Post-primary school students from schools all over Kerry taking science to the next level with over 90 projects at SciFest@IT Tralee 2017

Of the over 90 projects exhibited at SciFest@ IT Tralee 2017, the top prize on the day went to Jack Nagle from Community College Killorglin for his project, Tractor Safe Lock.

As one of the 16 regional venues hosting a SciFest science fair, SciFest@ IT Traleesaw more than 200 students from schools all over the region exhibit 91projects at IT Traleeand put their knowledge of science to the test.

Dr Eilish Broderick, Head of Section, International Medical Commencement Programme at IT Tralee led the judging panel. Commenting on the event Dr Broderick said:

 “As always, the projects entered by the students in SciFest are impressive, engaging and thought-provoking. Secondary school students from across the region are demonstrating their passion for science, technology, engineering and maths, which is clearly evident from the high standard of research that has gone into the entries this year. SciFest is a competition that aims to encourage students to develop an interest in STEM, while prioritising inclusivity and inquiry-based learning. We are proud to support such a valuable programme.” 

SciFest is an all-inclusive, all-island science initiative which fosters active, collaborative and inquiry-based learning among second-level students. SciFest is funded primarily by Science Foundation Ireland, Boston Scientific, Intel and Abbott.

Commenting on the SciFest@ IT Tralee fair Sheila Porter, SciFest CEO said: “2016 was another hugely successful year for SciFest with a record number of students taking part. In total over 8,000 students presented their projects in local and regional science fairs across the country. This year we are celebrating 10 years of SciFest science fairs. In that time the number of students participating has increased five-fold and they have produced an amazing range of subjects across the STEM disciplines. SciFest gives students an excellent opportunity to develop their interest in STEM and inquiry-based approaches to learning, while developing their creative and problem-solving skills and learning to work in a team.”

Demonstrating his winning project Jack Nagle said:

“My research found farmers are not pulling their handbrakes when they leave their tractors. This has caused many deaths in my own local community and all over Ireland. Not to mention all the accidents that are unheard of. My device automatically engages the handbrake when the operator exists the tractor. This stops the tractor from rolling and crushing the farmer under the wheel of his tractor. There is nothing to buy on the market similar to my device and I feel it is vital considering the amount of deaths that have been caused by these type of accidents.”

SciFest 2017 will be the third year of the prestigious Boston Scientific Medical Devices Award, which is presented at each of the 16 regional science fairs; the overall winner of this award will receive the Boston Scientific Medical Devices Trophy at the national final in November.