TU Dublin’s School of Food Science and Environmental Health Inspires Young Minds on Science Week Podcast Series
This Science Week, TU Dublin’s School of Food Science and Environmental Health is taking centre stage with some exciting contributions to The Science of Sense - Food, a six-part podcast series on RTÉjr that brings science and nutrition to life for young listeners. Created by Curious Broadcast and funded by Comisiún na Meán with RTÉjr, this third instalment of Science of Sense introduces children to the fascinating world of food science, focusing on the nutrients that help our bodies thrive.
In this series, young “junior scientists” deep dive into the science of proteins, vitamins, minerals, sugars, carbohydrates, fats, and even the microbiome, revealing these nutrients' essential roles in health. These budding scientists include Chloe Fleming, David Akasheh, and Robert Akasheh, who led interviews with TU Dublin’s food science researchers, Dr Graham O’Neill, Dr Azza Naik Silotry, and Dr Orla Cahill. Their conversations cover a wide range of topics, from the basics of nutrition to sustainable food practices and the cultural significance of food.
Each episode goes beyond scientific facts, integrating real-world applications and field trips, including a visit to TU Dublin’s laboratories, where children get to meet food scientists in action. The series doesn’t stop there; it features interactive segments such as recipe ideas, food waste reduction tips, and interviews with sustainable food producers. These elements make learning about food fun and relatable, aiming to inspire children to think about what they eat, where it comes from, and how it impacts the world.
For teachers, Science of Sense - Food also offers downloadable activity sheets that align with Ireland’s national curriculum. These resources provide prompts that encourage students to explore, observe, think, and communicate their discoveries. The series is designed to educate and spark curiosity and higher-order thinking, helping students develop problem-solving skills and make meaningful connections in science.
Science of Sense - Food is freely available to all primary schools in Ireland, offering a fantastic resource to nurture the next generation’s curiosity in science and nutrition.