Students from Presentation Secondary Listowel broke exciting new ground with their projects at the RDS BT Young Scientist Exhibition last week. From enabling better learning to helping the visually impaired to creating a green heating solution for every home, the students received great praise and interest in their research and presentations. Out of over 1700 applicants, Pres Listowel is delighted that three groups from the Transition Year class made the shortlisted projects for the RDS exhibition which took place from Wednesday to Saturday last week.
Students Katie Trant, Eimear Buckley and Noelle Dillon qualified for the RDS with their project titled BATS which aims to break down barriers in the sporting world, particularly in swimming, for visually impaired athletes. The students designed high-tech goggles with the aim of providing independence in the swimming pool for the visually impaired when they are training and competing. The goggles are set up to alert the blind swimmer when they are approaching the side of the swimming pool via a beep or vibration warning alarm. The girls were delighted to receive a “Highly Commended” award from the BT judges.
Students Natalie Gorczyk and Saoirse Kelly, who presented their psychological investigation which delves into the retention of knowledge in 12 to 16-year-olds while taking a closer look at the effect colour has on knowledge retention.
Finally, taking a fascinating closer look at a natural and sustainable alternative to fibreglass insulation were TY students Meabh Kennelly, Saoirse Whyte and Trina Kennedy. The girls came up with their idea after they noticed that green algae dries to form a cotton textile texture just like fibre glass insulation. With this in mind, they felt that the use of algae as sustainable source of insulation could prove to be a real game changer when it comes to the environment.
Principal Katherina Broderick congratulated the students for their impressive and innovative projects which rightly deserved a place at the BT Young Scientist. “these students put a tremendous amount of work into their projects. Their research and presentations were exceptional. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for the students. Great credit is due to them and to the teachers who supported their Young Scientist journey and who encourage all our student’s interest in STEM in Presentation Listowel’
Jessica Keane Science teacher said “Our students acted as fantastic ambassadors for our school and discussed their research findings with Minister for Education Norma Foley and Tánaiste Micheal Martin, who both commended the girls for their work and commitment to their impressive projects.
We would like to say a sincere thank you to our sponsors for their support to our girls on their BT journey. We are very grateful for your generous contributions”…Dairymaster, Kerry Group, Coco at the Arcade, John McGuire’s, Trant’s pharmacy, Kerry Agribusiness, DeLaval, Ardfert Quarry, O’ Connor’s Hardware, Clonmel Healthcare, Kellihers Tralee, Navi Group, JPA Brenson Lawlor, Navi, Stack’s Auctioneers, Pierse & Fitzgibbon’s Listowel , Expose Hair and Beauty lounge Tralee and Walsh Meats Lixnaw.
