On Friday 8th of March, students from TY exhibited their projects in Holy Faith Clontarf first SciFest@School. SciFest is a national STEM fair programme for second-level students, encouraging a love of STEM and inquiry-based learning. The programme is funded primarily by Intel Ireland, Boston Scientific, EirGrid, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals and the Department of Education. Students demonstrated their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, and maths through their creative and innovative projects. The overall prize went to “Effects of Sedentary Lifestyle on Students Ability to Learn” by Aoibheann Conlon, Emma Phelan, and Sally Flynn. Runner up prize and the “EirGrid Cleaner Climate” rosette went to a project about using kinetic flooring to harness energy: “Are the Coldplay bikes the solution to the energy crisis?” by Dervla Conlon and Natalie Kilcullen. There was also a best display and booklet writeup award that went to “Two Liters of Water Everyday – Ordinary or Unnecessary?” by Ana Walsh, Rachel Ardiff, and Rosie Cudden. A big thank you goes to 5th years BT Young Scientists 2024 category award winners Caoimhe Mc Caul and Cara Mulligan, and rosette winners Phoenix Hickson-Pitt, Marianne McGovern, and Sara Hanney for judging alongside Ms Culloty and Ms Carragher. Thank you also to Ms O’Brien for organizing the event. Commenting on the success of the science fair Sheila Porter, Founder and CEO of SciFest added: “Since its nationwide launch in 2011, SciFest@School has grown remarkably. I am consistently impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the students. SciFest@School serves as a vibrant celebration of STEM subjects, encouraging students to extend beyond the confines of the classroom, apply their scientific knowledge, and engage in creative and investigative projects. The accomplishments of these students are truly inspiring, reflecting not only their own efforts but also the dedication and support provided by their teachers.”

Thanks to everyone’s support with sponsorship, prizes, ticket sales and attendance, €10,000 was raised for school. 

Funds raised will be used to fund additional laptops for the school.