWI Ireland (sponsors of the Sustainability & Biodiversity category), Efficient Renewables (sponsors of the Technology category), Sproai agus Sport (sponsors of the Health & Wellbeing category), Bizzprint (sponsors of the Best Project Display award) and the County Donegal Education Support Centre (sponsors of the Best Communicators award).

A panel of six judges, composed of representatives from the event sponsors, judged each of the projects on the day.

Entries were highest in the Biological, Chemical and Physical Sciences category with a diverse array of hypotheses tested. Overcoming strong competition to win this category was the team from St Mura’s Tooban with their project ‘Elephant Toothpaste’.

The runners-up award for the Health and Wellbeing Category went to the team from St Mura’s Tooban with their project ‘Healthy Pyramid’.

The Best Project award was won by a team from St Francis NS, Clonmany, who, under the direction of their class teacher, Ms Claire Doherty, investigated which sport gives people the best balance. The students won a STEM outreach day for their school, with Professor Adam of Mini Professors NI, a prize kindly sponsored by Flo Gas.

St. Mura’s, Tooban, class Teacher, Ms Susie Cavanagh, stated that she “was truly impressed by the STEM Fair organised by Scoil Mhuire. The 5th Class pupils in St Mura’s NS demonstrated fantastic initiative in researching, collating and presenting data on a project of their choosing”.

Ms Cavanagh also said: “The event was exceptionally well run with a welcoming and engaging atmosphere throughout. Most importantly, the children thoroughly enjoyed the experience and came away feeling inspired and proud of their work”.

Recognising the importance of integrating creativity, design and expression into STEM, Bizzprint, Letterkenny sponsored the award for the Best Project Display.

Kieran McTaggart (Director) and Frank Wellwood (Manager) of the County Donegal Education Support Centre were delighted to be invited to attend. Speaking highly of the event, Mr Wellwood stated that: “The standard of projects presented by all participating schools was exceptional. Students demonstrated not only a strong understanding of scientific concepts but also impressive teamwork, problem-solving skills, and enthusiasm for discovery.”

Presenting the Best Communicators Award to Anastasiia Osmak, Destinee McInaw, Sophie Cullen and Karen Doherty, from St. Mura’s, Tooban, for their engaging and informative presentation of their ‘Oobleck’ project, Mr McTaggart and Mr Wellwood both agreed that: “Events like this highlight the incredible talent and curiosity that exists among young people in Donegal. The confidence, creativity, and communication skills on display are a real testament to both the students and their teachers. These students are developing skills that will be essential for the future, and it’s clear that STEM education in Donegal is thriving.”

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The Scoil Mhuire STEM Team, comprised of Ms Laura Corbett, Ms Francina O’Sullivan and Ms Caitriona Gralton, praised the exceptional quality of the projects on display and spoke of their ambition for Inishowen to become a centre of excellence in STEM.

Ms Corbett also commended the high standard of judging and expressed her sincere thanks to the judges for their time and expertise.

Ms Evelyn McLoughlin, Principal of Scoil Mhuire, complimented the work of the primary school teachers and their students in showcasing such incredible projects. She also praised the students for their presentation and communication skills.

Ms McLoughlin said: “The creativity, curiosity, and confidence shown by the students were truly inspiring. Their ability to communicate their ideas so clearly reflects not only their own dedication, but also the outstanding support and guidance of their teachers.”

Scoil Mhuire will release details of its 2027 Primary STEM Fair at the end of September. Schools that wish to participate may email primarySTEM@scoilmhuirebuncrana.ie for further information.