Meath’s newest school makes the BT Young Scientist Exhibition

Twelve projects from seven schools across Meath have qualified for the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2021.

BT Ireland has revealed the 550 finalists who will represent their schools and communities from across the island of Ireland at the first-ever virtual BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE) from Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th January 2021.

Two of those Meath projects are from Meath's newest secondary school, Enfield Community School, which opened in September.

Selected from over 1,300 entries, the finalists represent 213 schools across 29 counties and will showcase their projects on the BTYSTE virtual platform to a national - and increasingly international - audience.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has been a driving force behind a large number of entries this year with a quarter of all qualified projects delving into topics on health and the impact of Covid-19. The Meath projects vary from topics which explore the effects Covid-19 had on injury rates among GAA players to investigations into the effectiveness of different types of facemasks.

Enfield Community College has two projects that qualified for this year’s exhibition, despite the school, being just three months old.

Their science teacher, Rebecca Kenneally said "Enfield Community College was thrilled to be part of this year’s BT Young Scientists. Our first year students are entering two projects."

One Enfield entry is a group project in the Biological and Ecological category and investigates the effects different fabrics used in facemasks have on preventing the spread of cough and sneeze droplets. The students in this group are Lily O' Reilly, Yasmin Callaghan and Taylor Quinn.

The second project is determining whether crowding of plants influences the height they grow and is an individual project by Jasmine Murphy.

Navan Youthreach has three projects chosen for the exhibition.

All three projects are in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category. One is an individual project entitled 'A Theory on Conspiracy Theories,' while the two group projects are entitled 'Smart Learning for Smart People' and 'Ending Discrimination'.

St Joseph's Mercy in Navan has three projects in the event.

A group project in the Biological and Ecological category investigates the impact Covid-19 has had on the injury rate in female GAA players.

A second group project in the same category investigates the best straw bedding for housing cattle indoors over winter.

St Joseph’s has one individual project entitled ‘Cards, The Maths behind it.’

Scoil Mhuire, Trim has a group project in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category entitled ' HighFive '.

Eureka Secondary School in Kells has a group project in the Biological and Ecological category entitled 'Plant-Based Milk vs Animal Milk. Which is the Way of the Future?'

St Patrick’s Classical School in Navan is entered in the Technology category with an individual project entitled 'Telepath'.

Dunshaughlin Community College has a group project in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category entitled 'Inspiring Future Scientists.'

Over the coming weeks, students will focus on preparing to exhibit their projects and meet the judges at the 57th annual Exhibition.

Mari Cahalane, Head of BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition said: “For the first time in its history, the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will be turned into a virtual exhibition.We are excited to unveil the new interactive BTYSTE platform in January which will also bring the exhibition to new audiences, far and wide. We are looking forward to showcasing the amazing projects from some of the brightest young minds in the country in a new and innovative way.

"We have a full schedule of events suitable for all ages to look forward to in January, including special acts, the Primary Science Fair, and business events, all taking place alongside the showcase of student projects.”

Minister for Education, Norma Foley said: “The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is the highlight of the school calendar every year. It gives our students a unique opportunity to explore and investigate their own interests in STEM subjects, and this year is no exception.

"The projects this year demonstrate the great ambition of our students who continue to push boundaries by exploring solutions to the issues of the day such as the global pandemic, climate change, mental health and many others.

"I wish to congratulate every student who worked so hard to prepare and present their projects,all of the teachers who supported them, and parents who have also provided huge support. I wish all of the students the very best and hope that you all enjoy the exhibition in January.

"I look forward to engaging with everyone involved within the new virtual platform.”