Post-primary school students from schools all over Carlow, Kildare, Laois & Wicklow taking science to the next level with 70 projects at SciFest@ITCarlow 2016. Of the 66 projects exhibited at SciFest@ITCarlow 2016, the top prize on the day went to Sean Byrne, from Avondale Community School, Wicklow for his project, The Ugly Side of Beauty – Toxic Chemicals used in Cosmetics.
As one of the 15 regional venues hosting a SciFest science fair, SciFest@ITCarlow saw more than 140 students from schools all over the region exhibit 66 projects at Institute of Technology Carlow and put their knowledge of science to the test.
SciFest@ITCarlow co-ordinator Dina Brazil said: “As always, the projects entered by the students in SciFest are impressive, engaging and thought-provoking. Secondary school students from across the region are demonstrating their passion for science, technology, engineering and maths, which is clearly evident from the high standard of research that has gone into the entries this year. 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”.
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.
Commenting on the SciFest@ITCarlow 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.”
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For further information, please contact: Alma Feeley, Communications Dept. , IT Carlow
e: alma.feeley@itcarlow.ie
t: 059 9175098/087 8204934
Notes to editor
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.