Section 1

An exciting program called STEM Passport for Inclusion is expanding to help more students in disadvantaged communities learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) careers. Maynooth University, Microsoft Ireland, Science Foundation Ireland, and the Department of Education are working together to make this happen. The program combines education, support, and mentoring from people who work in STEM fields.

The goal is to give students a chance to go to college and get a STEM qualification. So far, 1,250 students have taken part in the program. Now, it will be available to even more students across the country. The announcement was made at a special graduation ceremony at Maynooth University.

Norma Foley, the Minister for Education, is happy about the program's expansion. She thinks it will help more students from disadvantaged communities consider STEM subjects in school and in their future careers.

Dr. Katriona O'Sullivan, a teacher at Maynooth University, said that the program has already made a big impact. She is excited to see it expand and reach even more students in the coming years.

Microsoft is one of the main partners in the STEM Passport for Inclusion program. They have donated a lot of money to help make it happen. James O'Connor, a leader at Microsoft Ireland, is thrilled that the program is growing and will help more students from disadvantaged communities have access to STEM careers.

Dr. Abigail Ruth Freeman, a director at Science Foundation Ireland, said that the program gives students from different backgrounds a chance to learn about STEM and have exciting careers in the future.

Overall, this program is helping students who may not have had the same opportunities before. It's great to see more young people getting excited about STEM subjects and thinking about future jobs in these fields.

  1. What is the goal of the STEM Passport for Inclusion program?
  2. How many students have taken part in the program so far?
  3. Who is Norma Foley and what does she think about the program?
  4. Which company is one of the main partners in the program?
  5. Why is it important for students from different backgrounds to have access to STEM careers?

Section 2

Dear Diary,

My name is Emily and I am 11 years old. I live in a small town called Ennis in Ireland. Today, I want to tell you about my dream of pursuing a STEM career when I grow up. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. I've always been fascinated by these subjects and their real-world applications.

Science is my favorite subject in school. I love conducting experiments and discovering new things. I recently learned about famous scientists like Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, who made groundbreaking discoveries. It would be amazing to contribute to scientific research and make a difference in the world, just like them!

Technology is also incredible. I enjoy using computers and learning about coding. I even created a simple website for my school project. It was so much fun! I imagine myself working in a high-tech company, developing innovative software or designing new gadgets that could improve people's lives.

Engineering is another area that excites me. I love building things, whether it's with Legos or creating structures in Minecraft. I dream of becoming an architect or civil engineer, designing impressive buildings and bridges that will stand the test of time. It would be amazing to see my creations come to life!

Mathematics may seem challenging to some, but I find it fascinating. I enjoy solving puzzles and working with numbers. I want to become a mathematician or data scientist someday, using math to solve complex problems and make important discoveries. It's amazing how math is everywhere, from nature to technology.

  1. What does STEM stand for?
  2. Which subject is Emily's favorite in school?
  3. What are some famous scientists Emily recently learned about?
  4. What kind of work does Emily imagine doing in the field of technology?
  5. Why does Emily find mathematics fascinating?

Section 3

Good evening, I'm your host, and welcome to today's special edition of STEM News! Today, we'll be focusing on the exciting world of STEM careers and how they can be for everyone. Let's get started!

In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on STEM fields – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These careers are not only in high demand but also offer a wide range of opportunities for people of all backgrounds and interests. Gone are the days when these fields were considered only for a select few – now, STEM careers are for all!

Our first story takes us to the world of medicine. Meet Dr. Maya Patel, a pediatrician who uses her scientific knowledge and caring nature to help children. She says, "STEM gave me the skills to understand the human body and find innovative ways to treat my patients." Dr. Patel's passion for science and her desire to make a difference in children's lives drove her to pursue a career in medicine.

Next, let's head to the world of technology. Meet Sarah Johnson, a software engineer. Sarah loves coding and creating new programs. She says, "STEM careers allow us to shape the future and make a positive impact on people's lives." Sarah's love for problem-solving and her curiosity in understanding how things work led her to pursue a career in technology.

Now, let's dive into engineering. Meet Alex Chen, an environmental engineer. Alex combines their love for protecting the environment with their passion for engineering to design sustainable solutions. "STEM careers offer the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges and create a better future for all," says Alex.

Lastly, let's explore the world of mathematics. Meet Professor James Thompson, a mathematician who loves exploring patterns and solving complex problems. He believes that "STEM careers allow us to think critically and find solutions to everyday challenges." Professor Thompson's passion for numbers and his desire to unravel the mysteries of the universe led him to pursue a career in mathematics.

  1. Can you unscramble the anagram: EDSNIECCE
  2. Can you unscramble the anagram: TEOCNHOLGY
  3. Can you unscramble the anagram: REIGEENNR
  4. Can you unscramble the anagram: IEMSTAMHTC
  5. Can you unscramble the anagram: EIRMMDYAC

Section 4

STEM Careers for All is an initiative that aims to promote and encourage the pursuit of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers among all individuals, regardless of gender, race, or social background. In recent years, this movement has gained significant momentum in Ireland, with various events and programs organized to inspire and engage young students in STEM fields.

One such event took place in Dublin, where a group of primary school students had the opportunity to visit a local technology company. The students, ranging from ages 10 to 12, were excited to explore the world of technology and learn about the diverse career paths available in this field.

During the visit, the students were given a tour of the company's facilities and introduced to different departments, such as software development, hardware engineering, and data analysis. They were amazed to see the advanced technology being used and were inspired by the professionals working in various roles.

The highlight of the visit was a hands-on workshop, where the students were given the chance to code their own simple games. With the guidance of the company's engineers, the students learned basic programming concepts and were able to create their own interactive games. This experience sparked their interest in coding and opened their eyes to the endless possibilities of technology.

  1. What is the purpose of STEM Careers for All?
  2. Where did the event take place?
  3. What departments did the students get to explore?
  4. What was the highlight of the visit?
  5. How did the workshop impact the students?