Eleven science projects from Westmeath are among the 500 national finalists in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2009, the winners of which will be announced later today (Friday ).
The 2009 exhibition, takes place this weekend at the RDS, Dublin.
The Westmeath entries include eight from Athlone, two from Moate, and one from Mullingar, and span a range of topics from body image to the benefits of Wii Fit, organic fruit and veg to ‘runny stuff’.
The entries from Marist College, Athlone are:
‘Does Going Green Kill?’ by Allan Kilroy-Glynn, Cathal McGrane, and Martin Purcell, an investigation of the dangers of 'going green' by sealing one's house to better retain heat;
‘iSolar’ by Sean Mooney, Mark Bass, and Tony Deehan, which examines the possibility of making a solar-powered battery charger for an iPod;
‘What Materials Work Best in a Sandbag for Blocking Floodwaters’ by Sebastian Ryan, Conor Flynn, and David Byrne, investigating what materials work best in a sandbag for blocking floodwaters.
The entries from Our Lady’s Bower, Athlone are:
‘Body Image: Her View vs His!’ by Ellie O'Beirn, Alison Duffy, and Maeve Brassil, which examines the difference in opinions between teenage males and females on what the ‘perfect’ body image is;
‘To compare the amount of vitamin C content in organic and non-organic fruit and vegetables’ by Kathy Spollen, Amy Duignan, and Rachel Bleach, who will compare the vitamin C content of organic and non-organic foods.
The entries from Moate Community School are:
‘Can our washed out soil be saved?’ by Shaunagh O'Flaherty and Aine Hanevy, who aim to develop a solution to tackle the effects of erratic weather on the structure and chemical properties of soils;
‘An investigation into the presence and the effects of chemicals from plastic water bottles leaching into the water they contain’ by Dervla Murray, Cathy Fox, and Roisin Smyth, examining if there is a build up of chemicals in bottled water.
The entries from St Joseph’s College, Summerhill, Athlone are:
‘Are Wii Fit - a comparative study on the Wii Fit versus conventional exercise’ by Leona Grenham, Emma Lennon, and Gillian Byrne, which aims to find out if exercising with the Wii Fit is as good as conventional exercise;
‘Can we learn while we are asleep?’ by Maeve Leonard, Sibeal Crehan, and Keely McCormack, an investigation of learning ability while asleep.
From Athlone Community College:
‘Do State Examinations reflect Natural Ability?’ by Conor Donohoe and Jonathan Kilduff, who compare the predicted Junior and Leaving Certificate results based on first year psychometric tests to actual results attained.
From Colaiste Mhuire, Mullingar:
‘Runny Stuff!’ by Steven Kelly and Michael Mc Laughlin, which takes a look at the emulsion of creams and if their factors change after a period of time.
The Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition is now in its 45th year, and has broken all records with 1,616 projects entered into the 2009 exhibition.
The overall winner, to be announced later today, will be crowned BT Young Scientist of the Year and will receive a Waterford Crystal trophy together with a cheque for €5,000.
The 45th BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition takes place from January 8-12 at the RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4. The doors open to the public from Thursday to Saturday, January 10-12 inclusive, and in excess of 36,000 people are expected to visit the RDS throughout the exhibition.
For further information visit www.btyoungscientist.ie
