Fe Co - BT Young Scientist

 
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Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
Fe
      Iron
                     Co  Cobalt
                                          Ni
                                           Nickel
                                                                 Cu
                                                                  Copper
                                                                                  Zn
                                                                                   Zinc
     55.845          58.933194             58.6934                 63.546          65.38

     He              Rh                  Pd                      Ag               Cd

                                                                             48
                45

                                    46

                                                             47
2

     Helium          Rhodium              Palladium                Silver         Cadmium
     4.002602        102.90550             106.42                 107.8682        112.414

                  BT YOUNG SCIENTIST & TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION

     Ne                  Ir               Pt                     Au              Hg

                                                                             80
10

                77

                                    78

                                                             79
      Neon            Iridium             Platinum                  Gold          Mercury
     20.1797          192.217              195.084            196.966569          200.592

     B                   C                 N                       O               F
                6

                                                             8

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                                     7
5

                                                  BTYSTE
                                  www.btyoungscientist.com
                BTYSTE
     Boron            Carbon              Nitrogen                Oxygen          Fluorine
Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
Check out some of our videos
on the links below

  BTYSTE 2017 highlights                                      BTYSTE - What is it?         Why you should enter
           https://goo.gl/H9dWkd                                   https://goo.gl/tn7Zxw      https://goo.gl/FzCXp5

We have additional videos on our website http://btyoungscientist.com/video-archive
and on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/BTYoungScientists

                            BTYSTE                                                                   www.btyoungscientist.com
Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
Fe               Co                Ni                Cu                  Zn
                 27

                                   28

                                                      29
2

                                                                        3
                  It Starts Here
      Iron             Cobalt           Nickel             Copper                Zinc
     55.845           58.933194         58.6934             63.546              65.38

     He               Rh               Pd                 Ag                  Cd

                                                                        48
                 45

                                   46

                                                      47
2

     Helium                                                 Silver
     4.002602         102.90550         106.42             107.8682            112.414
         General information 5-10                 Entry details      12-25              At the exhibition 26-31         Rules 34-37                   Photo gallery 38-39

     Ne                Ir               Pt                Au                  Hg

                                                                        80
10

                 77

                                   78

                                                      79
      Neon            Iridium                                Gold
     20.1797
             5   Foreword   from Shay Walsh                            18       Your project                              This FactFile has been specifically prepared to help you
                       192.217          195.084          196.966569            200.592
                                                                                                                          and will prove invaluable as you prepare your project for
             6   A Message from Richard Bruton TD                      22       Important information                     the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Of

     B                  C               N                   O                   F
                 6

                                                      8

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5

                                                                                                                          course, if you have any further queries, do not hesitate to
             7   A Message from Derek Baker                            24       Funding                                   contact us at:
     Boron9      How itCarbon
                        began                                          25       Timescales                                BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition,
     10.81             12.011           14.007              15.999           18.998403163
                                                                                                                          BT, Grand Canal Plaza,
         10      The awards                                            26       At the exhibition                         Upper Grand Canal Street, Dublin 4
                                                                                                                          Freephone: 1800 924 362
         12      The how                                               29       Information for teachers                  or
         12      The why                                               30       Information for parents and guardians     BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition Office,
                                                                                                                          BT, Riverside Tower, 5 Lanyon Place,
         13      Which category to enter                               31       Additional student information            Belfast BT1 3BT
                                                                                                                          Freephone: 0800 917 1297
         14      Getting started                                       32       BT Young Scientist Business Bootcamp
                                                                                                                          Email: youngscientist@bt.com
         16      Common mistakes                                       34       Rules                                     Visit our website at: www.btyoungscientist.com

         17      What happens next?                                    38       Photo gallery

                                                                                                                                                         www.btyoungscientist.com   3
Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
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Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
Foreword by
Shay Walsh
Managing Director, BT Ireland

                                January 2018 will mark the 54th year of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
                                and BT’s 18th year as the trusted guardians of this exceptional event, something we are
                                immensely proud of.
                                Many of you reading this are either past participants or visitors    awards to be won, there’s so much opportunity to succeed.
                                to the exhibition, so I do not need to explain to you how truly      And at the very least, by getting involved, you could get the
                                special this exhibition is. And really, until you have experienced   chance to represent your school and community at the RDS in
                                it for yourself, it is difficult to sum up what the BTYSTE is all    Dublin this January.
                                about and why, each year, this event just grows and grows in         Within the pages of this fact file you will find everything you
                                popularity and importance.                                           need to know about how to enter this year’s exhibition and
                                For me, the BTYSTE is about the beginning of something               why you and your school should get involved. It will provide
                                extraordinary – an idea, a thought of some kind by a curious         you with all the guidance you need as well as helpful tips and
                                young student who simply has a question about the world in           advice, including details of a financial package we have put in
                                which we live. What the exhibition does is give this person a        place to support those living a certain distance from the
                                platform and the tools by which to research or develop this          exhibition venue in Dublin.
                                idea. It may sound easy and believe it or not, it actually is.       Finally, we at BT could not deliver an exhibition of this scale
                                From the wheel to the smartphone, everything we have come            without the support of our ever-growing eco-system of
                                to depend on in our daily lives started with an idea by a person     partners including the Department of Education and Skills in
                                  just like you.                                                     the Republic of Ireland, the Department of Education in
                                   BT is a company that was built by and today succeeds on           Northern Ireland, Analog Devices, Perrigo, Intel and RTÉ.
                                    this essential combination of ideas and the curious minds
                                        behind these ideas. It is the very reason that we
                                                                                                     I’d like to take this opportunity on behalf of
                                           organise this exhibition and why we are so                everyone at BT, to wish you the very best of
                                             passionate about getting people involved and            luck and we look forward to receiving your
                                                taking part. Walking through the exhibition
                                                  each year, I am inspired and assured that          entries over the coming weeks.
                                                    the future of our planet is in excellent
                                                     hands because people like you are going
                                                     to be our future entrepreneurs, activists,
                                                    academics, scientists and technologists.
                                                    More than anything however, the BTYSTE           Shay Walsh
                                                  is about having fun and learning, so why not       Managing Director, BT Ireland
                                              consider submitting an entry in this year’s            Proud sponsor and organiser of the BT Young
                                         exhibition. With over 140 teacher and student               Scientist & Technology Exhibition

                                                          < Contents                                                                                                   5
Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
A Message from
                              Richard Bruton TD
                              Minister for Education and Skills

I am delighted to be involved in BTYSTE again for another year in my capacity as Minister for Education.      Tá gliondar croí orm baint a bheith agam in BTYSTE arís do bhliain eile i mo cháil mar Aire Oideachais.
I have attended the competition many times over the years and have always been impressed by the               D’fhreastail mé ar an gcomórtas an iomaí uair le himeacht na mblianta agus chuaigh an díocas, an
enthusiasm, creativity and fun which surrounds the entire event.                                              chruthaitheacht agus an spraoi a bhaineann leis an imeacht i gcion orm i gcónaí.
Last year saw 375 schools represented, by 4,591 students who submitted over 2000 projects from across         Anuraidh, rinne 4,591 scoláire ionadaíocht do 375 scoil a sheol os cionn 2000 tionscadal ar aghaidh ó
the island of Ireland, both North and South. This great national event attracted over 65,000 people who       áiteanna ar fud oileán na hÉireann, ón Tuaisceart agus ón Deisceart araon. Mheall an t-imeacht iontach
came to visit and become enthralled by the energy and innovation of the young people that took part.          náisiúnta seo breis agus 65,000 duine a tháinig chun cuairt a thabhairt agus a bhí faoi gheasa ag
                                                                                                              fuinneamh agus nuálaíocht na ndaoine óga a ghlac páirt ann.
One of the most positive aspects of the BTYSTE is to see the partnership and pride of both students and
teachers that the Exhibition promotes. We all know that the students are the stars of the show, however,      Ar cheann de na gnéithe is dearfaí de BTYSTE is ea an chomhpháirt agus an mórtas i measc scoláirí agus
a special word of acknowledgement has to go to the teachers who guide and encourage students on this          múinteoirí araon a chuireann an Taispeántas chun cinn, a thabhairt faoi deara. Is eol dúinn go léir gurb iad
voyage of curiosity and discovery.                                                                            na scoláirí réaltaí an tseó, ach tá orainn focal speisialta buíochais a rá ar son na múinteoirí, áfach, a
                                                                                                              threoraíonn agus a spreagann scoláirí ar an aistear fiosrachta agus fionnachtana seo.
Science and technology clearly have the capacity to capture the imagination of students. It is important
that our education system supports students to develop their skills in science, technology, engineering       Is léir go bhfuil an cumas ag an eolaíocht agus an teicneolaíocht chun samhlaíocht na scoláirí a ghabháil. Is
and maths. Through the government’s Action Plan for Education, which aims to make the Irish education         tábhachtach go dtacaíonn ár gcóras oideachais le scoláirí chun a scileanna san eolaíocht, teicneolaíocht,
system the best in Europe within a decade, we have put a priority on STEM education. We have already          innealtóireacht agus matamaitic a fhorbairt. Tríd an bPlean Gnímh um Oideachas de chuid an rialtais, a
prioritised 21 actions to make Ireland a leader in STEM education, including looking towards a means to       bhfuil de chuspóir aige an córas is fearr san Eoraip laistigh de dheich mbliana a dhéanamh de chóras
recognise participation in extra-curricular STEM events and activities, like BTYSTE, as part of STEM          oideachais na hÉireann, tá tús áite tugtha againn d’oideachas Eolaíochta, Teicneolaíochta, Innealtóireachta
curriculum and assessment.                                                                                    agus Matamaitice (STEM). Thugamar tús áite cheana féin do 21 gníomh chun ceannasaí a dhéanamh
                                                                                                              d’Éirinn in oideachas STEM, ag féachaint chun cinn i dtreo bealach chun rannpháirtíocht a aithint in
It is world-class exhibitions like the BTYSTE that help to continue our country’s heritage of having a long   imeachtaí agus gníomhaíochtaí seach-churaclaim STEM, san áireamh, mar chuid de churaclam agus
history in scientific achievements, building on the dramatic improvements in publicly funded scientific       measúnú STEM.
research.
                                                                                                              Is taispeántais den chéad scoth, ar nós BTYSTE, a leanann ag cabhrú le hoidhreacht ár dtíre chun stair fhada
It is also why I am very proud that my Department provides significant financial support to the BT Young      a bheith aici in éachtaí eolaíochta, ag cur leis na feabhsúcháin shuntasacha atá tagtha ar thaighde
Scientist & Technology Exhibition.                                                                            eolaíochta a chistítear go poiblí.
This Factfile sets out the remarkable success story of the BTYSTE as it goes from strength-to-strength.       Sin an fáth, chomh maith leis sin, go bhfuilim bródúil go soláthraíonn mo Roinn tacaíocht shuntasach
The BTYSTE has a very special place in Irish education. Each year thousands of people, many who entered       airgeadais do Thaispeántas na Eolaithe Óga agus Teicneolaíochta BT.
projects decades ago, still express their appreciation and fond memories of the Exhibition. Each year the     Leagtar amach sa Chomhad Fíricí seo scéal dochreidte ratha an BTYSTE de réir mar a théann sé ó neart go
BTYSTE provides a platform for students to showcase their passion and their curiosity in our rapidly          neart. Tá áit an-speisialta ag an BTYSTE in oideachas na hÉireann. Gach bliain, léiríonn na mílte duine, ar
changing world - long may that continue.                                                                      iontráil go leor díobh tionscadail roinnt mhaith blianta ó shin, an tuiscint agus na cuimhní maithe atá acu ar
2017 was a remarkable year for BTYSTE and I look forward to BTYSTE 2018.                                      an Taispeántas. Gach bliain, soláthraíonn BTYSTE ardán do scoláirí chun a bpaisean agus a bhfiosracht inár
                                                                                                              ndomhan atá ag athrú go tapa a thaispeáint – go mairfidh sin go ceann blianta fada.
                                                                                                              B’iontach an bhliain 2017 don BTYSTE agus táim ag súil le BTYSTE 2018.
                                                                                                              Richard Bruton, T.D.,
                                                                                                              An tAire Oideachais agus Scileanna

6    BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                    < Contents
Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
A Message from
                               Derek Baker
                               Permanent Secretary, Department of Education

The promotion of STEM subjects is extremely important to our future economic growth, driving innovation
and providing job opportunities for young people when they leave education. By studying STEM subjects
                                                                                                                  BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2017
at school and through participation in competitions such as the BT Young Scientist and Technology
Exhibition, young people can access exciting and interesting opportunities in fields such as engineering,
computing and science-based design. The demand for well qualified people in such fields remains high,
and it is crucial that Northern Ireland nurtures its own talent and skills base to remain competitive. The
skills associated with STEM subjects will remain in high demand in the future, so the skills acquired today
will have long term benefits for young people, the economy and society.
The BT Young Scientist and Technology
Exhibition provides a great opportunity for
young people to showcase their talent in these        Teachers play a vital role in                                      MATRIX Best Northern Ireland School Award           BT Best Project in Irish - Seoda Ní Chaoimh,
areas while competing at the highest possible
                                                                                                                                 Loreto College, Coleraine                      Gaelcholaiste Luimnigh, Co Limerick
level. It also allows entrants to collaborate with    encouraging young people to get
their peers demonstrating and developing
creativity, problem solving and team working          involved and even if your school has
skills, skills which are all highly sought after by
employers.
                                                      never participated before, I would
In previous years, entrants from Northern             strongly encourage you to consider
Ireland have enjoyed a great deal of success at
the Exhibition, proving that our young people
                                                      applying and to make the most of
have the ability and talent necessary to compete      this opportunity to help your pupils
at this level. I hope that in 2018 even more
schools from Northern Ireland will participate        achieve their full potential.                                      NAPD Best Republic of Ireland School Award        Intel Educator of Excellence Award - Siobhan Ui
                                                                                                                                   Coláiste Treasa, Cork                   Shearcaigh, Pobalscoil Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal
and that our young people will enjoy even
greater levels of success.
Teachers play a vital role in encouraging young people to get involved and even if your school has never
participated before, I would strongly encourage you to consider applying and to make the most of this
opportunity to help your pupils achieve their full potential. If your school has entered before, then you will
be well aware of the benefits of the competition, and the opportunities it offers to pupils in terms of their
academic progress and personal development.
I look forward to hearing of the success of pupils from Northern Ireland in the 2018 Exhibition and may I
take this opportunity to wish all involved every success in the competition.
                                                                                                                      BT Best Northern Ireland Project - Donal Close and   Analog Devices™ Educator of Excellence award -
                                                                                                                        Sian Donaghy from Loreto College, Coleraine        Sean Connolly from St Killians College, Carnlough

                                          BTYSTE                                                         < Contents                                                                        www.btyoungscientist.com            7
Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
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Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
How it began
The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is the brainchild of two UCD physics researchers,                                   And so the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition was born. The first competition was held in 1965
a Carmelite priest, the Rev Dr Burke, and Dr Tony Scott. In 1963 these two atmospheric physicists                                  in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin and attracted 230 entries. The first ever winner was
discovered the concept of ‘science fairs’ while conducting research in Socorro, New Mexico, USA.                                   John Monahan from Kildare. The success and interest in the first event was such that the exhibition
The local school science exhibitions culminated in state fairs and ultimately a national competition.                              moved to the much larger venue of the RDS in 1966 and it has remained there ever since.
The pair thought that this hands-on science approach was something that Irish students could really
                                                                                                                                   The early Young Scientist Exhibition involved individual student competitors, but in 1976 groups were
benefit from, by taking science outside the four walls of the classroom and showing that it is all around us.
                                                                                                                                   introduced for the first time. Many more developments have happened over the fascinating 52 year
                                                                                                                                   history of this national institution, a few key milestones are listed below.

       Fr Tom Burke in the                      First ever winner was                    With thanks to Dr Tony Scott
       New Mexico desert                        John Monahan from                        & the late Fr Tom Burke for
                                                 Newbridge College                           their amazing vision

   1963                       1965                  1972                         1976                     1977                         1983                 1989                  2010                 2014                  2017

1963 The                 1965 First ever   1972 Schools                 1976 Group       1977 New range                 1983                 1989 First year   2003 First year     2010 New            2014 50th          2017 Highest
concept was born         Young Scientist   from Northern                projects         of categories                  Participated in      of the European   of the Primary      BT Business         anniversary        number of
at a science fair        exhibition was    Ireland                      introduced for   introduced for                 International        Union Contest for Science Fair        Bootcamp            of the Young       entries, 2091
in New Mexico,           held at the       participated for             the first time   projects                       Science &            Young Scientists                      launched            Scientist &        entries from
USA                      Mansion House     the first time                                                               Engineering Fair     (EUCYS), which                                            Technology         4591 students
                                                                                                                        for the first time   Ireland has won                                           Exhibition         across Ireland.
                                                                                                                                             14 times!

                                           BTYSTE                                                                         < Contents                                                                        www.btyoungscientist.com        9
Fe Co - BT Young Scientist
The awards
Main awards                                                                                                  Category awards
                                                                                                             There are 36 prizes for individuals and 36 prizes for group
                                                                                                             projects. The prizes take the form of 1st, 2nd and 3rd in Junior,
            BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year 2018                                            Intermediate and Senior sections of each of the four categories:

                                        Individual or Group                                                               Technology
                                                                                                                          e.g. communications, electronic systems, robotics, computing, control technology,
•   BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year Trophy (perpetual)                                                                  applications of technology, biotechnology, automation.
•   Cheque for €5,000 / £4,500
                                                                                                                          Biological & Ecological Sciences
•   The chance to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists                                    e.g. agriculture, anatomy, biochemistry, biotechnology, ecology, horticulture, physiology,
                                                                                                                          medical science, veterinary science.

                               Best Individual or Best Group                                                              Social & Behavioural Sciences
                                                                                                                          e.g. economic, geographical, psychological or sociological studies of human behaviour,
                                                                                                                          nutrition, social anthropology, political science.
•   BT Trophy (perpetual)
•   Cheque for €2,400 / £2,160                                                                                            Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences
                                                                                                                          e.g. chemistry, physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, geology, engineering, computer
                                                                                                                          programming, meteorology, astronomy.
                    Runner-up Individual and Runners-up Group
                                                                                                             The prizes are:

•   BT Trophy (perpetual)
•   Cheque for €1,200 / £1,080                                                                                       1st prize                             2nd prize                          3rd prize
                                                                                                                   €300 / £270                            €225 / £202                        €150 / £135
Please note if the BT Young Scientist & Technologist of the Year is awarded to an Individual, a Best Group
Award will also be made. If the BT Young Scientist of the Year is awarded to a Group, a Best Individual            for both Individual                    for both Individual                for both Individual
Award will also be made.                                                                                           and Group projects                     and Group projects                 and Group projects

                                                                                                             In the event of a tie in any category, the prize money will be split equally.
                               Check out the highlights from                                                 A number of highly commended and display awards will also be awarded
                                     BTYSTE 2017...                                                          in each category by the panel of judges.
                                   https://goo.gl/H9dWkd

10 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                    < Contents
Travel awards
Student awards                                                                                                   Educator of excellence awards
Analog Devices Student Award                                                                                     These awards will be presented to the teachers whose commitment and encouragement have consistently
This award is presented to an individual or group for outstanding work exhibited in the Technology               enabled their students to participate successfully in all categories of the exhibition.
category, except where the project has been selected as BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year.        Analog Devices Educator of Excellence Award - Technology
The prize consists of a trophy and a trip to the USA as the guest(s) of Analog Devices, visiting San Francisco
                                                                                                                 The winner receives the Analog Devices Trophy and a trip to USA, to a destination of your choice, as the
and Los Angeles. In addition, Analog Devices will donate €2,500 to the school of the winning student(s) as
                                                                                                                 guest of Analog Devices*.
a contribution towards its science laboratory equipment fund*.
                                                                                                                 Perrigo Educator of Excellence - Biological and Ecological Sciences
Intel Student Award
                                                                                                                 The winner receives a bursary of €2,000 and a Perrigo Trophy.
This award is presented to an individual or group for outstanding work exhibited in the Chemical, Physical
& Mathematical Sciences category, except where the project has been selected as BT Young Scientist               BT Educator of Excellence - Social and Behavioural Sciences
& Technologist(s) of the Year. The prize is an all-expenses paid trip to the USA to compete in the Intel         The winner receives a bursary of €2,000 and a BT Trophy.
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 13-18, 2018. The
teacher/mentor of the winner(s) of this award will also receive an all-expenses paid trip to ISEF.               Intel Educator of Excellence Award - Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences
                                                                                                                 The winner will receive the Intel trophy and an all-expenses paid trip to the USA to attend the Intel
Perrigo Student Award                                                                                            International Science and Engineering Fair which takes place in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, May 13-18,
Perrigo will present an award in the Biological and Ecological category to the best placed project, either       2018.
group or individual, except where the project has been selected as BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of
the Year. The winning project will be awarded €2,000.
RTÉ Student Award
RTÉ will present an award in the Social and Behavioural Sciences category to the best placed project, either
group or individual, except where the project has been selected as BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of
the Year.
*Analog Devices will contact winner with details, terms and conditions.                                          Rev Dr Tom Burke bursary
  Special awards
                                                                                                                 Fr Tom was one of the co-founders of the project and sadly passed away
                                                                                                                 in 2008. In memory of his contribution to the project, a €1,000
                                                                                                                 bursary is awarded in his name to an individual participant who is
  We are proud to have a fabulous range of special awards at this year’s Exhibition presented by our             deemed by the judges to be the best communicator. This will be paid
  partner organisations. Special awards recognise excellence in specific areas. Examples include                 on application to a student to help them in their second/third level
  projects with a focus on innovation in technology, physics, chemistry, sustainability, recycling,              education.
  the environment, research or improving cancer awareness. Each award is industry-sponsored and                  This bursary will be open to participants of all categories across all
  details of each organisation and the awards can be found on the Awards section of our website                  age groups, but the winner cannot be either the overall Individual
  www.btyoungscientist.com                                                                                       Winner or Runner Up.

                                        BTYSTE                                                           < Contents                                                                          www.btyoungscientist.com 11
Closing date
                                                                                                                   Closing date                                                                 BTYSTE
The how                                                                                                            for students
                                                                                                                                                       for teacher
                                                                                                                                                      assessments
                                                                                                                                                                                                 2018
This section details the important information on who can enter, how to enter and by                           25th Sept. 2017                                                          10th – 13th Jan.
when. So the first things to note are the key dates:                                                                                              27th Sept. 2017
                                                                                                                 by midnight                                                                 2018
                                                                                                                                                      by 5pm

Who can enter                                                                                                The why
The competition is open to second-level students from Ireland, north and south, who                          If you’re wondering why you should get involved in the BT Young Scientist &
are aged between 12 and 19 years on 31st October 2017.                                                       Technology Exhibition, here are just a few of the benefits.

                                                                                                                          Getting the chance to represent your school/town at the exhibition is
                                                                                                                          a real buzz and an experience you will never forget.
                                                                                                                          Plus, if you’re lucky enough to win, you’ll go on to represent the competition at the
                                                                                                                          European Union Contest for Young Scientists.

                                                                                                                          Although a love for science and technology lies at the heart of all the
                                                                                                                          entries, we’re sure everyone also has an eye on the prizes!
                                                                                                                          There are over 140 prizes to be won, including the prestigious BT Young Scientist &
        INDIVIDUAL                                                                 GROUP          *                       Technologist of the Year Award which comes with a cash prize of €5k.

                                                                                                                          It’s a brilliant extra-curricular activity to put on your CV or university
*A group is defined as comprising of no more than three people from the same school and the same age                      application.
grouping. If a group is made up of students in different years, these students should be entered into the                 It shows a real passion for science, maths, an ability to think for yourself along with time
oldest member’s group i.e. If a student in 4th year/Year 12 partners up with a student in 5th year/Year 13                management and communication skills
this group should be entered into the Senior category.
                                                                                                                          The rewards aren’t just confined to entrants. Teachers will also see
                                                                                                                          real, long-term benefits by getting involved.
                                                                                                                          It’s a great way to get pupils fired up about the vital subjects of science and technology
                                                                                                                          and a brilliant way to showcase your school’s scientific pedigree. It also helps to inject a
                                                                                                                          fun element into traditionally ‘serious’ subjects like science and maths.

12 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                    < Contents
Which category to enter
Please study the definitions closely and be careful to choose the correct project category.
An incorrect choice may result in a project not being accepted (See Rule 1.11).

Technology                                              Biological & Ecological                               Social & Behavioural                                      Chemical, Physical &
                                                        Sciences                                              Sciences                                                  Mathematical Sciences
For a project to be accepted into the technology        For a project to be accepted into this category it    For a project to be accepted into this category it        For a project to be accepted into this category it
category the core of the project must be the use of     must have a biological and/or ecological focus and    must cover social and behavioural sciences,               must be based on chemistry, physics, mathematics,
technology in new or improved applications,             investigate aspects of animal, human, microbial or    economic, geographical, psychological or                  applied mathematics, engineering, computer
enhanced efficiencies, new innovations or better        plant biology. Typically, projects deal with the      sociological studies of human behaviour, attitudes        programming and language or electronics. Projects
ways to do things. The category could include           following areas of study: agriculture, anatomy,       and experience, social analysis of environmental          based on earth and space sciences such as
things related to the internet, communications,         animal science, biochemistry, biotechnology,          factors, demography, learning or perception.              meteorology, geophysics, geology and astronomy
electronic systems, robotics, control technology,       disease, ecology, environmental science,              The study of attitudes and behaviour in relation to       are also eligible.
applications of technology, biotechnology,              enzymology, forestry, food science, genetics,         health, nutrition, work, leisure and living habits will
innovative developments to existing problems,           horticulture, medical science, metabolism,            also be considered. Projects on consumer affairs,
computing and automation. Students are also             microbiology, molecular biology, physiology,          effects on society, social anthropology and political
expected to understand the basic science behind         physiotherapy, plant science or veterinary science.   science, provided they involve the use of scientific
the technology so that they can get the most from                                                             methods, are also eligible.
the project.

                                       BTYSTE                                                          < Contents                                                                          www.btyoungscientist.com 13
Getting started                                                                                                   Where to get your idea?
To help you decide on a topic, think about what you would like to                                                 hobbies/skills/every day life
study. Ideas might come from hobbies or perhaps problems you
have observed that need a solution.
http://btyoungscientist.com/2017-video-archive/

Research is the answer
Research is the process by which people create new knowledge about the world in which they live, in
order to answer a question or solve a problem. When choosing your topic, give careful thought to how
your research might enhance the world and its inhabitants.
Questioning is probably the most important part of scientific creativity and is often followed by an
“if...,then...” statement.
Questioning usually leads to observations or experiments.

                       Initial research
                       Visit your local library or use the internet to learn e verything you can about
                       your chosen subject.

                       Organise
                       Organise everything you have learned a bout your topic. At this point you
                       should narrow your hypothesis byfocusing on a particular idea.

                       Make a timetable
                       Choose a topic that not only interests you, but also can be done in the amount
                       of time you have. And remember to leave time to write your report and put
                       together an exhibit.

14 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                        < Contents
Online applications must include:
          1. Entry form for projects (completed by students)
              In addition to other information, you will give your project a title on this form. The
              project title should accurately reflect the scientific content of the project. Avoid using
              what you may think is a smart or catchy title; such titles are generally misleading and
              do not necessarily impress the judges. The title you choose is the one that will appear
              on your stand and the printed programme, should your project progress to the
              exhibition at the RDS.
          2. Project details form (completed by students)
              On this form you should detail your project, how you intend to approach it and the
              work you have carried out to date.

          3. One page proposal (completed by students)
              This very important document forms a crucial part of the process by which the
              screening judges decide whether your project is accepted or not. It should explain to the
              judges what your project is all about and will help them decide whether or not you have
              already carried out some research. Care should be taken in preparing your proposal.
              More information on how to complete your one page proposal can be found online at
              http://btyoungscientist.com/submission-process/
          4. Entry fee
              An entry fee of €20/ £18 per student is payable by cheque/bank draft, postal order or
              credit card. Cash will not be accepted. Results of the project screening phase will not be
              released without full payment being made.                                                            Already entered a science or technology competition?
          5. Teacher assessment form (completed by teachers)                                                                        If your students have already completed projects in another
                                                                                                                   science/technology/innovation/entrepreneurship competition, why not get some more mileage
              This needs to be completed online by teachers by Wednesday 27th September.
                                                                                                                               from them and enter the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition?
              Late entries will not be accepted.
                                                                                                                         Who knows? You could already have the winning project.
N.B. Requests for accommodation grants (where appropriate), must be made on the Teacher                                    All you have to do is tick the appropriate box on your Entry Form for Projects.
Assessment Form at the time of entry. (More information available on page 24)
                                                                                                                                                        Good luck!

                                    BTYSTE                                                            < Contents                                                                        www.btyoungscientist.com 15
Common mistakes
The judges have identified the most common weaknesses in                                                          5. Lack of originality
                                                                                                                       The specific question raised in a project must be one that has not been posed and recorded by any
projects at the initial entry stage. These weaknesses could result in                                                  previous scientist. However, this is not to say that twenty projects on the topic of, for example, radon
the project not qualifying for the exhibition in January. Please                                                       gas or water pollution, could not be original, if they will deal in different ways with different aspects
review before submitting your project.                                                                                 of the topics.

                                                                                                                  6. Unsuitability of topic
1. Lack of original primary research                                                                                   A topic must be able to be scientifically proven or disproved by research methods available to second
     Some studies are little more than a description of what is already known about the topic. Researching             level students. A project on whether or not Jupiter is inhabited by living creatures is really not a
     the existing body of knowledge is only the first stage of any scientific study.                                   suitable topic.
2. Unreliable experimental methods                                                                                7. Lack of scientific content
     Frequently, projects state a particular method for data collection, which simply cannot collect the               Often proposals are submitted that are not scientific projects, but literature reviews. These proposals
     data required. Suppose the aim of the project was to find out which washing powder was most                       are information collection exercises and not scientific studies.
     effective. All too often students write that they will gather this information via questionnaire. This
     only allows them to collect attitudes and opinions about the most effective washing powder, but what         8. Safety issues
     is really required for a scientific study is a chemical experiment.                                               Projects which put the students themselves or others at risk of physical injury or disease will not be
                                                                                                                       accepted for the Exhibition.
3. Vagueness/unfocused objectives
     A study which aims to find out all about the ozone layer is not a realistic scientific study as no-one       9. Ethical issues
     could be expected to find this out in the given time. Scientific research requires you to be very specific        Projects which put the students or others at risk psychologically or emotionally will not be accepted
     about what you wish to find out and setting measurable objectives is the only way to present scientific           for the Exhibition.
     investigation. For example a project that looks at the effects of industrial activity on wildlife would
     have to focus on a very specific issue, as this topic is so broad. Much thought should be given to which     10. Investigation period
     category best suits your project.                                                                                 Sometimes students propose a project that is weak because the period over which the project is being
                                                                                                                       carried out is too short. Judges need to be convinced that the student has enough time to complete
4. Lack of clarity in describing scientific methods
                                                                                                                       the project for the Exhibition.
     This information should be given on the project details form and/or the one page proposal. The judges
     need to know exactly what experiments are being carried out, in terms of specific experimental               550 project places will be available for the Exhibition in the RDS in Dublin next January. However, each
     processes, materials or the who and how of a social survey.                                                  category is allocated a finite number of places based on the number of projects entered in that category. It
                                                                                                                  is possible that some projects may not qualify if the quota for a category has been filled with higher ranked
                                                                                                                  projects.

16 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                        < Contents
Ask yourself                                                                   What happens next?
Before you go any further, ask yourself                                        Your entry is considered by a panel of screening judges who
these questions:                                                               carefully consider every project. Following their decision, you will
                                                                               be informed whether or not your project has qualified. The judges
          Have you clearly defined the      Have you obtained                  may also request further information at this stage. This screening
          aims of your study?               meaningful results?                process should take around four weeks to complete, so please be
                                                                               patient.

          Have you been able to access
                                            Have you been                                                                     QUALIFIED
                                            successful
          the necessary apparatus and                                          Teachers will receive an email confirming that the judges have accepted the project. This will also contain
                                            with experiments
          equipment?                                                           more details of the exhibition.
                                            and data collection?

          Has the project been                                                                                                  QUERIED
                                            Are you confident
          published previously in part                                         If your project is queried, the judges will send you or your teacher an email. With your teacher’s assistance
                                            that you can complete
          or in full?                                                          you must answer this query as soon as possible.
                                            the project in time f
          If so, give details in your
                                            or the exhibition?
          project report.                                                                                                  NOT QUALIFIED
          Are you using potentially                                            The judges may decide not to accept a project. This means that you will not present your project at the
                                            Has the project been               Exhibition in the RDS in January. The reason for non-qualification is sent by email to your teacher. You
          dangerous chemicals,
                                            entered in any other               will also receive a letter notifying you of this decision. Included with the letter will be a certificate of
          organisms or equipment in
                                            exhibition or competition?         participation and a family pass to admit two adults and up to two students to the BT Young Scientist &
          your project?
                                            If so, be sure to mention this     Technology Exhibition 2018.
          If so, please discuss with your
                                            in your entry form                 N.B. The submission of a project does not automatically mean that the project will qualify
          teacher to ensure that your
                                            for projects and in your           for the Exhibition in the RDS in January. The judges’ decisions are final in all cases and
          project adheres to the correct
                                            project report.                    neither BT nor its employees have any influence.
          safety regulations.

                                BTYSTE                                   < Contents                                                                          www.btyoungscientist.com 17
1

Your project - The THREE main elements
When waiting to hear if your project has qualified it is important to continue working on your project. Every project will have three elements:

                                                                        Project Diary                                                                                                    Visual Display
All entries must keep a diary which should contain: day-to-day records of how the project is progressing, a full record of the names of sources you have looked          Your display is a summary of your project. Do not
up and all the people/institutions you have contacted. Record everything in your diary and use it as an information store for writing your report. You can write         try to display your entire project, cover just the
personal comments about how your project is progressing.                                                                                                                 main points and highlights. Plan your display well in
If you are working as a group, appoint a leader who should keep all relevant information and appoint a group member to keep the diary.                                   advance. Use a plan to help you make the best use
                                                                                                                                                                         of your space. Work out the dimensions of
                                                                                                                                                                         everything you want to include. How your project is
                                                                  Project Report Book                                                                                    displayed on your stand will be taken into
                                                                                                                                                                         consideration by the judges when reaching their
Your report book should be no more than 50 pages          previous research in this area.                       • Acknowledgements - at the end of your report           decision.
of text (typed) plus appendices and references. It     • Experimental methods - this section should               acknowledge any help you received during the
                                                                                                                                                                         Your charts or other display material should fit
should be organised under the following sections:        describe the experiments you carried out. Keep           project for example, teachers, companies,
                                                                                                                                                                         within your project space. The dimensions of the
• Title page - this contains the names of the            in mind the value of diagrams and illustrations.         institutions and parents.
                                                                                                                                                                         display stand are as follows:
  project, school and student(s).                      • Results - you should include a good sample of          • Appendices - additional information, reports and
                                                                                                                  any letters/correspondence.                            The back display panel is A0 landscape format
• Comments page - a page which may be signed             your measurements and all of your important
                                                                                                                                                                         (1189mm wide by 841mm high) and the worktop
  by a judge.                                            results in this section. You can include the bulk of   • References - list any books, articles, web pages
                                                                                                                  and references that helped you in your project.        is 1200mm wide by 600mm deep. Your exhibit
• Contents page - includes the sections and page         your readings and measurements in appendices.
                                                                                                                                                                         must fit within these dimensions. Cardboard sheets,
  numbers of the report.                               • Conclusions and recommendations - comment              Important notes: when you arrive at the RDS              sized to fit the back panels, will be available on site
• Summary/Abstract - essential part of your              on the results of your work in this unit, be CLEAR     please make sure that you write your stand number        if required.
  project. It should be about two pages long and         and CONCISE.                                           on the front of your report book as this will identify
                                                                                                                the stand to which it needs to be returned.              When finalising the planning of your display, ask
  include a short summary of your project.                How…
                                                                                                                                                                         yourself: Will the judges/visitors be able to move
  When someone reads this summary they should             ..does your work compare with existing theories?      The judges will collect your report book for a closer    through my project, step by step, from background
  understand what you were setting out to achieve         ..accurate is the data you got from your study?       look at your project. This will not be returned to       onto methods and from there to results and
  and what your main results and conclusions are.         ..might your work be extended and improved?           you until the end of the exhibition. However, be         conclusions? Is the text big enough to be easily read
• Introduction - this should set the scene for your       What...                                               assured that each report book will be studied            by both the judges and the public?
  report. Why did you do the project and what did         ..are the strong and weak points of your              carefully by the assigned judges in the judging
  you hope to achieve?                                    methods?                                              rooms. Also please note that not all assigned judges
  In this section you should also refer to surveys,       Does...                                               will sign your report book. In some cases only the
  experiments, questionnaires and the part they           ..your project contribute to scientific knowledge     first judge will sign your book, but this does not
  played in your project. Make sure you refer to          and research?                                         indicate in any way that your project is weak.

18 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                     < Contents
Helpful hints for a good display                                                                                                                                                 apparatus and, if applicable, how you will collect
                                                                                                                                  Carrying out the work                          your data.
1. A good title                                                      1189mm

Your title is an extremely important                                                                                                                                             Carry out your research
                                                                                                                        You now know what the project requires, here are
attention-grabber, which should simply                                                                                  some guidelines on carrying out the work involved.       Record each and every measurement, experiment
and accurately present your research. The                                                                                                                                        or observation. At this stage, your project may fail
                                                   841mm
                                                                                              Student board
title should make the casual observer want                                                    1189mm wide               Before you go any further ask yourself these simple      completely. If so, it is still important to record and
                                                                                              x 841mm high
to know more. Ensure you do not use brand                                                                               questions:                                               report the failure. Remember a null result is still a
names in your title.                                                                                                                                                             scientific finding and an important guide to other
                                                                                                                           • What am I trying to find out?
                                                                                                                                                                                 scientists. Record all your observations and
2. Take photographs                                        600mm                                                           • How am I going to do this?
                                                                                                                                                                                 findings.
Many projects involve elements that may                                                       NB. Table top is curved
                                                                                                                           • Where can I get the help I need?
not be safely exhibited at the exhibition,                                                    maximum depth
                                                                                              600mm as indicated
                                                                                                                           • What do I expect to find out at the end of          Analyse your results
but are an important part of the project.                                                                                    my research?                                        After you have completed all of your research, you
Take photographs of important parts/                                                                                       • Have I access to the apparatus or                   need to examine and organise your results. Focus
phases of your experiment to use in your                                                                                     equipment to carry out the work?                    on how your results relate to your original topic and
display. (Photographs or other visual                                                                                                                                            its objectives. Good results merit good presentation.
images of human test subjects must have                                                                                 Once you are satisfied that you can really get to
informed consent.)                                                                                                      grips with your project, then you enter the              Make your conclusions
                                                                                                                        planning stage. Remember, only a few scientific
3. Be organised                                                                                                         discoveries are the result of chance or luck. The rest
                                                                                                                                                                                 You are now ready to develop a theory to explain
                                                                                                                                                                                 your findings. Keep an open mind on the results
Make sure your display is logically presented and easy to read. A glance should permit anyone (particularly             are the result of dedicated thought and
                                                                                                                                                                                 you get and the conclusions you reach.
the judges) to locate quickly the title, experiments, results and conclusions. When you arrange your                    experimentation.
display, imagine that you are seeing it for the first time.                                                                                                                      Evaluate your project
                                                                                                                        Read background material and
4. Eye-catching                                                                                                         literature
                                                                                                                                                                                 You are now in a position to make
                                                                                                                                                                                 recommendations and perhaps contribute through
Make your display stand out. Use neat, colourful headings, charts, and graphs to present your project.
                                                                                                                        The advice here is read, read and then read some         these to scientific knowledge.
Homebuilt equipment, paper and use of colour are excellent for project displays. Pay special attention to
                                                                                                                        more! this will give you real insight into your topic.   Ask yourself the following questions:
the labelling of graphs, charts, diagrams and tables, each item must have a descriptive title. Anyone should
                                                                                                                        Background material can be obtained from books
be able to understand the visuals without further explanation. Make sure that the text is large enough to
                                                                                                                        and journals and by using the internet. Remember            • Did you succeed in researching your topic?
be read easily.
                                                                                                                        to keep a record of this in your project diary.
                                                                                                                                                                                    • Do your conclusions support your original
5. Correctly presented and well constructed                                                                             Plan your research and design                                 hypothesis?
Be sure to adhere to the size limitations and safety considerations when preparing your display. Make sure                                                                          • Have you added to the body of knowledge
                                                                                                                        Decisions need to be made on which experiments
your display is sturdy, as it will need to remain intact for quite a while. Do not hesitate to ask for advice                                                                         through your research?
                                                                                                                        you will conduct, how you will design your
from adults if you need it. It is very important to check the spelling!

                                       BTYSTE                                                                 < Contents                                                                              www.btyoungscientist.com 19
Good scientists use a process to study what they
                                                           see in the world.
                                                           As a scientist you should learn to be sceptical about all research results, especially your own. A good
                                                           experiment may or may not answer the questions asked, but almost always leads to fresh questions which
                                                           require new experiments or observations. The final hypothesis is often developed after you have run a
                                                           number of preliminary experiments, analysed a body of results, and reached a tentative conclusion.
                                                           By following the six stages listed below, you should be able to produce a superior scientific project.

                                                                  Be curious, choose a limited    Review published materials       Evaluate possible solutions and
                                                                    subject, ask a question,      related to your problem or         make your educated guess
                                                                     identify or originate/                question                         (hypothesis)
                                                                       define a problem

                                                                    Challenge and test your       Evaluate the results of your           Prepare your report
                                                                      hypothesis through            experiment and reach                     and exhibit
                                                                       experimentation               conclusions based on
                                                                     (data collection) and                 your data
                                                                            analysis

20 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018   < Contents
Data collection
Data can be collected in four ways                                                                            Guidelines on sampling
                                                                                                              Remember to use a representative sample.
1   Documentary sources
    Documents can be used to set an idea in a historical context or as the basis for an entire study.                    Random sampling                                       Stratified sampling
    A wide variety of documents can be used, e.g. the Census of Population, available from the
    Central Statistics Office, personal documents, photographs and maps - available from                       A random sample means that every member of a            The idea of using groups or classes within the
    www.ordnancesurvey.ie (ROI) or www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk (NI).                                              population had an equal chance of being chosen,                  population being analysed.
                                                                                                                       e.g. pulling numbers from a hat.
2   Observations
    This is one of the primary methods of collecting data, but care must always be taken to ensure                            Case studies                                         Quota sampling
    that the data is observed in an unbiased way.
    The observer’s senses may not be able to record everything. Also, if the observer is watching                These look at a small number of individuals        If you want to interview, for example, 200 people
    people, animals or other organisms whose behaviour changes because they are being                             and a particular context in depth, may be          about shopping, you could go to a particular part
    observed, the results may be invalid.                                                                          useful in helping us understand how a                 of town where you could meet shoppers.
                                                                                                                          particular process works.
3   Surveys
    Questionnaires, interviews and schedules are some of the techniques used in conducting                                                                                    Systematic sampling
    survey work. Questionnaire design merits great attention. It is very important to think
                                                                                                                                                                           A systematic sample takes every nth
    through how you are going to analyse the results you will get. Your questions should be clear,
    concise and should gather the relevant information.                                                       Guidelines on statistics                                         member from a population.

4   Tests, measurementsand experiments                                                                       What techniques can you use to analyse data?
    These should only be used if they are relevant to your research and if you are capable of doing
    and understanding them yourself. Particular attention should be given to the design o f
    experiments, the requirement for controls, sufficient replication and repeat experiments                    You could s ummarise                  You could try to                You could carry out a
    where appropriate. Ensure that any testing or experimentation you undertake is not                              your data                        explain patterns                  significance test
    dangerous i.e. it does not put yourself or others at risk of injury or disease.                             This procedure means what it            which emerge,                     e.g. a t-test
                                                                                                                 says. It is a way of reducing       using comparison
                                                                                                                  the bulk of data to a more                                          Significance tests are used to
                                                                                                                 manageable size, as well as             techniques                     make sure that results from
                                                                                                                    seeing some patterns           These techniques are widely        comparing data sets are not
                                                                                                                             emerging.               used to compare variables.           the result of chance.

                                    BTYSTE                                                              < Contents                                                                     www.btyoungscientist.com 21
Important advice - please read carefully
Patents                                                                                                      Plagiarism
Is your invention patentable?                         Prior to making a patent application, you must not     Plagiarism is using others’ ideas or words without clearly acknowledging
                                                      make any public disclosure of your idea/invention,
The vast majority of students taking part in the BT
                                                      or put it into use publicly, e.g. at BTYSTE. The
                                                                                                             the source of that information.
Young Scientist & Technology exhibition will not
                                                      patent application itself must be the first public     You must give credit to sources whenever you use:
need to consider applying for a patent.
                                                      disclosure of the invention. Any prior disclosure of
However, if your project comprises functional or      the invention will count against the invention being
technical aspects that are new and not an obvious     considered new, and could result in the patent
development on what already exists, you might         being invalid.
consider applying for patent protection.
                                                      If an invention is in the public domain it is
                                                      considered ‘prior art’ and no longer patentable in
  For an invention to be                              most countries including the UK and Ireland.
                                                                                                             another person’s idea,       any facts, statistics,    quotations of another       paraphrase of another
  patentable it must be:                              But please remember that there are costs involved
                                                      should you decide to apply for a patent.
                                                                                                               opinion, or theory         graphs, drawings or       person’s actual spoken       person’s spoken or
                                                                                                                                             any piece of              or written words             written words
    1    Totally new                                  These initial costs are:
                                                                                                                                        information that is not
         Search using free patent databases like      • The basic patent office fees (a few hundred                                       common knowledge
         Espacenet or Google Patent, or even            euro/pounds depending on where you file the
         search sites like Google or Yahoo.             patent application e.g. the Irish Patents Office     These guidelines apply irrespective of the source of the information. Plagiarism of any kind will
                                                        or UK Patent Office). The Irish Patents Office       result in immediate disqualification from the competition (see Rule 1.13 on Page 34).
    2    Not obvious to a person who                    charges €125 to file a standard patent. It
         works in the technology field                  would cost a minimum of €550 to get it to the
         (usually an improvement with surprising        grant phase.
         benefits)                                    • The optional, but advisable, patent attorney         Ethics
    3    Capable of industrial                          fees can add up considerably (these fees are
                                                        usually thousands, rather than hundreds).            Scientific and technological investigations and applications must be undertaken with integrity
         application                                                                                         through the use of rigorous methods.
         (e.g. manufacture)                             Invention disclosure forms can help reduce
                                                        these costs.                                         Participating students must ensure that the involvement of people in their research is always fully
    4    Not be part of an excluded                                                                          justified and if so, there is a duty to protect the wellbeing, dignity and privacy of those individuals.
         category
         (e.g. equipment specifically designed
                                                                More information                             The welfare of any animals subject to investigation must always be respected and likewise, any
                                                                                                             experimentation carried out in the natural environment must avoid having adverse impacts.
         for human or animal torture)                            www.patentsoffice.ie

22 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                   < Contents
GAISCE The President’s Award
External help - is it allowed?                                                                                  Put your BTYSTE project work towards a Gaisce Award!
It is expected that all or the majority of the work for a project will be conducted either in the school,       The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is now an official Gaisce Challenge Partner. Are you over 15
home or the outside environment. Understandably, some projects may involve visiting distant                     and taking part in BTYTSE this year? Does your school, or an organisation you’re involved with, offer Gaisce
locations.                                                                                                      – The President’s Award? Make the most of your BTYSTE project work by putting it towards the Personal
Students may seek advice or information about their project from sources beyond their school, such              Skills challenge area, one of four areas you will undertake as part of the Gaisce programme.
as on the web, government organisations, universities, institutes of technology or other experts.               Gaisce is a personal development programme for young people aged 15—25 that encourages you to find
However, it is recommended that the majority of students’ work should be conducted under the                    your passion, get active and make a difference in your community!
supervision of their relevant teachers with, where appropriate, suitable levels of involvement by
parents, guardians or other responsible adults.                                                                 For further information, visit www.gaisce.ie/btyste or ask the President’s Award Leader (PAL) at your
                                                                                                                school.
Where experimental/research work is conducted by the students themselves, or on their behalf, in a
laboratory that is external to their school (e.g. in a local university, a hospital or an industry) then that
work should be clearly identified and acknowledged within the project report book and presentation.
In addition, it is a requirement that a cover letter from the external facility, describing the extent of
the assistance provided and the work done by the students within that facility or undertaken on their
behalf, will be included in the project report book.

                                       BTYSTE                                                             < Contents                                                                        www.btyoungscientist.com 23
Funding
Accommodation grant scheme                                                                               Fundraising hints and tips
The BT accommodation grant scheme, which was first introduced in 2006, is designed to help with the      All schools, not just those outside the 70km / 44 miles grant zone, might want to consider raising some
accommodation costs incurred by students from schools that have to travel considerable distances to      extra cash to help pay for teacher cover, travel and even spending money.
compete in the event in Dublin. These costs can prove to be an obstacle to many and can be the real      In our experience, schools that raise a little bit of extra
reason why some students choose not to enter a project into the competition.                             money have a much more relaxing experience at the event,
This grant scheme underlines BT’s commitment to making the exhibition accessible to schools from all     not having to stress about how much things cost, or how
parts of Ireland.                                                                                        much they have spent getting there.
Schools eligible for a grant                                                                             It really should be all about the experience of attending and
                                                                                                         taking part. A few fundraising ideas we know have worked
may be awarded either...                                                                                 for many schools over the years include sponsored walks, car
                                                                                                         boot sales etc.
                                                                                                         You might even want to think about approaching local
                                                                                                         companies, especially those in the industrial or technology
                                                                                                         sector, to ask them for a lump sum sponsorship. They can
                                                                                                         then use this partnership to get positive PR in local
                                                                                                         newspapers.
                                                                  70 kilometres /
€150/ £135 €300/ £270                                               44 miles*
for an individual entry          for a group entry                  or more from the
                                                                   RDS Showgrounds,

  MAXIMUM €1500/ £1350
                                                                  Ballsbridge, Dublin 4
                                                                                                            Subsidised ‘healthy option’
                      per school                                                                            lunches for students
                                                                                                            A ‘healthy option’ meal menu will again be available in the RDS exhibition
For full terms and conditions, see the Rules                                                                halls at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018.
section on page 34, 4.1 - 4.9.                                                                              Participating students will be supplied with a €4 voucher for each
                                                                                                            full day they are at the exhibition. These vouchers can be used in part
To be considered for the grant scheme please check
                                                                                                            payment for one of the delicious meals on the Young Scientist ‘healthy
the appropriate box in the teachers’ area of the
                                                                                                            option’ menu.
online application. Grants will not be awarded
unless they are applied for at the time of entry. *as measured by www.aaireland.ie/routes_beta/

24 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2018                                                 < Contents
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