2015 @
Welcome to the 8th annual SciFest organised in the North Western region by
the Institute of Technology Sligo, at the Knocknarea Arena (Multi-purpose
area) on Wednesday 13th of May 2015
SciFest
The SciFest science fairs programme is a national initiative founded in 2006 to encourage a love of
science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) through active, collaborative, inquiry-based
learning. The programme offers an innovative way to expose students to, and enhance their
understanding of, STEM subjects. Own choice of topic, collaboration, hands-on activities, presentation
skills and recognition of work done are all attractive aspects of SciFest. The emphasis on real-world
problems helps make STEM relevant to all students. They grow in confidence, develop their critical
thinking, problem solving and communication skills and become aware of the variety of exciting careers
associated with a STEM qualification.
The SciFest programme was launched nationwide in 2008 and grew so rapidly that three more strands
were added in 2011. Currently, the four strands of SciFest are: SciFest@School (in-house science fairs in
schools); SciFest@College (14 IoTs and St Mary’s Derry host regional science fairs for second-level
students); a national final held in Dublin; and participation in international competitions – the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) in America and the International Environment and
Sustainability Project Olympiad (INESPO) in The Hague.
SciFest continues to grow. In 2014 over 6000 second-level students participated, making SciFest one of
the largest science fairs of its kind in Europe. Since 2008 more than of 28,000 second-level students
have participated in the programme. The increasing popularity of SciFest reflects the fact that it is
accessible, inclusive and free to enter, while recognising diversity and the uniqueness of the individual.
The Institute of Technology Sligo have been successfully hosting a SciFest@College science fair each
year since 2008.
Summary Table of numbers and types of Project in 2011
Total No. of Projects
Total No. of Students
125
309
No. of projects
61
56
8
Age Category
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
Project Type
Individual
Group
14
111
Project Category
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Technology
40
73
12
Discover Sensors
Yes
No
18
107
Young Scientist 2011
Yes
No
13
112
Summary Table of numbers and types of Project in 2012
Total No. of Projects
Total No. of Students
97
237
No. of projects
60
33
4
Age Category
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
Project Type
Individual
Group
10
87
Project Category
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Technology
32
54
11
Discover Sensors
Previous SciFest
Yes
No
Yes
No
16
81
14
82
Young Scientist 2012
Yes
No
14
83
Summary Table of numbers and types of Project in 2013
Total No. of Projects
Total No. of Students
131
312
No. of projects
63
63
5
Age Category
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
Project Type
Individual
Group
18
113
Project Category
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Technology
39
80
12
Previous SciFest
Yes
No
26
105
Young Scientist 2013
Yes
No
17
113
Summary Table of numbers and types of Project in 2014
Total No. of Projects
Total No. of Students
139
341
Age Category
Junior
Intermediate
Senior
No. of projects
62
67
10
Project Type
Individual
Group
13
126
Project Category
Physical Sciences
Life Sciences
Technology
29
92
18
Previous SciFest
Yes
No
22
117
Young Scientist 2014
Yes
No
22
117
Summary Table of numbers and types of Project for this year, 2015
Total No. of Projects
90
Total No. of Students
204
No. of projects
Age Category
Project Type
Project Category
Previous SciFest
Young Scientist 2015
Junior
48
Intermediate
33
Senior
9
Individual
18
Group
72
Physical Sciences
22
Life Sciences
54
Technology
14
Yes
14
No
76
Yes
7
No
82
Parking
Car-parking will be available at the venue
Display Arrangements
Each project will be allocated a display board (1200 mm wide x 900 mm
high) which is “Velcro friendly” – Velcro not supplied;
[Note that display area is A1-Landscape. We recommend that each competitor purchase an A1 poster
board, and mounts all material on it before arrival. As A1 is awkward to carry and the display material
will be vulnerable in transit, a useful alternative is:
(i) purchase 2 x A2 poster boards;
(ii) lay them side by side vertically (portrait style), to give A1-Landscape overall; (iii) tape them together
on the back; (iv) mount material, avoiding centre line if possible; (v) fold over with mounted material
on the inside; (vi) wrap/bag if possible, giving a protected, easily carried A2 parcel].
Each project will also be allocated a standard size table, immediately in front of display board, allowing
for display of project folder and any other items needing a horizontal surface
Catering Arrangements
Sandwiches or light lunch will be available for purchase in the College Canteen, for competitors and
teachers. It will be served at approx. 12.15p.m. in the Main Canteen on campus. Teachers will be
provided with vouchers to the value of €8 to help cover the cost of lunch, which can be used only in the
College Canteen. Unfortunately student lunches will not be subsidised this year. College Canteen is
Building A on map; come across car park and into main entrance of IT, turn right on entrance and
straight through to canteen.
Project Set Up Arrangements




Students should plan to arrive at the IT Sligo before 9.00a.m. on Friday 13th May (building open
from 8a.m.).
Projects should be set up by 9.45a.m. at the latest, in time for opening
Opening ceremony at 10.00am
Electrical power will be provided, only for those projects requesting it in advance
Judging Arrangements





Every project will be visited by at least 2 judges
Judging will commence at 10.00a.m. and continue until 12.15p.m.
Each judge/team of judges will spend approximately 10 minutes at a project
Students are reminded to take their project folder to the event
Each individual competitor, or at least one of a group, must be present at their stand 10.00a.m –
12.15p.m.
Arrangements for Visits by School Groups

We expect to be able to accommodate School groups to attend the afternoon part of the event, but
please advise us re numbers and means of transport (e.g. size of bus, if relevant)



School visits are scheduled from 1p.m. to 3.40p.m. on the day.
From 1p.m. to 3p.m., we are organizing Lab Demonstrations and Lectures on Science Topics, Careers
in Science, and Science Course Options, for both competitors and visitors
We may not have room for visitors to attend award ceremony, but we hope to able to give them an
opportunity to view the entries.
Arrangements for publicity

To promote the event, IT Sligo may take photographs of students with their projects.
Supervision of students

It is vital that the teachers supervise the students while in the Institute. In particular, students need
to be at their stands during judging, as the judges will be under time pressure, and may not easily
get back if they miss someone.
Certification




In recognition of the work carried out on the project, each student will receive a certificate of entry
from IT Sligo;
Prize-winners will receive appropriate Certificates (in addition to prizes)
Highly Commended projects will also receive certificates
We will also acknowledge the effort of teachers in support of their students
CategoriesLS
Life Science
T
Technology
PS
Physical Sciences
Age Groups
J
Junior
1st and 2nd year
I
Intermediate
3rd 4th (transition year)
S
Senior
5th and 6th year
Awards
Prizes will be awarded in the following Categories:
1. Special Awards;
2. Local Awards
1. Special Awards
The following awards will be presented at each SciFest@College 2015 event.
1. SFI/Discover Best Project Award


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
2. Abbott Runner-up Best Project Award


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
3. Intel Award (Best Physical Science or Technology Project)


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
4. Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
5. Newstalk Best Communicator Award


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
6. PharmaChemical Ireland Chemistry Award


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
7. Sustainable Energy Award (SEAI)


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
8. EPI-STEM Maths in Science Award


Trophy
+ €20 One4All gift token per student
9. Irish Science Teachers’ Association Award

Trophy
10. Discover Space Award (ESERO Ireland)

Trophy for student
Discover Space Teacher Award (ESERO Ireland)

Space Atlas for teacher
11. RSC School Chemistry Award (Royal Society of
Chemistry Education Division)

Equipment for chemistry
laboratory in school
(National Centre for STEM Education)
1. SFI Discover Best Project Award
The Best Project Award winner/s from each SciFest@College 2015 will participate in a national final
competition on 6th November in Dublin. There they will compete for the SFI Discover Intel ISEF Award.
This award consists of a trophy and an all-expenses-paid trip for the winning student/s and their mentor
to represent Ireland at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix in May
2016.
Note. The winner of this award should be capable of taking the project further and competing at an
international level.
2. Abbott Runner-up Best Project Award
This award is presented to the overall second best project.
3. Intel Award
This award is presented to the best project in the Physical Sciences and Technology categories.
Note. If the SFI Discover Best Project Award winner or Runner-up is from either the Physical Sciences
or the Technology category the prize will be awarded to the next best project in these categories.
4. Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award
This award will be presented to the project that best demonstrates:



Understanding of a problem/unanswered question related to science or engineering in the field of
medical devices
Understanding of an area where you have experience or are aware of something to help / improve
/ change a person’s quality of life who may have a medical need – parent / sister / brother /
grandparent / class mate
Provides a contribution to the medical device field through research / experimentation.
Note. This award may be presented only to a project based on an investigation of a human
medical device – see www.scifest.ie for PowerPoint presentation: What is a medical device?
5. Newstalk Best Communicator Award
This award may be presented to either a group or an individual. The recipient/s of this award should
demonstrate exceptional ability in effectively communicating their findings to the judges. This award is
based on the score obtained in Section 2 of the score sheet (Subtotal 2).
6. PharmaChemical Ireland Chemistry Award
This award is presented to the project with the best chemistry content; it may be made in any of the 3
categories.
7. SEAI Sustainable Energy Award



This award is presented to the project that demonstrates one or more of the following: Energy
efficiency in action
Investigation into renewable energy
Awareness raising of a topic related to sustainable energy
Note. The winners of this award compete for the SEAI INESPO Award (International Environmental &
Sustainability Project Olympiad) and should be capable of taking the project further and competing at
an international level. The project must meet the above criteria.
8. EPI-STEM Maths Award
This award is presented to the project with the best use of maths; it may be made in any of the 3
categories.
9. Irish Science Teachers’ Award
This award is presented to the project in the Junior Category. If the SFI Discover Best Project Award
winner or Runner-up is from the junior category the prize will be awarded to the next best project in the
category.
10. ESERO Ireland Discover Space Award
The award is presented to the project which best uses Space as a theme in science, technology or
maths.
Discover Space Teacher Award: The teacher of the winning student/s should be called up on to the
stage to receive the Discover Space Teacher Award. Directly after the award has been presented to the
students.
11. RSC School Chemistry Award
This award will be presented to the school attended by the students that were awarded the Chemistry
Award.
Note. This award should be presented separately to the teacher from the school attended by the
students who were awarded the Chemistry Award. It is sponsored by the Royal Society of Chemistry
Education Division.
2. Local Awards
 First Prize in each category sponsored by IT Sligo.
 Second Prize in each category sponsored by IT Sligo.
 Certificates will be awarded by IT Sligo to all highly commended projects
Our Judges
Our judges have kindly agreed to give up their time to come along and take part in what we hope will be
a very exciting day for all involved, They are representing the IT, Local Industry, the HSE and St Angela’s
College they are looking forward to meeting all of you and finding out more about your projects.
Thank you all for entering the competition and we hope that you will enjoy your day in IT Sligo, and
continue your studies in Science and Technology. Good luck in the competition today.
Our Sponsors
SciFest gratefully acknowledges the support and generosity of its partners. In recognition of
their generous contributions please take a moment to visit their respective websites to learn
more about these important sponsors and their products and services.
Project Partners
SFI Discover (Science Foundation Ireland)
Intel Ireland
Boston Scientific
The Institutes of Technology
Platinum Sponsors
Newstalk
PharmaChemical Ireland
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)
iJoin
Launch.ie
Gold Sponsors
Abbott Laboratories
Department of Foreign Affairs
EPI-STEM, the National Centre for STEM Education
European Space Education Resource Office Ireland (ESERO Ireland)
Irish Science Teachers’ Association
Silver Sponsors
Royal Society of Chemistry Education Division
Institute of Physics
CIT Sponsors:
Janssen Pharmaceutical
Eli Lilly
Bank of Ireland
Munster Rugby
Student Services Co Ltd
SciFest 2015
is supported by
PP Project
Institutes of
Technology
SciFest@ITSligo contact information
Dr. Bill Crowe, SciFest Organiser IT Sligo.
Dept. Environmental Science, School of Science, Institute of Technology, Ash Lane Sligo.
T: Work 071 9155357
M: 087 6900168
E-mail: [email protected]
SciFest@IT Sligo additional Information
Guidelines for entry: http://scifest.ie/guidelines-and-events
Instructions and resources for SciFest (for example how you should keep your Scientific log
book, present your display, communicate your findings, etc.), may be found at
http://scifest.ie/scifest-toolkit ; and information about the event, for example the Special Awards
available (Last years for example: http://scifest.ie/2014-major-awardsand ) and the main
sponsors of the event at: http://www.scifest.ie/sponsors.html .
N.B. Projects may be presented ‘as Gaeilge’ as some of our judges are good Gaelic speakers.
No acknowledgements will be given about receipt of entries, because of lack of manpower,
(and short time frames), but when the brochure for the day, with the complete list of entries,
numbered and in categories, is produced it will be posted on Bill Crowe’s SciFest at IT Sligo
website:
http://staffweb.itsligo.ie/staff/bcrowe/bill/styles/frames/ed/Scifest2015.htm
Further information can be found near the time of the event at the Institute of Technology, Sligo
Web site: http://itsligo.ie/
or on a more continuous basis on Bill Crowe’s SciFest at IT Sligo website:
http://staffweb.itsligo.ie/staff/bcrowe/bill/styles/frames/ed/Scifest2015.htm
or from the index section of Bill Crowe’s Home Page:
http://staffweb.itsligo.ie/staff/bcrowe/bill/home.htm
SciFest Programme contact information
Sheila Porter, CEO SciFest
George Porter, CFO SciFest
e: [email protected]
e: [email protected]
m: 086 379 6143
W: www.scifest.ie
SciFest Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFpKN1rVAz8
Website:www.scifest.ie
SciFest 2015 @IT Sligo
Programme of events.
9.00am
Arrival and Set-up
9.45am
Official opening by Dr Jeremy Bird, Head of School of Science, IT Sligo (master
of ceremonies);
followed by Official Welcoming address by Professor Vincent Cunnane
President of the Institute of Technology, Sligo.
10.00am
Judging begins (judges meeting first)
(3rd year IT Sligo Forensic students in SciFest Tee-shirts available as Helpers and Guides)
12.15pm
Lunch for Competitors and Teachers in main canteen.
Soup and Sandwiches for Judges in Knocknarea Arena.
1.00-3.00pm Tour for students in schools of Science, Computing and Engineering, including
Demonstrations of robotics, (Ross McMorrow) and Computer Gaming (Neil Gannon) and /or
other events. These two events have been very popular over the last few years
In addition this year we will provide a Smart Futures STEM Careers Talk (primarily for the Intermediate and Senior
students attending SciFest at IT Sligo 2015). The session will include two speakers with STEM backgrounds giving a
15 minute talk each, followed by questions and answers. A competition prize for the best career question will be
given to help engage the students. This 45 minute session will take place between 1.20pm and 2.05pm and will run
once during this time, with as many students accommodated as possible.
Smart Futures is a collaborative government-industry framework initiative promoting science, technology,
engineering and maths (STEM) careers to post primary students in Ireland, providing students, teachers, guidance
counsellors and parents with resources and information on the opportunities open to STEM graduates and the
skills required by Industry.
Smart Futures is coordinated by SFI Discover, the education and outreach programme of Science Foundation
Ireland (SFI), in partnership with Engineers Ireland’s education outreach programme, STEPS.
Part of the Smart Futures programme is to offer STEM careers talks to second-level students. An example of such a
talk may be viewed at, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XVtt1g93Ns
(Assemble at main reception of IT)
3.15pm
Prize giving ceremony and Close of Exhibition
Short Closing address by Professor Vincent Cunnane President of the Institute
of Technology, Sligo. Followed by Presentation of the Prizes
Presentation Table and Chairs on Podium: Professor Vincent Cunnane, Dr Jeremy Bird,
George Porter (CFO SciFest), ANO (Coordinator of the Judges)
Dignitaries Table to Side at Front: Presenters of Special Prizes, Guests and Dr. Bill Crowe (Chief
Organiser of SciFest at IT Sligo 2015).
3.40pm
Dismantle exhibitions
1
Order of Presentation
Age Groups
Categories
Merit
Prize
Local Awards
J
Junior
(1st
and
year)
2nd
T
Technology
Dr Jeremy Bird
Second
2
Vouchers
3
First
PS Physical Sciences
4
Highly Commended
5
Third
6
Second
7
First
LS Life Science
8
Highly Commended
Certificate
Vouchers
Vouchers
11
First
Technology
13
First
PS Physical Sciences
14
15
16
LS Life Science
18
19
20
22
23
24
S
Senior
5th and 6th year
T
Technology
PS Physical Sciences
LS Life Science
25
26
Second
First
17
21
Second
Highly Commended
Dr. Bill Crowe
Chief Organiser IT Sligo
Dr Jeremy Bird
Macdara Bodeker
Vouchers
T
Co-ordinator of judges
Certificate
Second
3rd and 4th
(transition year)
Macdara Bodeker
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
Vouchers
Intermediate
President of Institute
Trophy
Third
I
Head of Science
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
Trophy
9
10
12
Presented by
Dr. Bill Crowe
Dr Jeremy Bird
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
Trophy
Vouchers
Dr. Bill Crowe
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
Trophy
Vouchers
Dr Jeremy Bird
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
Trophy
Macdara Bodeker
Certificate
Dr. Bill Crowe
Dr Jeremy Bird
Third
Vouchers
Second
Vouchers
First
Trophy
Trophy /
Vouchers
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
First / Second
Trophy /
Vouchers
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
Second
Vouchers
Dr Jeremy Bird
First
Trophy
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
First / Second
Prof.Vincent Cunnane
(in all categories there may be some discretionary “Highly Commended” awards awarded for very good projects without formal prizes)
Special Awards (Local)
IT Sligo. Business innovation award
Vouchers
Special Awards (National)
27. RSC School Chemistry Award (Royal Society of

Equipment for chemistry
laboratory in school
Chemistry Education Division)
28. Discover Space Award (ESERO Ireland)

Trophy for student
29. Discover Space Teacher Award (ESERO Ireland)

Space Atlas for teacher
30. Irish Science Teachers’ Association Award

Trophy
31. EPI-STEM Maths in Science Award

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student


Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student
(National Centre for STEM Education)
32. Sustainable Energy Award (SEAI)
33. PharmaChemical Ireland Chemistry Award
34. Newstalk Best Communicator Award


Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student
36. Intel Award (Best Physical Science or Technology


Trophy
Project)

+ €20 One4All gift token per student
37. Abbott Runner-up Best Project Award

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

+ €20 One4All gift token per student
35. Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award
38. SFI/Discover Best Project Award


+ €20 One4All gift token per student