e n i z E t s e F i c S www.scifest.ie
Volume 4, Number 5
May 2013
Participation in SciFest continues to grow
SciFest Local: SciFest@School
SciFest@College 2013
SciFest@School 2013
Regional: SciFest@College National: SciFest@SFI/DSE International: SciFest@Intel ISEF
Inside this issue:
SciFest@College IT Sligo
SciFest 2013 Photographs and Comments
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Contact details
4
Launched nationwide in 2008
First implemented in 2011
Now an annual event in 14 ITs in the
In 2011: 5 schools; 512 students;
Republic and University of Ulster, Magee Campus, Derry In 2008: 1612 students; 680 projects;
Sponsors
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‘Research has also shown that the quality of stu-
SciFest@School Jesus & Mary College, Dublin
100 schools
180 projects In 2012: 10 schools; 911 students;
377 projects
In 2013 (provisional):
In 2013 (provisional):
3491 students
22 schools
1519 projects
2322 students
233 schools; 410 teachers
941 projects
dents’ engagement – with the school, with teachers and with learning – is central to developing the skills and competencies that are necessary for students in today’s world………..’ A Framework for Junior Cycle, Dept. of Education & Skills 2012.
Lisa Higgins, SFI/DSE Best Project award winner, SciFest@CIT 2013 is congratulated by her brother
SciFest@School Ardscoil Rís Limerick: Ryan Kennedy receives a communication award from Principal, Ms Bríd de Brún
Volume 4, Number 5
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Scifest 2013 Photographs and Comments ‘The judges were very nice and interested. The overall experience was fun and I learned a lot of information and I developed great skills.’
January—Minister Seán Sherlock, TD launches SciFest 2013 at Davis College, Mallow, Co. Cork
February—SciFest@School, Tullow Community College, Co. Carlow
February—SciFest@School, Santa Sabina, Sutton, Dublin 13
March—Mary Mitchell O’Connor, TD launches SciFest@College DIT
Student quote SciFest@College
April—SciFest@School, Donabate Community College, Co. Dublin
“SciFest is a great way for the Institute to develop an interest in science with young people in the community. The standard of projects entered in our SciFest competition is consistently high, which gives me great hope for the development of the industry.” Dr MacDara Bodeker Chairperson of Judging Committee SciFest@College IT Sligo
March—SciFest@School, St Wolstan’s Community School, Co. Kildare
April—SciFest@College IT Tralee
April—SciFest@College CIT
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SciFest Ezine
“SFI is pleased to support SciFest as it is vital that we engage and encourage our young people to increase their knowledge of science and engineering. It is these skills that are required to drive sustainable economic recovery in Ireland.” Prof. Mark Ferguson Director General Science Foundation Ireland (SFI)
May—SciFest@College WIT
“SciFest allows students pursue their interests in science, technology, engineering and maths using an inquiry-based approach, working individually or in groups and present their results to a wider audience .”
May—SciFest@College AIT
May—Dr Patricia Mulcahy, President IT Carlow opens SciFest@College IT Carlow
Dr Pádraig Ó Murchú Education and Research Manager Intel Ireland
May—SciFest@College LIT
“Students involved had a fantastic time and felt that their work was appreciated. Great attention given to each project.” Teacher quote SciFest@College
May—Dublin Footballer Alan Brogan opens SciFest@College ITT
May—SciFest@College DkIT
May—SciFest@College LyIT
May—SciFest@College GMIT
SciFest Contact details: e: sheila.porter@scifest.ie e: george.porter@scifest.ie m: 086 379 6143 w: www.scifest.ie
www.scifest.ie
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Congratulations to Simon Blu ett who represented Ireland and SciFest at the Intel Internation al Science and Engineering Fai r (ISEF) in Phoenix Arizona in Ma y. Simon is from CBS Secondary School Kilkenny, James’ Street, Kilkenny. Well done also to his teacher Patrick McCormac k who accompanied Simon to Phoenix. The Best Project Award win ners from each of the fifteen SciFest@College 2013 venues will participate in a national fina l competition which will take plac e in the Science Gallery, Trinity College, on 22 November 201 3. The prize for the overall win ner(s) at this national competition will include the opportunity to represent Ireland at the Intel Inte rnational Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2014 which wil l take place in Los Angeles, Cal ifornia from 11-16 May 2014. The winner(s) will be accompanied at ISEF by their teacher/me ntor and all expenses will be paid. For further details of all the winners from SciFest@College 2013 please visit the website, www.sc ifest.ie - SciFest Award Winner s
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SciFest is sponsored by the people who care about STEM education
“A very interesting broadminded approach to science in schools today”. Student quote SciFest@College
er ely summ Have a lov es Best wish SciFest
May—SciFest@College ITB, Paul Clarke, St Paul's College, Raheny, Dublin