and Engineering. The aim of SciFest learning with emphasis on real-world is not only to encourage interest problems make STEM subjects relevant in STEM through inquiry-based to all students. A unique feature of learning but also to make Science the project is that participating Fair participation inclusive and students are afforded the accessible to all second-level opportunity to spend the day in students. With no entry fee an institute of technology, meet and local competitions the some of the academic staff and numbers participating have third-level students and learn grown rapidly. In SciFest 2013 a about the courses available. total of 5368 students exhibited In addition to the main some 2262 projects. This was an sponsors, Science Foundation increase of 32% in participation Ireland’s Discover Science and on the previous year. David Joyce, Cherie O’Keeffe and Wuraola Arisekola from Engineering and Intel Ireland, a In just six years the SciFest Sutton Park School, Dublin with Alva O’Cleirigh, Science number of other industries and project has grown to include not Foundation Ireland academic institutions also support only fifteen regional fairs hosted by SciFest. Trophies at each SciFest@College third-level colleges (SciFest@College) but event are sponsored by Abbott Ireland, also local in-house school fairs (SciFest@ SEAI, Newstalk, PharmaChemical Ireland, School) and a national final. In total almost Seagate, NCE-MSTL, and ESERO Ireland. 19,000 students have participated in SciFest since it was first launched. Report: Sheila Porter Own choice of topic, collaboration, hands-on activities, presentation skills and recognition of work done are all important components of SciFest. This type of active
Lisa Higgins is congratulated by her brother after winning the top award at Cork IT
During Science Week lots of lectures, workshops and other events are being held throughout Ireland. For the full up to date calendar of events near you log onto www.scienceweek.ie Here are just a few of the events in the lineup. Most are free but booking is required for a number of events. Contact details are available on the www.scienceweek.ie site
10th November, Sunday The immune system — how our bodies defend themselves. Workshop at UCC. To book a place email g.heelan@ucc.ie Vintage radio — follow the history of communications. Martello Tower, Howth, Co Dublin. (Entry fee)
Space work — Dr Norah Pattan talks about working with NASA and the International Space Station. 10 to 11am at University of Limerick. Astronomy watch at Dunsink Observatory, Dublin. An opportunity to look through the Grubb Telescope. 7.30 to 9.30om. Science Fair at Sligo IT. 12 to 5pm with about 25 events for all the family. Free. Boyle Family Day at Lismore Heritage Centre from 2 to 5pm. Free.
11th November, Monday X-traordinary Science with Scientific Sue. 9am to 5pm at Cork Institute of Technology.
SCIENCE SPIN Issue 61 Page 27
Pharmaceuticals — a tour of the MSD plant at Ballydine, Co Tipperary. 9am to 4pm. Science Fair at Cork City Hall. Big exhibition with lots of exhibits, continues to the 23rd November.
12th November, Tuesday Nature by numbers — primary students go exploring in a walled garden. 10am to 4pm, Ballina, Co Mayo.