Tots to Teens: Tiny atoms make big reactions at Cork Carnival of Science

Plus free creative events and activities for Cruinniú na nÓg

Tue, 03 Jun, 2025 - 02:00

Sharon Ní Chonchúir

How do planes fly? What can fossils tell us about the past? And what can rugby teach us about the laws of physics? These questions, and many more, will be answered at this year’s Cork Carnival of Science in Fitzgerald’s Park on June 7 and 8. This free family event promises two action-packed days of science-based fun. Its interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and performances includes the Budding Botanicals, which introduces children to the chemistry of plants and the surprising reactions when certain natural substances are mixed together.

The Fossil Roadshow will also show them how to identify fossils and examine them for clues to prehistoric life.

RTÉ’s Mark the Science Guy will carry out experiments to investigate the power of weather and electricity. Simply Science will join with the Irish Air Force to explore the principles that govern flight. And Science Made Simple will explore the role that physics and biology play in various sports.

Ireland’s leading universities, research centres, and scientific organisations are participating in the event, hosting stands and events on subjects as diverse as robotics, biodiversity, and sports science.

Food vendors will be in the park over the weekend, along with picnic spaces where families can eat, and there’s a quiet zone for those who need time out.

Find out more at corkcity.ie/en/cork-carnival-of-science

Breastfeeding book

Practical Breastfeeding, by Dublin-based lactation consultant and mother of three, Caoimhe Whelan, is published this week.

Combining informative text with 200 colour illustrations, the book provides parents who want to breastfeed with the help they need.

During her years working as a lactation consultant, Whelan has seen how mothers attempt to breastfeed, but often stop, due to unforeseen challenges. Her book outlines the causes of, and potential solutions to, these challenges, covering topics such as latching, feeding frequency, mastitis, and cracked nipples.

There is a chapter on breastfeeding and mental health, as well as another on the emotional fallout of difficult breastfeeding. The book also represents diverse ethnicities, abilities, gender identities, and body shapes and sizes.

Practical Breastfeeding is available at the recommended retail price of €19.99.

Sports story

If young readers in your house like stories about fun, friendship, and football, consider adding the latest book by children’s author Emma Larkin to their to-be-read pile this summer.

Féile is the newest addition to Larkin’s GAA-themed Twin Power series. This series follows Aoife and Aidan Power, twin siblings who have always dreamed of playing in Féile, the biggest GAA competition.

The twins are playing on separate boys’ and girls’ teams for the first time, and both teams are vying to qualify. They have secondary school to navigate, new teams to adjust to, and an unexpected family mystery to solve. It’s going to be a challenging football season.

Aimed at readers aged nine and older, Féile costs €9.99.

Day of creativity

This Saturday, June 7, is Cruinniú na nÓg, a day when free creative events and activities are organised for young people all over Ireland.

Cork city is hosting the likes of circus skills workshops, pop-up performances, and a chance to rap with the Kabin Studio.

In Cork county, young people can attend clay modelling workshops and storytelling sessions with puppets.

There will be sean nós dancing and music classes in Clare, opportunities to build your own robots and create your own bracelets in Kerry, and film-making and stop-motion workshops in Limerick.