NI Sci Tech workshop encourages student innovation

Students from Our Lady’s Grammar School in Newry won top prize at this week’s one-day Sci Tech workshop at Stranmillis University College, which was designed to develop their interest in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Cora Brennan, Katie Farrell, Kate McCardle, Eireann Kane, Roíse Ward, Grace Shields and Deirbhile Devlin impressed judges with their ideas for keeping takeaway food warm on the drive home.

In all, over 150 students from across Northern Ireland took part in a day of design and problem-solving activities, which was organised by CCEA (Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment) and BT.  Hands-on workshop and demonstrations for students were led by a team of learning and development specialists from David Meade Ltd, the training company run by the top Northern Ireland illusionist.

Margaret Farragher, Director of Education for CCEA, said: “Today has been about continuing to spark students’ interest in STEM.This is one of the educational priorities in Northern Ireland that encourages young people to pursue a STEM-related career to support a dynamic future economy.

“That’s why initiatives such as Sci Tech and the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition are so important as they inspire real passion amongst the participants and encourage ground-breaking innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.”

The Head of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition (BTYSTE), Mari Cahalane, was on hand at the Sci Tech workshop to explain how to enter.  She said:“The theme for BTYSTE 2019 is ‘It starts here’.  We want students to use their imagination and develop exciting projects so that, what starts here today at Sci Tech as an idea, can be the starting point of a bright and brilliant future and exciting career in STEM.

“As a leading technology company, BT is keen to inspire a future workforce of science and technology innovators and we want to see more Northern Ireland students enter their ideas and inventions and showcase their talents at the Exhibition.”

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition recently announced that it has teamed up with The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).  From this year, BTYSTE participants will be able to use their project work to count towards the Skills section of their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

For entry details and further information, visit www.btyoungscientist.com.

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For further information contact: Rosy Billingham PR Manager for BT in Northern Ireland on 07968 904635 / rosy.billingham@bt.com

PHOTOGRAPH CAPTION:Pupils from Our Lady’s Grammar School with teacher Colette McElroy pictured with Mari Cahalane, Head of BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition, and Margaret Farragher from CCEA at this month’s Sci Tech workshop at Stranmillis University College.  Cora Brennan, Katie Farrell, Kate McCardle, Eireann Kane, Roíse Ward, Grace Shields and Deirbhile Devlin won the top prize on the day for their ideas for keeping takeaway food warm on the drive home.  Over 150 Northern Ireland secondary school students took part in a day of design and problem-solving activities to promote STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths).  BT is urging students to start developing their ideas for the next BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.  For more information visit www.btyoungscientist.com

About BTYSTE

The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition is Ireland’s premier STEM event for secondary school pupils. Since its origin in 1963, the BTYSTE has grown from a simple science fair to become one the most highly regarded platforms for encouraging young people to use the foundations of science, technology, engineering and maths to inspire new ideas and new ways of thinking about the world we live in. The Exhibition itself is the final stage of the competition, which is open to all second level students from Ireland, both north and south. As well as the 550 shortlisted student projects on display each year, there are a further four exhibition halls filled with cutting edge science and technology based exhibits and entertainment, making it a thrilling event for those who enter and for general visitors alike. The 2019 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition will take place from 9^th-12^th January at the RDS in Dublin.

For more information on how to get involved visit www.btyoungscientist.com