Thirty-five Westmeath school projects on BT Young Scientist shortlist
BT Ireland today announced details of the 550 shortlisted projects to be showcased at BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition this January. Over 1,000 students will represent their schools and communities at the virtual exhibition which runs from Wednesday to Friday, January 12 to 14, 2022.
Among them are 35 projects from schools in Westmeath (listed below).
Entries were received from over 2,700 students, with 1,440 brilliant project ideas. The shortlisted entries span 219 schools from 29 counties. Following the success of the first ever virtual BTYSTE in January, which reached more than 77 countries around the world; this year’s finalists will once again compete on a virtual stage to both a national and international audience.
This year, new and adapted technologies featured in a fifth (110) of all project entries across the four project categories – Social and Behavioural Science, Technology; Chemical, Physical and Mathematics Science; and Ecological Science. In an ever-increasing digital world, students demonstrated their curiosity and imagination for new technologies and how they can assist in our daily lives, with projects ranging from assisted living devices to apps that help us live more sustainably.
Climate change and the environment were featured in over 150 projects, indicating how our young students have their finger on the pulse of one of the most critical issues dominating our planet today. Students continue to ask questions and investigate the impact, causes and solutions to this global crisis.
Other areas with a strong focus in finalist projects this year include health, where students investigate the longer-term impact of Covid on our lives, along with the ways we look after our mental and physical health. Over 140 projects examined either Covid-19 or other health-related issues.
Visitors to the virtual exhibition will have the chance to learn about projects covering a range of topics from diversity, sports performance, agriculture and farming, road safety, to the impact of gaming on brain function. They will also be transported into the wonderful world of science and technology, with mind blowing shows, critical conversations, and an in-depth insight into the future of STEM.
Minister for Education Norma Foley TD said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all students that entered the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2022. The exhibition continues to provide a real opportunity to our young people to engage in so many diverse aspects of science and technology. I look forward to learning more about the findings and exciting creative solutions that have been uncovered in our students’ work. Supporting the exhibition as a key partner is an important part of the Department’s strategy for STEM education.
“Also, in recognition of the Department’s priority to contribute to the achievement of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) I am delighted to provide, for the first time, a special award for the best Education for Sustainable Development project at the BTYSTE exhibition. I would like to also extend my thanks to BT Ireland and all those involved in the exhibition for the huge effort that is put in each year to organise this event.”
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will be delivered across a virtual platform from January 12th – 14th 2022. The finalists will be interviewed by an eminent panel of over 90 judges. This national celebration of science and technology is one of the country’s best attended events every year. For participants, the Exhibition offers a chance to win one of the most coveted awards with a substantial prize fund and the BTYSTE perpetual trophy, as well as over 200 prizes for individuals, groups, and teachers.
WESTMEATH’S SHORTLISTED PROJECTS
Athlone Community College
The investigation of enzymatic browning(Biological & Ecological / Individual)
A Growing Problem (Biological & Ecological / Group)
BPA (Ban Plastic ASAP) (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences / Group)
Will the egg survive the test or crack under the pressure? (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences / Group)
Does the acceleration of a model car depend on an incline and would reducing incline on roads reduce road accidents (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences / Group)
Negative-calorie foods (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences / Group)
Are you being radicalised? (Social & Behavioural Sciences / Group)
To Investigate the Prevalence of Mild OCD Symptoms in Secondary School Students (Social & Behavioural Sciences / Group)
Differences between boys and girl emotions during Covid 19 (Social & Behavioural Sciences / Group)
Sensor Based Intelligent Intervention in Independent Living (Technology / Individual)
Creating a medicine container that helps people with memory problems (Technology / Group)
Coláiste Mhuire, Mullingar
A-Ok, an autism communication wristband (Technology / Group)
Loreto College, Mullingar
“Fetch Your Pet” – anti dog theft device (Technology / Group)
Marist College, Athlone
RUN!!! (Biological & Ecological / Group)
Are Disposable or Reusable Masks More Effective? (Biological & Ecological / Group)
Investigating the optimum angle at which to release a free throw shot in basketball (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical SciencesGroup)
Electro Chemical Activation (ECA) technology to replace use of chemicals for sanitising and cleaning processes (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences / Group)
Why are steroids being used by young people and what are the consequences of using them? (Social & Behavioural Sciences / Group)
An Investigation in to The Feasibility of Locating and Reporting Road Damages Using Technology (Technology / Group)
Mercy Secondary School, Kilbeggan
Does Makeup Damage The Skin? (Biological & Ecological / Group)
Moate Community School
Seeing Sweetness (Biological & Ecological / Individual)
Developing modified Buffer Strips to Increase Biodiversity and Water Quality in Grassland (Biological & Ecological / Group)
Biodegradable Weed Barrier (Biological & Ecological / Group)
Investigating the Potential Use of Native Irish Plants in Green Fire Breaks (Biological & Ecological / Group)
High Frequency To Save Food (Biological & Ecological / Group)
Fruit Fresh: An Eco-Friendly Alternative to Chemical Cleaners (Biological & Ecological / Group)
Nature’s Solution to Foot Rot (Biological & Ecological / Group)
A Statistical Analysis of the Use of Americanisms by Local Schoolchildren and Parents (Social & Behavioural Sciences / Group)
Coding the Solution to Ireland’s Scam Call Issue (Technology / Group)
The Light-Belt: A Life-saving Belt (Technology / Group)
Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone
Cosmic Radiation Protection Simulation (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences / Individual)
sCan you recycle? (Technology / Individual)
I’ll Play It My Way – A Machine Learning Algorithm to Individualize Sensory Play Room Stimulation (Technology / Group)
St Finian’s College, Mullingar
A Quantitative Analysis of Students’ Exposure to PM 2.5 Particles on Various Modes of Transit to School (Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences / Group)
Ball Or Nothing (Technology / Individual)