Dr Ian Miller, Honorary Lecturer and Imaging Specialist at the RCSI spoke with the students at Harold’s Cross National School, in Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W on the 19th of April 2021, as part of Science Week 2021.
Invited by teachers Ms Kindlon and Ms O’ Meara, and the Principal Ms Bernadette Kehoe, fifty students in 2nd Class (7-8 years old) enjoyed Ian’s short talk entitled “Life, Cells and DNA” which was followed by a demonstration of how to extract DNA from cheek cells.
I got involved in this as my son goes to school here. I was asked to be part of Science Week as they knew I was a research scientist. I had previously spoken with 5th class students and was asked back again but to tailor the talk and activities to a 2nd class group. Personally, I wanted to do it as I think the earlier you engage with students about STEM the better. At this age, young people only think of the obvious jobs and careers like Garda or fireman etc. This presented an opportunity to show them what it was like to be a scientist and to demonstrate something a bit fun.
I loved doing it. Their experience was unlike any other I have ever given. They were so inquisitive and the sheer look of joy when they succeeded in extracting DNA from their own cheek cells will be something that will motivate me for ages to come!
Dr Ian Miller, RCSI