Maynooth University recently held its third Sensory Friendly Science Night, an event designed for children who may find traditional science events overwhelming. Supported by funding from the Health Research Board (CES-2024-052), this initiative is part of the University’s commitment to providing more inclusive science experiences. The event creates a calm and supportive atmosphere, offering children the opportunity to explore science at their own pace.
The Sensory Friendly Science Night follows the University's annual Science Night in November, where hundreds of children from across the region come to campus to experience a variety of science demonstrations. While the traditional Science Night is a bustling, high-energy event, the Sensory Friendly Science Night ensures that those who need a quieter, more relaxed environment can still participate in the excitement of scientific discovery.
This year, 22 children from towns across Kildare, Meath, Dublin, and even as far as Waterford, along with their guardians, joined the event for a fun-filled evening of hands-on experiments. For the first time, chemistry experiments were introduced, alongside popular activities like extracting DNA from a banana, meeting Casper the axolotl, and taking part in the explosive Elephant Toothpaste experiment.
“We want to create an environment where every child can feel like a scientist”, said Gillian O'Meara, Senior Technical Officer in the Department of Biology and project lead for the event. “The child is at the heart of this event, and it’s clear from the smiles on their faces and the energy in the room that everyone involved, particularly our volunteers, shares that belief. It’s not just about the science; it’s about creating a memorable experience where kids can be themselves, have fun, and learn in a supportive environment.”
The labs were specially adapted with dimmed lights and a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. Each child was paired with a "buddy" volunteer, who guided them through the activities. All of the volunteers were staff and students at Maynooth University, playing a vital role in making the night a success. One volunteer reflected, "It was incredibly rewarding to see the kids engage with the science and feel comfortable in the lab. It was great to be part of their discovery process."
The evening also featured a calming sensory room, where children could take a break, relax, and recharge. One parent shared, "The relaxation room was a great touch. It gave my child the space to unwind before heading back to the experiments, and the buddy system allowed them to explore independently."
The night concluded with the children receiving a goody bag, featuring Norris the Science Duck courtesy of Mason Technology, along with a certificate to mark their achievements as scientists for the night.
The event was made possible by the generous support of Datesand Ltd, who sponsored refreshments for the volunteers, ensuring they were well-cared-for and able to focus on providing the best experience for the children.
Looking ahead, MU plans to continue the Sensory Friendly Science Night and hopes that other universities will be inspired to launch similar initiatives. “It’s not just about providing a chance to explore science”, said Gillian. “It’s about making sure every child, no matter their background or needs, can enjoy the wonders of science. And we couldn’t do this without the incredible support of our volunteers.”
To attend or get involved in a future Sensory Friendly Science Night, email [email protected] to express your interest.
