Scoil Pól have done exceptionally well in qualifying to the BT Young Scientist this year.
We have been successful in getting four projects accepted. We are extremely proud of the students and teachers who despite the pandemic have worked extremely hard to get through to the virtual show.
1. Are you SAD or have you S.A.D?
The first project is three fifth year students - Daniel Gammell, Aisling Daly and Shane Shinnors. They have been investigating the effects that various lux values have on people's mood. Seasonal affective disorder is where the seasons affect the mood of the person. Studies have shown that when it comes to the long, darker days one's emotional state declines. This has been proven by the group and they have further developed it. They have designed their own seasonal affective disorder lamp that will combat the condition. They have designed an app that the user can access the lamp through their smartphone. They are extremely excited by this project as it is newsworthy and new to many people.
2. Which brand of energy drink is best for the rehydration of athletes?
Transition year students Sarah Blade and Olivia Donohue plan to investigate energy drinks. This project involves testing the electrolyte levels in different energy drinks to find out which is the best for rehydration and endurance of athletes. They produced this idea as the girls are highly active and enjoy playing sport. Energy drinks have become a huge part of sports in recent years and it will be intriguing to know which one will prove most functional. They will be building a conductance measuring circuit to measure the current of each sports drink to calculate the overall conductance in siemens.
3. An investigation into the effects of gaming among 12–18-year olds.
Transition year students JoJo Fitzgerald, Cillian O’Riordan and Conor O’Regan aim to explore the positive and negative effects of gaming among 12-18 year olds. The aim of their project is to examine the relationship between teenagers and gaming using the opinions of students, parents, and teachers through questionnaires. They will also conduct interviews with a small number of professionals including medical personnel and a gamer with a significant social media following. Gaming is a big part in a lot of teenagers’ lives. It may help people deal with any mental health issues. It also forms friendships. However, it may negatively impact people's lives. By exposing the positive and negatives, it will allow people to make an informed decision.
4. Hubba Bubba.
This project involves Niamh O’Connor, Robyn Finn, and Leah Prunty. This investigation entails testing multiple brands of bubblegum on which one makes the best bubbles. During this project, the girls will investigate the ingredients that may affect the bubbles. They will also the explore the texture of the bubblegum. This struck an interest in the group as there has not been much research done previously.
