Taking science to the next level at SciFest 2016

193 Post-primary school students from schools all over Dublin took science to the next level with 91 projects at the inaugural SciFest@DCU in the Mahony Hall, Helix at Dublin City University on 6th May 2016.

Of the 91 projects exhibited at SciFest@DCU 2016, the top prize on the day went to Heather Murphy and Naoise Tobin from Sutton Park School for their project, Sound Absorbing Paint. As one of the 16 regional venues hosting a SciFest science fair, SciFest@DCU saw 193 students from 15 local post-primary schools put their knowledge of science to the test.

SciFest@DCU co-ordinator and Director CASTeL at DCU, Dr. Eilish McLoughlin, said: “It was fantastic to see the range of projects, ingenuity, creativity and enthusiasm that was presented by the second school students. SciFest is a competition that aims to encourage students to develop an interest in STEM, while prioritising inclusivity and inquiry-based learning. We are proud to support such a valuable programme. Our panel of judges - led by Dr. Odilla Finlayson, CASTeL at DCU, consisted of colleagues from across the Faculty of Science and Health as well as industry representatives - had the difficult task of selecting 18 projects to receive Awards on the day given the high standard of the entries this year.”

Commenting on the SciFest@DCU final Sheila Porter, SciFest CEO said: “2015 was a hugely successful year for SciFest with a record number of students taking part. In total 7,200 students exhibited their projects in local science fairs across the country. This year we intend to build on that success and have another record year. SciFest gives students an excellent opportunity to develop their interest in STEM and inquiry-based approaches to learning, while developing their creative and problem-solving skills and learning to work in a team.”

Heather Murphy and Naoise Tobin’s project on Sound Absorbing Paint, facilitated by their teacher Catherine Tattersall, was inspired by a Junior Cycle Science Coursework B project on Sound insulation.

“Since then we noticed that a local popular cafe had problems with constructive sound interference which created uncomfortable sound levels for customers. We then wondered if we could develop a sound absorbing paint which could be applied to the shiny surfaces and reduce sound reflections and decibel levels”.

SciFest is an all-inclusive, all-island science initiative which fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second-level students. SciFest is funded primarily by Science Foundation Ireland, Intel and Boston Scientific.

SciFest 2016 will be the second year of the prestigious Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award, which is presented at each of the 16 regional science fairs; the overall winner of this award will receive the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Trophy at the national final in November. About SciFest SciFest is an all-inclusive, all-island science initiative which fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second-level students. It involves second-level students showcasing science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) projects at a series of one day science fairs held locally in schools and regionally in the 14 Institutes of Technology, DCU and St. Mary’s College, Derry.

SciFest is funded primarily by Science Foundation Ireland, Intel and Boston Scientific. The winners from each regional science fair go on to compete at a national final in November 2016. For more information please go to the SciFest website: www.scifest.ie

About Science Foundation Ireland Science Foundation Ireland funds oriented basic and applied research in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) which promotes and assists the development and competitiveness of industry, enterprise and employment in Ireland. The Foundation also promotes and supports the study of, education in and engagement with, STEM and promotes an awareness and understanding of the value of STEM to society and in particular to the growth of the economy. For more information visit www.sfi.ie.