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EMC robotics initiative to promote STEM learning in primary schools

Robotics initiative, VEX IQ, designed to teach primary school children the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning and drive an interest in technology, was launched at the EMC Centre of Excellence in Cork today by Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English TD.

  • VEX IQ was officially launched today by Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English TD;
  • EMC today announced it has teamed up with primary schools to design and build their own robots;
  • The global initiative is designed to encourage STEM learning and drive interest in technology from a young age;
  • VEX Robotics has already seen success among Irish secondary school pupils.

 

Robotics initiative, VEX IQ, designed to teach primary school children the value of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning and drive an interest in technology, was launched at the EMC Centre of Excellence in Cork today by Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English TD. 

The initiative, sponsored by IT multinational EMC, which employs over 3,200 people in Ireland, is the first of its kind for primary school children, its secondary school version having enjoyed great success over the past two years. 

VEX IQ will challenge primary school pupils to design and build robots using VEX technology. Their creations will compete in a competition where they will be programmed and remote controlled to complete tasks. The Excellence Award winners will qualify for a place at the World Championships in California.

VEX Robotics is a global initiative introduced to Ireland by EMC. 

18 Cork national schools and over 200 pupils are expected to participate. These numbers will grow significantly over the next two years. 

Pupils will be guided through the design and building stages of their project under the guidance of an expert EMC engineer, learning IT and planning skills in the process. To deliver this programme, EMC are partnering with Lifetime Lab to support primary schools and the Cork Institute of Technology to host the competition finals. 

Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation Damien English TD said: “VEX IQ is a welcome initiative in the promotion of STEM learning among young children. The tech sector is very important to the Irish economy annually, and as such, it is vital that the next generation of graduates has the passion and skillsets necessary to maintain this prosperity and our international reputation into the future.” 

Mr Bob Savage, Vice President and Managing Director, EMC Centres of Excellence EMEA said: “EMC is proud to continue its support of the VEX programmes here in Ireland. Designing and building robots is an imaginative and fun way to create an interest in STEM subjects at a young age, and that is key to assuring Ireland maintains its position as the second-biggest exporter of ICT services in the world.” 

Mairéad Ni Mhurchú, Principal, Scoil Mhuire, Ballincollig, Cork, added: “VEX IQ is a superb programme for engaging young pupils in STEM subjects, and we’re happy that the initiative is welcoming primary school children for the first time.” 

ENDS

About EMC

EMC Corporation, the IT multinational that employs 3,200 people in Ireland, is a global leader in enabling businesses and service providers to transform their operations and deliver IT as a service. Fundamental to this transformation is cloud computing. Through innovative products and services, EMC accelerates the journey to cloud computing, helping IT departments to store, manage, protect and analyze their most valuable asset — information — in a more agile, trusted and cost-efficient way. Additional information about EMC can be found at www.EMC.com.

Note to editors:

The following Cork schools will participate in the VEX IQ initiative in 2014:

  • Scoil Eoin
  • Scoil Mhuire - Ballincollig
  • Scoil an Spioraid Naoimh, Bishopstown
  • Ballinora NS
  • Ovens NS
  • Scoil Barra Naofa Beaumont
  • Gaelscoil na Duglaise
  • St Anthony’s BNS Ballinlough
  • Scoil Mhuire – Carrigaline
  • Gaelscoil Úi Riordáin
  • Scoil Barra
  • Glasheen BNS
  • Cork Educate Together
  • Scoil Mhuire – Belgooly
  • Glasheen GNS
  • Scoil Cholmcille
  • Farran NS

 

For further information, contact:

Sarah Regan | 01 637 1777 | 086 896 3312 | sarah@pr360.ie

Declan Burrowes | 01 637 1777 | 086 359 9988 | declan@pr360.ie