2014 @

Welcome to the 7 th annual SciFest organised in the North Western region by the Institute of Technology Sligo, at the Knocknarea Arena (Multi-purpose area) on Wednesday 14th of May 2014

We Would like your Students to participate !!!

SciFest is an exciting science competition open to all second-level students. The aim of the competition is to encourage a love of science through enquiry-based learning and to give students an opportunity to display their projects and possibly win prizes.

SciFest is a local one-day ‘mini’ Young Scientist exhibition open to all second-level students. There is no entry fee and all projects are accepted. Each event is smaller and less formal than the YSTE but still with serious science as the main criterion for a good project.

Exhibiting at SciFest will give you an opportunity to develop and present your Science projects, this is a rewarding experience in itself but in addition, some of you may be encouraged to develop your projects further and successfully present in the YSTE in 2012.

In 2010 we had an entry of 121 exhibits to the competition and an involvement of 297 students from the North West region. County’s Sligo, Mayo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon and Cavan were represented with entries in all three categories, Life sciences, Physical sciences and Technology.

Summary Table of numbers and types of Project in 2011 (from the same catchment region):

Total No. of Projects 125Total No. of Students 309

No. of projectsAge Category Junior 61 Intermediate 56 Senior 8 Project Type Individual 14 Group 111 Project Category Physical Sciences 40 Life Sciences 73 Technology 12 Discover Sensors Yes 18 No 107 Young Scientist 2011 Yes 13 No 112

Summary Table of numbers and types of Project for 2 years ago, in 2012 (from the same catchment region):

Total No. of Projects 97Total No. of Students 237

No. of projectsAge Category Junior 60 Intermediate 33 Senior 4 Project Type Individual 10 Group 87 Project Category Physical Sciences 32 Life Sciences 54 Technology 11 Discover Sensors Yes 16 Previous SciFest

NoYes

8114

No 82

Young Scientist 2011 Yes 14 No 83

Summary Table of numbers and types of Project for last year, 2013

Total No. of Projects 131Total No. of Students 312

No. of projectsAge Category Junior 63

Intermediate 63Senior 5

Project Type Individual 18Group 113

Project Category Physical Sciences 39Life Sciences 80Technology 12

Previous SciFest Yes 26No 105

Young Scientist 2013 Yes 17No 113

Summary Table of numbers and types of Project for this year, 2014

Total No. of Projects 139 Total No. of Students 341 No. of projects

Age Category Junior 62 Intermediate 67 Senior 10

Project Type Individual 13 Group 126

Project Category Physical Sciences 29 Life Sciences 92 Technology 18

Previous SciFest Yes 22 No 117

Young Scientist 2013 Yes 22 No 117

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, an 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 inthe 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 3 rd 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

Categories-

LS 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 2014 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. Newstalk Best Communicator Award Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

5. PharmaChemical Ireland Chemistry Award Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

6. Sustainable Energy Award (SEAI) Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

7. NCE-MSTL Maths in Science Award

(National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and

Science Teaching and Learning)

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

8. Irish Science Teachers’ Association Award Trophy

9. Discover Space Award (ESERO Ireland) Trophy for student

Discover Space Teacher Award (ESERO Ireland) Space Atlas for teacher

10. RSC School Chemistry Award (Royal Society of

Chemistry Education Division)

Equipment for chemistry

laboratory in school

1. SFI Discover Best Project Award

The Best Project Award winner/s from each SciFest@College 2014 will participate in a national final competition in October/November. 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 Pittsburgh in May 2015. 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. 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. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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

7. NCE-MSTL 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.

8. Irish Science Teachers’ Award

This award is presented to the project that displays the most innovative use of school laboratory equipment.

9. 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.

10. RSC School Chemistry Award

This award will be presented to the school attended by the students that were awarded the Chemistry Award. It should be presented separately as 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 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 PartnersSFI Discover Programme (Science Foundation Ireland)Intel IrelandThe Institutes of Technology

Platinum SponsorsNewstalkAbbott IrelandPharmaChemical IrelandSustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)iJoinLaunch.ie

Gold SponsorsNational Centre for Excellence in Mathematics & Science Teaching and Learning (NCE-MSTL)European Space Education Resource Office Ireland (ESERO Ireland)Irish Science Teachers Association

SciFest

Silver SponsorsRoyal Society of Chemistry Education DivisionInstitute of Physics

CIT Sponsors:Janssen PharmaceuticalEli LillyBank of IrelandMunster RugbyStudent Services Co Ltd

P P Project

http://scifest.ie/2014-sponsors

http://scifest.ie/

Sheila Porter,CEO, SciFest Ltd

5368 STUDENTS EXHIBITED PROJECTS IN SCIFEST 2013  T: +353 1 298 8312          M: +353 86 379 6143            E: sheila.porter@scifest.ie          W:www.scifest.ie

Scifest 2014 @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 Dr. Terri Scott 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 2014). 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 Dr. Terri Scott President of the Institute of Technology, Sligo. Followed by Presentation of the Prizes

Presentation Table and Chairs on Podium: Dr.Terri Scott, Dr Jeremy Bird,

Sheila Porter (SciFest Project Manager), 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 2013).

Order of Presentation

Age Groups Categories Merit Prize Presented by

Local Awards1 J Junior (1st and 2nd

year)T Technology Highly Commended

CertificateDr. Bill Crowe Chief Organiser Sligo

2 SecondVouchers

Dr Jeremy Bird Head of Science

3 FirstTrophy

Dr. Terri ScottPresident of Institute

4 PS Physical Sciences Highly Commended

CertificateDr. Bill Crowe

5 Third Vouchers Co-ordinator of judges

6 Second Vouchers Dr Jeremy Bird7 First Trophy Dr. Terri Scott

8 LS Life Science Highly Commended

CertificateDr. Bill Crowe

9 Third Vouchers Co-ordinator of judges

10 Second Vouchers Dr Jeremy Bird11 First Trophy Dr. Terri Scott

12 I Intermediate

3rd and 4th (transition year)

T Technology Highly Commended Certificate Dr. Bill Crowe

13 First Trophy Dr. Terri Scott

14 PS Physical Sciences Highly Commended

CertificateDr. Bill Crowe

15 Second Vouchers Dr Jeremy Bird

16 First Trophy Dr. Terri Scott

17 LS Life Science Highly Commended

CertificateDr. Bill Crowe

18 Third Vouchers Co-ordinator of judges

19 Second Vouchers Dr Jeremy Bird20 First Trophy Dr. Terri Scott21 S Senior 5th and 6th year T Technology Highly Commended Certificate Dr Jeremy Bird

22 PS Physical Sciences Highly Commended

CertificateDr Jeremy Bird

23 First Trophy Dr. Terri Scott

24 LS Life Science Highly Commended

CertificateDr Jeremy Bird

25 First Trophy Dr. Terri Scott

Special Awards (Local)26 IT Sligo. Business innovation award Vouchers

  

Special Awards (National)

27. RSC School Chemistry Award (Royal Society of

Chemistry Education Division)

Equipment for chemistry

laboratory in school

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. NCE-MSTL Maths in Science Award

(National Centre for Excellence in Mathematics and

Science Teaching and Learning)

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

32. Sustainable Energy Award (SEAI) Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

33. PharmaChemical Ireland Chemistry Award Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

34. Newstalk Best Communicator Award Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

35. Intel Award (Best Physical Science or Technology

Project)

Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

36. Abbott Runner-up Best Project Award Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

37. SFI/Discover Best Project Award Trophy

+ €20 One4All gift token per student

3.40pm Dismantle exhibitions

Instructions for taking part in SciFest 2014 at The Institute of Technology, Sligo

The 7th annual SciFest in the North Western region organised by the Institute of Technology Sligo, will take place at the Knocknarea Arena (Multi-purpose area)

on Wednesday 14th of May 2014.

At present (18th Feb. 2014) The Main Sponsors of SciFest are SFI Discover and Intel Ireland. Other National Sponsors and National Special Prizes are not definite yet. Please watch National website for developments.

To download entry forms for The Institute of Technology, Sligo event go to the main National Science fest Web site at http://www.scifest.ie/,

Institute of Technology Sligo entry forms are at http://www.scifest.ie/forms.html

Here you will also find all the instructions for entering,

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/2013-major-awardsand ) and the main sponsors of the event at: http://www.scifest.ie/sponsors.html .

More information on what are sensors may be found at http://www.discoversensors.ie/sensors/ and on the Discover sensors project in general

can be found at: http://www.discoversensors.ie/home/

When filling in the forms be sure that parents signatures are signed in the relevant sections, or the forms will be returned to the school, and you may be late for entry.

All entries received on time will be accepted.

The closing date for receipt of entry forms is FRIDAY 7 th March 2014 .

There is no late entry.

All the work does not have to be completed by then.

N.B. Projects may be presented in Gaelige 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/Scifest2014.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/Scifest2014.htm

or from the index section of Bill Crowe’s Home Page:

http://staffweb.itsligo.ie/staff/bcrowe/bill/home.htm

or from :

Dr. Bill CroweSciFest Organiser IT Sligo.Dept. Environmental Science,School of Science, Institute of Technology,Ash LaneSligo.Tel: Work 071 9155357mobile 087 6900168E-mail: crowe.bill@itsligo.ie