UL science competition sparks children’s curiosity in physics
A science competition at University of Limerick has sparked children’s curiosity, helping them discover the power of physics.
Over 70 children from primary schools in Limerick and Cork participated in the annual SOPHia Project Physics Competition, designed to teach children about the wonder of physics and how it plays a part in everyday life.
The SOPHia Project, an initiative of UL’s Department of Physics for primary and secondary schools, introduces children to the subject of physics through interactive workshops, encouraging them to ask questions, investigate ideas and discover how the world around them works.
By creating positive early experiences with physics, the SOPHia Project aims to inspire children to see it as a subject that is exciting, accessible and relevant to everyday life.
The annual SOPHia Project Physics Competition is an opportunity for primary school children to present their own creative ideas and helps children explore physics through hands-on activities, experiments, creativity and teamwork.
This year’s competition was sponsored by EI Electronics with projects focusing on electricity and energy, light and colour, sound and waves, and magnetism. Students explored the physics of air fryers, car drifting, dart boards, wind turbines and rainbows, amongst many other topics.
The SOPHia Project is led and managed by a team including academic staff as well as postgraduate and undergraduate students from UL’s Department of Physics.
Dr Maria Alhajji, Assistant Professor of Physics at UL and co-ordinator of the SOPHia Project Physics Competition, said: “Introducing physics in primary school helps children see that the world is full of questions worth exploring and that they have the power to find the answers.
“The SOPHia Project brings physics to life and shows children that physics is not just something learned in books or classrooms – it is part of everyday life and something they can explore themselves.”
One of the main aims of the SOPHia Project is to address the gender imbalance in physics across Ireland.
Currently, there is approximately a three-to-one ratio of male to female students studying physics at Leaving Certificate level, an imbalance that continues into university education, research, industry and leadership roles in STEM fields.
Dr Alhajji said: “The SOPHia Project actively works to challenge stereotypes by showcasing women scientists, celebrating female achievements in physics, and ensuring girls see that physics is creative, collaborative and open to everyone.
“Encouraging more girls to engage with physics is important not only for equality, but because society benefits when diverse perspectives contribute to scientific discovery and technological innovation. Science is stronger when everyone feels represented and included.”
The SOPHia Project supports teachers in schools through workshops, competitions, demonstrations and direct engagement with university staff and students, creating excitement around physics while also supporting curriculum-linked learning.
Margaret Hurley is a fourth-class teacher from Clondrohid National School in Macroom, County Cork whose students have been entering the SOPHia Project Physics Competition since 2020.
“Each year it amazes me to see the enthusiasm, interest, and curiosity shown by the children. They become deeply engaged and learn so much about the physics involved in everyday life through topics such as air fryers, microwaves, rainbows, soccer and rugby,” she said.
“The competition ignites both an interest in and an understanding of physics from a young age. Presenting their projects and answering questions from the judges gives the children tremendous confidence and is a very beneficial experience. Each year, they eagerly look forward to their trip to University of Limerick.”
As she encouraged teachers and parents to engage children in physics, UL’s Dr Maria Alhajji concluded: “Physics begins with curiosity. Whether it is discussing the stars, electricity, sound, weather, sports technology or mobile phones, physics is everywhere in daily life, and children should be encouraged to experiment, explore and discover without fear of getting things wrong.
“Most importantly, parents and teachers should remind children that physics is not just for a certain type of person. Physics belongs to anyone with imagination, curiosity and a willingness to learn.”
Further information about the SOPHia Project can be found at sophiaphysics.ie
