Tots to Teens: Get your junior scientist into the Primary Science Fair

Tue, 17 Oct, 2023 - 02:00

Sharon Ní Chonchúir

Young school students with bright ideas are invited to participate in next year’s Primary Science Fair.

Running alongside the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in Dublin from January 11 to 13, the fair is open to children in third to sixth class.

Whatever the science topic, they are encouraged to follow their curiosity and to create a project all about it.

The projects must be submitted for entry by 5pm on Monday, October 23.

Schools will find out in November if their project will be showcased at the Primary Science Fair in 2024.

To find out more, see btyoungscientist.com/the-primary-science-fair-at-btyste.

Fussy eating solution

If you’ve got a fussy eater on your hands, you’ll be gobsmacked by @cookingforlevi, the Instagram account of American chef Jack Zhang.

The videos follow a simple formula: Zhang’s two-year-old son Levi requests what he wants for dinner, his dad shows us how he prepares it and then captures Levi’s excited reaction as he tucks in.

Levi has quite the palate. Alongside classic childhood favourites like shepherd’s pie, he also asks for the likes of shrimp curry, and coconut chicken adobo.

He savours his food too, commenting on how tender it is or how well it’s been spiced.

The content may be aspirational but there’s no denying that Zhang is a talented chef, and his son is exceptionally adventurous regarding food.

Levi is so adorable that the account has gained over 1m followers in just over six months and has already resulted in a spin-off cookery book, Cultivating a Curious Palate.

Sleeping aids

There’s no way of guaranteeing your baby will sleep through the night, but tucking them into an award-winning Lil & Izzy sleep bag may help.

Wicklow-based mum of two, Katie Brandon Byrne, created these sleeping bags for her daughters Lily and Isabelle.

The outer layer is made from the softest organic cotton jersey material. The lining is organic cotton, and the filling is chosen for its anti-allergenic qualities.

There are 1.5 tog bags for warmer nights and 2.5 tog bags for when it’s colder. Both come with front zip openings to make nighttime changes easier.

The arms can be zipped on or off according to the temperature, and there is the option for children to have their feet in or out, depending on their preference.

With all of these carefully considered features, it’s no wonder Lil & Izzy sleep bags were chosen as the Best Baby Sleep Product at the National Parenting Product Awards in 2022.

They are suitable for newborns and children aged up to six. Prices start at €38.

Autism conference

The South Tipperary Autism Support Group is organising a two-hour conference in the Talbot Hotel in Clonmel at 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 18.

The meeting is for parents and caregivers of children aged two to 18 and professionals working with autistic children.

The conference will feature talks from child psychotherapist and play therapist Treasa Forristal, clinical psychologist Dr Carol O’Dwyer and clinical psychologist Dr David Coleman.

Contributors will share their insights and offer advice and practical strategies.

There will also be an opportunity for parents to meet with each other and share their personal experiences.