Tomorrow’s innovators showcase their impressive scientific projects at SciFest@School in
Loreto Community School Milford.
Students exhibit 97 innovative science projects at SciFest@School 2020. This was the biggest SciFest@school event ever held in Donegal.
Over 240 students from first year and transition year exhibited 97 projects in SciFest@School in Loreto Community School.
This was the school’s 2nd SciFest@School and it was the biggest one yet! It is also the biggest SciFest@school ever hosted in Donegal.
Minister Joe McHugh and SciFest CEO George Porter at Scifest@loretomilford
The school gym set up for the SciFest@school final judging and exhibition
Students demonstrated their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and maths through their creative and innovative projects. Some of the projects on display included
• A motorised compost bin
• A research project about the effect of a Vegan diet on cancer cells
• A lemon powered clock
• A shocking marker
Judges were not only looking for scientific skill in the projects. Ms H. Ferry acted as a judge allowing students to present their work as Gaeilge. Ms D. Lynch also acted as a judge allowing our transition years to present in French or Spanish. Both teachers were delighted with the standard of oral communication that was demonstrated by the students.
Judges Garrett O’Fearail and Mary Carr from LYIT commented on the high standard of communication demonstrated by the students.
Judging of first year projects
The school also welcomed Joe Ferry from Donegal county council and George Porter CEO of SciFest Ireland, to complete our judging panel. All judges found their decisions very difficult to make given the high standard of projects on display.
We were delighted to welcome; Joe McHugh, outgoing Minister for Education; John O’Donnell of Donegal county council; the parents of the competing students and our neighbouring national school, Scoil Mhuire, Milford.
Teachers Siobhan Heron, Claire Donaghy, Roisin Coyle and Deirdre Ward pictured with George Porter
Minister Joe McHugh with some first year students
The overall prize for transition year went to ; Aoife Giles, Megan Hegarty and Victoria Gallagher, with their project entitled “the effect of human emotion on horses.”
Our first year overall prize went to; Amy Greenberg, Miah Fletcher and Clodagh McGinley with their project looking at the effects of bread mould.
Students Amy Greenberg, Keeva Allison and Clodagh McGinley, overall winners of the 1st year category. Pictured with teacher Deirdre Ward and George Porter
Winners of the Allergan young innovator award Ruairi Mc Groddy, Brendan Gaffey and Deann Friel with their project a motorised compost bin. Pictured with teacher Siobhan Heron and George Porter
Winners of the Allergan young innovator award Ruairi Mc Groddy, Brendan Gaffey and Deann Friel with their project a motorised compost bin. Pictured with teacher Siobhan Heron and George Porter
TY Runners up_ Ryan King, Conal Boyle and Connor Allison. Their project was titled _facial recognition software using Python._ Pictured with teacher Roisin Coyle and George Porter
Taking a break from the judging, students enjoyed some STEM based workshops and talks. These were provided by Byrne’s mobile Zoo, Bricks 4 Kids and Brendan Joyce. Students were fully engaged with the workshops and enjoyed learning about STEM in an interactive way.
Commenting on the success of the science fair, Principal Mrs Margaret O’Connor said: “We are delighted to host SciFest@School in our school because the SciFest competition allows students to develop their study of science, technology, engineering and maths, outside of the classroom and apply it to everyday life.
“Our event was fully inclusive and encompassed as many subject departments as possible leading it to be a fantastic whole school event. All of the students have worked very hard on their projects and should be very proud of their achievements. We all wish the best of luck to the students going on to the next stage of the SciFest competition which will see them compete in SciFest@College in Letterkenny IT.”
Teachers Siobhan Heron, Claire Donaghy, Roisin Coyle and Deirdre Ward pictured with George Porter
Sheila Porter, Founder and CEO of SciFest added: “Since SciFest@School was launched nationwide in 2011 it has gone from strength to strength. I am continually amazed by the passion and dedication demonstrated by the students. SciFest@School is a celebration of STEM subjects. It encourages students to push the boundaries of the classroom, use their knowledge of science, investigate and be creative in their projects. The achievement of these students is an inspiration to us all and is a tribute to them and to the hard work and support of their teachers.”
Please see www.scifest.ie for further information.
