Exhibition Booklet
LIMERICK
19-21 January 2017
MARY IMMACULATE COLLEGE
www.rds.ie/primarysciencefair
Head Judges
Ingrid Hook
RDS Science & Technology Committee; Former
Head of School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Trinity College Dublin
Karl Lynch
Teacher, Killeeneen NS, Galway
1
Gaelscoil Mhichil UI Choileain, Cloch na gCoillte, Co. Cork
Is there a mathematical link between Irish (An Gaeilge) and other languages?
2
Cloneyhurke NS, Portarlington, Co. Offaly
What are the best conditions to ripen tomatoes?
3
Garrydoolis NS, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick
How can we attract more wildlife into our school environment?
4
Ovens NS, Ovens, Co. Cork
How can paper hold so much weight?
5
Croghan NS, Boyle, Co. Roscommon
Is breakfast an important meal if you eat the wrong foods?
6
Gaelscoil Aonach Urmhumhan, Aonach Urmhumhan, Co. Tipperary
An bhfuil tionchar ag Piarthacaíocht ar Ardfheidhmiú sa Sport?
7
St Mochulla’s NS, Tulla, Co. Clare
Exploring the rocky ridges of caves and caverns. What are the Tomeens?
8
Gaelscoil Chionn tSaile, Kinsale, Co. Chorcaí
What is the science behind the latest bottle flipping trend?
9
Carlow Educate Together NS, Athy Road, Co. Carlow
What makes CO2 levels in the air in our classroom increase?
10
Scoil Mhuire, Oranmore, Co. Galway
What causes the contamination of a toothbrush?
11
Dromahane NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
Why are earthworms important?
12
St Brigid’s NS, Donaskeigh, Co. Tipperary
What is the best way to separate oil and water?
13
St Attracta’s NS, Charlestown, Co. Mayo
Brain Drain! Does regular structured exercise impact on classroom performance?
14
Irene Walsh
Primary Education Advisor, Kilkenny
Gaelscoil an Bhradáin Feasa, Droichead, Átha Co. Meath
An féidir ár lorg carbón taisteal scoile pearsanta a laghdú go hiomlan?
15
Marie Walsh
Lecturer in Applied Science, Limerick
Institute of Technology
Derrylamogue NS, Rosenallis, Co. Laois
Do different people see different optical illusions?
16
Scoil Eimhín Naofa, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare
How do our lunches effect the rest of the world?
17
Scoil Cholmcille CBS, Cork City, Co. Cork
Will robots take over our school?
18
Barefield NS, Ennis, Co. Clare
How can a strong tower be built using spaghetti?
19
Killoughteen NS, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
What are the alkaline and acidic reacting agents used to create handheld fire extinguishers?
20
Dr Veronica McCauley
Lecturer in Science Education, National
University of Ireland Galway
Keith Young
RDS Science & Technology Committee; Lecturer,
Maynooth University
Niamh Ní Mhaolain
Director, Cork Education Support Centre
Judges
Dr Liam Brown
Vice-President for Research, Enterprise and
Development, Limerick Institute of Technology
Tony O’Brien
RDS Science & Technology Committee;
Director, Irida Consulting
Michael Browne
Lecturer in Science Education, Mary Immaculate
College
Dr Carmel O’Doherty
Director, Limerick Education Centre
Paul Collins
General Manager, Design Pro Limerick
Dr Anne O’Dwyer
Lecturer in Science Education, Mary
Immaculate College
Dan Fitzgibbon
Paediatric Occupational Therapist, Health Service
Executive, RDS Science & Technology Committee
Stephanie O’Neill
Project Manager STEM Education, Science
Foundation Ireland
Dave Griffin
Director, Dell EMC Limerick
Dr Maria Sheehan
Chemistry Teacher, St Caimin’s Community
School, Shannon
Diane Hassett
Senior Engineering Manager, Johnson & Johnson
Vision Care Ireland
Joan Sherlock-Robertson
RDS STEM Learning Facilitator; Teacher,
Sutton Park School, Dublin
Mary Heslin
RDS STEM Learning Facilitator; Teacher, Scoil an
Chroí Ró Naofa Íosa, Dublin
Christopher Hone
RDS Science & Technology Committee;
Radiological Protection Institute of Ireland
(Retired)
Veronica Ward
RDS STEM Learning Facilitator; Principal,
Monkstown Park Junior School, Dublin
Prof. Aideen Long
Professor in Molecular Medicine, Trinity College
Dublin / St James’s Hospital
Dr Diana Zanini
Senior Manager, Johnson & Johnson
Vision Care Ireland
Dr Anne Looney
Interim CEO, Higher Education Authority
P2
STAND
Ballyadams NS, Ballyadams, Co. Laois
Why don’t I fall out when the roller coaster loops the loop?
Prof. Seamus Martin
RDS Boyle Medal Laureate; Smurfit Professor
of Medical Genetics, Trinity College Dublin
Dr Maeve Liston
Director of Enterprise & Community Engagement,
Mary Immaculate College
Thursday January 19
P3
STAND
Friday January 20
STAND
Scoil Chrónáin Naofa, Roscrea, Co. Offaly
Do background and text colour affect retention when reading?
21
Northampton NS, Kinvara, Co. Galway
Bin the Beads! Do plastic microbeads damage marine life?
1
Scoil Mhuire Lourdes, Carrigaline, Co. Cork
What are the causes and effects of a volcanic eruption?
22
Killavullen NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
Why did the water in the Olympic diving pool turn green?
2
Holy Family BNS, Askea, Co. Carlow
Can a robot be built to show and communicate specific emotions?
23
Scoil Eoin Naofa, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary
Is there a connection between head weight and height?
3
St Brigid’s NS, Singland, Co. Limerick
Breakfast - Is it really necessary?
24
Naas Community NS, Naas, Co. Kildare
Can we create a rainbow without rain?
4
St Cuana’s, Headford, Co. Galway
Does completing an exercise program have an effect on mood/ concentration/sleep patterns?
25
Mary Queen of Ireland GNS, Caherdavin, Co. Limerick
Is there space for us in Space?
5
Knockanean NS, Ennis, Co. Clare
Is the Burren a bio-diverse area?
26
Coachford NS, Coachford, Co. Cork
Will strengthening our core muscles improve our school work?
6
Our Lady of Lourdes NS, Rosbrien Co. Limerick
Does exercise improve memory?
27
Brierfield NS, Tuam, Co. Galway
Can we improve our class’s performance in a range of Olympic events?
7
Killasser NS, Swinford, Co. Mayo
How much added sugar is there in your lunchbox?
28
St Ciaran’s Mixed NS, Tullamore, Co. Offaly
Chemicals - Do they damage human hair?
8
Scoil Bhríde, Mionloch, Co. Galway
What matters most - the type of rocket or the launch angle?
29
St Anthony’s BNS, Ballinlough, Co. Cork
Sugar Crash: Are we excessively consuming sugar and how does it affect us?
9
Scoil Bhailenóra, Waterfall, Co. Cork
How and why does exercise affect our heart rates?
30
Gaelscoil Lios Tuathail, Lios Tuathail, Co. Kerry
How much sugar are we drinking?
10
St Canices Co.Ed. NS, Granges Rd., Co. Kilkenny
Do we, as children, need instant gratification?
31
Courtenay NS, Gortboy, Co. Limerick
What is the maximum speed achievable by a model zip line?
11
Clonmore NS, Templemore, Co. Tipperary
Always read the question...or should we? The Stroop Effect.
32
Midleton Educate Together, Midleton, Co. Cork
How do fizzy drinks affect our teeth?
12
Scoil Dhairbhre, Clonakilty, Co. Cork
How do your diet and cleaning habits affect your teeth?
33
Kilglass NS, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway
Who or what turned off the stars that twinkled bright for Granny?
13
Mol an Oige Steiner NS, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
Why can’t we imagine new colours?
34
Scoil Mhuire Fatima, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
HIIT OR LISS? Or is it all just hit and miss?
14
Gaelscoil an Eiscir Riada, An Tulach Mhor, Co. Offaly
Cén airíonna atá ag Taos Fiacail? What are the properties of Toothpaste?
35
Our Lady of Mercy NS, Bantry, Co. Cork
Balance - Why do we not topple over?
15
Scoil Iosaf, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick
How much of each food equals our recommended daily sugar intake?
36
Learning Hub Limerick, Kileely House, Co. Limerick
The Science of Baking - An investigation of the common ingredients used and their purpose.
16
Kilshanny NS, Ennis, Co. Clare
Do primary school children grow more during wintertime than summertime?
37
Firies NS, Firies, Co. Kerry
Is protein milk better than regular milk?
17
S.N. Chóbh Chionn tSáile, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Sleep – Are we getting enough? If not, why not?
38
Scoil na Maighne, Thurles, Co. Tipperary
How can we stop onions from making us cry?
18
Kinaffe NS, Swinford, Co. Mayo
Biodegradable Plastic: Is it the best option?
39
Kilcoe NS, Skibbereen, Co. Cork
Can Kilcoe NS travel to school in a more environmentally friendly way?
19
Corrandulla NS, Corrandulla, Co. Galway
What would Earth be like without the Sun?
40
Newport NS, Newport, Co. Mayo
Is laughter the best (pain) medicine?
20
P4
P5
STAND
Saturday January 21
STAND
Ballygown NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
Do girls have better memories than boys?
21
Scoil Íde, Corbally, Co. Limerick
Our wetland - Why does it occur and does it affect local flora/fauna?
1
Saint Patrick’s Girls NS, Dublin Road, Co. Limerick
Do shapes alter movement and speed of objects through air and water?
22
Scoil Aonghusa Community NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
How can we defy gravity?
2
Mayo NS, Crettyard, Co. Laois
What impact do earthworms have on the soil?
23
St John Bosco Senior Boys’ School, Navan Road, Dublin 7
How do materials, design and technology contribute in creating effective sports footwear?
3
Canovee NS, Macroom, Co. Cork
Why do soap bubbles form and what mixture makes the best bubbles?
24
Banogue NS, Croom, Co. Limerick
How can we encourage worms into soil for our wildflower garden?
4
Scoil Na Maighdine Mhuire, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare
Can we teach our parents their sounds?
25
St Anne’s, Charleville, Co. Cork
Do plants need natural ingredients to grow?
5
Raheenagh NS, Ballagh, Co. Limerick
How does packaging affect the ripening of fruit?
26
Killahan Primary School, Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry
How does background sound affect our concentration?
6
Presentation Primary, Slievekeale Road, Co. Waterford
Does age and practice impact upon the Stroop Test result of primary pupils?
27
Caherconlish NS, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick
Do people with longer legs run faster?
7
Rockboro Primary School, Boreenmanna Road, Co. Cork
Can essential-oils improve concentration and energy levels in school and work environments?
28
Analeentha NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
What are the effects of exercise on class test results?
8
Scoil An Spioaid Naoimh, Roxborough, Co. Limerick
How does our local weather this winter compare with last winter?
29
Castleconnell NS, Castleconnell, Co. Limerick
What household substance makes the best window cleaner?
9
Robeen NS, Claremorris, Co. Mayo
Can a community compost scheme encourage Robeen to become greener?
30
Burgess NS, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Parents or Best Friends! Who knows you better?
10
Abbey NS, Circular Road, Co. Roscommon
How have smart devices changed family home life and entertainment choices?
31
Donoughmore NS, Donoughmore, Co. Limerick
How does light affect the speed at which fruit spoils?
11
Derryclough NS, Dunmanway, Co. Cork
How can we generate and use solar power in our classroom?
32
St Mary’s NS, Templemore, Co. Tipperary
What kind of music do plants grow best to?
12
Burncourt NS, Cahir, Co. Tipperary
Fertiliser, slurry or nature - which is more effective?
33
Liscarroll NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
Which type of chocolate melts the fastest and why?
13
St Patrick’s NS, Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly
Does copper really stop slugs/snails in their tracks?
34
Shanagolden NS, Shanagolden, Co. Limerick
What colour light do plants grow the best towards?
14
Gaelscoil Uí Drisceoil, Gleann Maghair, Co. Chorcaí
An féidir leictreachas a ghiniúint ag úsáid báisteach?
35
S. N. Rahtain, Mallow, Co. Cork
How can we make bulbs light?
15
St Declans BNS, Waterstreet, Co. Waterford
How do video games affect children?
36
Rearcross NS, Rearcross, Co. Tipperary
How do sunglasses protect our eyes?
16
Scoil Éanna Bullaun, Loughrea, Co. Galway
Fully charged! Helium/air, Curly/straight, Metal/wood: What works best?
37
Nurtures Best Afterschool Service, Tarmonbarry, Co. Roscommon
Where is the most effective location to create a wind farm?
17
Our Lady Queen of Peace School, Janesboro, Co. Limerick
Does learning sign language improve your spelling?
38
Ballygarvan NS, Ballygarvan, Co. Cork
Can we identify our family smell?
18
Shanballymore NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
How do our eyes function and what main factors determine good eyesight?
39
Bulgaden NS, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick
Which type of memory is stronger: visual or auditory?
19
Nagle-Rice Primary School, Milltown, Co. Kerry
Yeasty Beasties and Globs of Gluten: What’s the science in our bread?
40
Scoil Mhuire Junior School, Wellington Rd., Co. Cork
What are sound vibrations and could we make use of them?
20
P6
P7
STAND
Carrickerry NS, Athea, Co. Limerick
What are the different methods for keeping foodstuffs fresh?
21
Convent of Mercy, Newport, Co. Tipperary
Can exercise improve memory, concentration and mood?
22
St Anne’s Primary School, Rathkeale, Co. Limerick
Are there links between the density and calorific value of what we consume?
23
Scoil Cholmcille, Ennistymon, Co. Clare
What’s the best way to wash our hands to ensure they’re clean?
24
Spa NS, Tralee, Co. Kerry
How can we compare the sugar level of produce in lunchboxes to produce from the garden?
25
Baltydaniel NS, Mallow, Co. Cork
Can robotic technology help in education?
26
Kiladangan NS, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
Do we have to spend extra to keep our teeth white?
27
St Theresa’s NS, Cashel, Co. Galway
Why are Rag-worth/millipedes spreading and which bog- ball lasts longest ?
28
Scoil Naomh Muire, Farran, Co. Cork
Would wind turbines provide an economical alternative to power our school?
29
CAR PARK
31
Scoil Mhaoilíosa, Crossbarry, Co. Cork
Global Warming - A comparative study: Is it really affecting our weather patterns?
32
St Declan’s NS, Ardmore, Co. Waterford
How does the condition of life-jackets, buoyancy aids and clothing worn affect water safety?
33
Scoil Eoin BNS, Ballincollig, Co. Cork
Can you make a safer school car park using technology and robotics?
34
Herbertstown NS, Kilmallock, Co. Limerick
Which tea bag is best - Circular, square or pyramidal?
35
St John’s GNS, Carrigaline, Co. Cork
How does the sugar industry use colour to target children?
36
Cloverfield NS, Dromkeen, Co. Limerick
Hungry Birds: Which seed do birds prefer?
37
Piltown NS, Piltown, Co. Kilkenny
How does sight and smell affect our sense of taste?
38
Lackamore NS, Newport, Co. Tipperary
Does advertising influence people’s purchasing?
39
Nicker NS, Pallasgrean, Co. Limerick
How does regular exercise and a healthy diet affect our resting heartbeat?
40
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Ballina Primary School, Killaloe, Co. Tipperary
Do left handed people have faster reaction times and better memories?
TARA
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TARA BUILDING:
- The Forum
- T101
- T107
- T115 – T118
- Student’s Union Lounge
- Shop
TAILTEANN BUILDING:
- Exhibition of Projects (T3)
- Registration / Tickets
- T1
- T2
SUMMERVILLE AVENUE
Barna NS, Pallasgreen, Co. Limerick
Do objects float better in salt water than fresh water?
P8
CAR PARK
Educational Programme at the RDS Primary Science Fair, Limerick
Each show or workshop will take place at 10am, 11am, 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
TAILTEANN BUILDING
RDS Primary Science Fair Project Showcase
T3, Tailteann Building
The highlight of the day! Come and explore all
the school projects on display!
Design and Make - Workshop
T107, Tara Building
The workshops will involve creating a
marshmallow catapult that will launch a minimarshmallow. The children will become familiar
with the stages in the design and making process,
practice the skills involved in the design and
making process. The children will then test their
designs through a variety of different challenges:
Challenge 1: Accuracy; Challenge 2: Power; and
Challenge 3: Power & Tower.
Biodiversity in the Backgarden
T1, Tailteann Building
Dale Treadwell, RTEJR resident nature guy, takes
us on a journey through the wildlife found in our
own backgardens. Adults and children alike will
be captivated by his stories and might also get to
meet some creepy crawly friends along the way.
What Happens Next?
T115, Tara Building
This interactive show asks the audience to predict
the outcome of fun, everyday experiments. With
opportunities for participation and encouraging
discussion and sharing of knowledge, this show
encourages and promotes curiosity at every age.
My Favourite Whale
T2, Tailteann Building
Oceanographer and marine conservationist
Russell Arnott presents his case for what he thinks
is the best whale ever. Chock full of fascinating
ocean facts and exciting demonstrations, you’ll
never look at whales the same way again!
Big, Bold, Hot and Cold
T116, Tara Building
Big, Bold, Hot and Cold is an explosive show,
working its way through the most exciting
science demonstrations to showcase the “wow”
in science. This electrifying interactive show
takes the audience through a range of fascinating
physics and chemistry demonstrations.
Open your Eyes to the World Around You:
Exploring Science and Maths
T2, Tailteann Building
Explore the world of maths and science
through a variety of puzzles and investigations.
The activities will draw on children’s curiosity
through interactive puzzles, brainteasers and an
engaging STEM-trail inside the Tailteann Building.
Playground Science
T117, Tara Building
Discover the basic concepts of science using
everyday objects that are all around you.
Featuring bottomless buckets, musical aluminium
bars, boomerang hula-hoops and the smallest
motor in the world!
TARA BUILDING
Exploring Materials - Workshop
T101, Tara Building
What are materials? That stuff that surrounds
us, makes up our everyday lives, and that we
sometimes take for granted? In this workshop we
will explore the properties of everyday materials
and how we can harness those properties to make
new materials for the future. Discover some very
small materials that researchers at Amber, TCD
are using to make a very big impact.
Fantastic Physics
T118, Tara Building
During this fun, interactive show we will check
out the physics of a bed of nails, look at some
whacky properties of magnetism and prove that
static electricity is a form of energy. We will also
investigate what frogs have in common with
electricity and even make a human battery!
P10
Irish Aid Drumming Workshops & Quiz
Student’s Union, Tara Building
Learn how to play an African beat on African
drums at this Irish Aid drumming workshop. Irish
Aid works to fight poverty in some of the poorest
countries in the world, on behalf of the Irish people.
Workshops to take place at: 11am, 12.15pm,
1.30pm & 2.30pm - participation will be granted on
a first-come-first-served basis. Please ask at the
Registration Desk for information about how to
sign up. Enter our quiz - on your own or with your
friends – from information displayed at the Irish Aid
Drumming Workshop area and win a goody bag!
Junior Einstein’s Science Show
The Forum, Tara Building
A large range of fantastic experiments will be on
display exploring questions such as ‘Why do fish
feel slimy?’ and ‘Do snails eat their own slime?’.
Featuring light sabres, electrocuting Barbie,
elephant toothpaste and hurricanes in a bottle
this show is not to be missed.
Important Information for Exhibiting and Visiting Schools
Included in your registration pack you will find
a wristband for every person in your group –
children and adults alike. Each person attending
the Fair must wear their wristband at all times to
access the wonderful shows and workshops taking
place at the RDS Primary Science Fair Limerick.
where your lunch area is located - for example
if your wristband is RED, please follow the RED
schedule, and so on.
Each group of children will require an accompanying
adult from their school with them at all times.
All students from exhibiting schools must return to
the Projects Exhibition in T3 at 2.30pm to receive
feedback from the RDS Primary Science Fair judges.
Wristbands are colour coded – each colour
corresponds with a particular schedule which
indicates the shows you are allocated to and
Remember to enjoy the Fair. It’s fun!
Note: If you are attending as a member of the public you may create your own schedule and attend any
show you wish. A number of seats will be available in each show at each time slot, however they will be
filled on a first come first served basis.
P11
Supported by
Why
the RDS?
The RDS is one of the world’s oldest
philanthropic organisations. Founded
in 1731 to support the cultural
and economic development of Ireland,
in 2016 the RDS invested over €2 million
across our work areas of the arts,
science, agriculture and business.
The RDS Primary Science Fair is a key
project within our science and technology
work programme. It is underpinned
by the RDS STEM Learning project,
which aims to support primary school
teachers to integrate science, technology,
engineering and mathematics into their
classroom practice.
To view the RDS Primary Science Fair in
action visit our website for a short video
www.rds.ie/primarysciencefair
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