The BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition 2009 takes place in the R.D.S. Dublin, from Tuesday 6th to Saturday 10th January. The Exhibition opens to the public on three days, - Thursday 8th, Friday 9th and Saturday 10th respectively, from 9.30a.m. to 5.30p.m.daily.
2009 marks the 45th anniversary of the Exhibition and the ninth year that BT has been sponsor and organiser.
As the year progresses more and more hints and helpful information will be added to this website to make sure that all students have all the information they need to create a good project.
In the meantime, here are some answers to those frequently asked questions.
Who can enter?
The competition is open to students from all second level schools and colleges in Ireland, North and South, who are aged between 12and 18 years of age on 31st October 2008.
To give everyone an equal chance of winning, there are three age groupings:
1. Junior - 1st and 2nd year in the Republic of Ireland and 1st, 2nd and 3rd year in Northern Ireland.
2. Intermediate - 3rd and 4th year (junior and transition year) in the Republic of Ireland and 4th and 5th year in Northern Ireland.
3. Senior - 5th and 6th year in the Republic of Ireland and Low and Upper 6th in Northern Ireland.
Students can choose to enter a project as an individual or as a group/ team. A group is defined as no more than three students from the same school and the same age grouping. The entry fee is €20/£14 per student.
What are the categories ?
Students can choose to enter a project in one of the following four categories. Please study the definitions carefully and be careful to choose the correct project category. An incorrect choice may result in a project not being accepted.
Biology and Ecology Sciences
For a project to be accepted into this category it must have a biological and/or ecological focus and investigate aspects of animal, human, microbial or plant biology. Typically, projects deal with the following areas of study: agriculture, anatomy, animal science, biochemistry, biotechnology, disease, ecology, environmental science, enzymology, forestry, food science, genetics, horticulture, medical science, metabolism, microbiology, molecular biology, physiology, physiotherapy, plant science, veterinary science.
Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Sciences
For a project to be accepted into this category it must be based on chemistry, physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, engineering, computer programming and language or electronics. Also eligible are projects based on earth and space sciences such as meteorology, geophysics, geology and astronomy.
Social and Behavioural Sciences
For a project to be accepted into this category it must cover Social and
Behavioural Sciences, economic, geographical, psychological and sociological studies
of human behaviour, attitudes and experience, social analysis of environmental factors, demography, learning and perception as well as the study of attitudes and behaviour in relation to health, nutrition, work, leisure and living habits are all included here. Also eligible are projects on consumer affairs, effects on society, social anthropology and political science
provided they involve the use of scientific methods.
Technology
For a project to be accepted into the technology category the core of the project must be the use of technology in new or improved applications, enhanced efficiencies, new innovations or better ways to do things. The category could include things related to the Internet, communications, electronic systems, robotics, control technology, applications of technology, biotechnology innovative developments to existing problems, computing and automation. Students are also expected to understand the basic science behind the technology so that they can get the most from the project.
What are the prizes?
The Main Awards
BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year 2009
If the title BT Young Scientist of the Year is awarded to an Individual, a Best Group Award will also be made. If the title BT Young Scientist of the Year is awarded to a Group, a Best Individual Award will be made.
Individual or Group
• BT Young Scientist(s) of the Year Trophy (perpetual)
• Cheque for €5,000/£3,500
• The chance to represent Ireland at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists
Best Individual or Best Group
• BT Trophy (perpetual)
• Cheque for €2,400/£1,680
Runner-up Individual and Runners-up Group
• BT Trophy (perpetual)
• Cheque for €1,200/£840
Category Awards
There are 36 prizes for Individuals and 36 prizes for Group projects. The prizes take the form of 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes in Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections of each of the four categories:
1. Biological and Ecological Sciences
2. Chemical Physical and Mathematical Sciences
3. Social and Behavioural Sciences
4. Technology
The prizes are as follows:
• 1st prize of €300/£210 for both Individual and Group projects
• 2nd prize of €225/£157.50 for both Individual and Group projects
• 3rd prize of €150/£105 for both Individual and Group projects
In the event of a tie in any category, the prize money will be split equally.
A number of Highly Commended and Display awards will be awarded in each category by the panel of judges.
Travel Awards,
Student Awards
Intel Student Award
This award is presented to the best placed project, either Group or Individual, in the Chemical, Physical & Mathematical Sciences category, except where the project has been selected as BT Young Scientist of the Year winner.
The prize is an all expenses paid trip to USA to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2009. The teacher/mentor of the winner(s) of this award will also receive an all expenses paid trip to ISEF
Analog Devices Student Award
This award is presented to an Individual or Group for outstanding work exhibited in the Technology category.
The prize consists of a trophy plus an all expenses paid trip to America as the guest(s) of Analog Devices, visiting Boston and San Francisco. In addition, Analog Devices will donate €2,500 to the school of the winning student(s) as a contribution towards its science laboratory equipment fund.
Educator of Excellence Awards
These awards will be presented to the teachers whose commitment and encouragement has consistently enabled their students to participate successfully in the following subject areas: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Technology and Computing at the Exhibition.
Intel Educator of Excellence Award
The winner will receive the Intel Trophy plus an all-expenses paid trip to USA to attend the Intel Educators’ Academy. This is run in conjunction with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in May 2009.
Analog Devices Educator of Excellence Award
The winner will receive the Analog Devices Trophy plus an all expenses paid trip to America visiting Boston and San Francisco.
How do I enter?
Students may enter online or by post. 2009 entry forms, both online and printable versions will be available on this website towards the end of July.
Sample Entry Forms (PDF Format)
Sample Entry Form
Sample Project Details
Sample Teachers Form
How do I decide on a Project?
If you have an idea for a project in mind, the first person you should talk to is your science or technology teacher. He or she will be happy to assist you in any way possible, offering guidance and advice as it is needed.
Remember that Universities, Institutes of Technology, relevant organisations, libraries and the Internet may prove useful as you research your project but please, always talk to your teacher before making contact.
Ideas might come from hobbies, or perhaps problems you see that need solutions. Due to limited time and resources, you may want to study only one or two specific events.
Where project ideas can come from:
• A hobby or a skill
• From your family
• A newspaper or magazine article
• A television programme
• Ask your friends
• Maybe you’ve completed a course recently?
• Talk to family contacts - Doctor, Vet, Dentist, Engineer, Scientist etc.
• Contact professional organisations
N.B. Discuss your idea with your teacher and parents
Research your topic
Visit your local library or use the Internet to learn everything you ca on your topic. Observe related events. Gather existing information. Look for unexplained or unexpected results. Talk to professionals in the field. Write or email companies for specific information. Obtain or construct needed equipment.
• Talk to professionals in the field
• Visit a library
• Use the Internet
• Visit a University or Institute of Technology
• Consult your teacher and parents
Research, research and research again, until you are an expert on the topic!
Organise yourself and make a timetable
Organise everything you have learned about your topic. At this point you should narrow your hypothesis by focusing on a particular idea. Your library research should help you.
Choose a topic that not only interests you, but also can be done in the amount of time you have. Leave time to fill out the forms etc. Certain projects require more time. Allow plenty of time to experiment and collect data. Simple experiments do not always go as you might expect the first time, or even the second time. Also leave time to write your report and put together an exhibit.
Planning your project
Now, before you go any further there are a few simple questions you must ask yourself:
• What am I trying to find out?
• How am I going to do this?
•Where can I get the help I need?
• What do I expect to find out at the end of my research?
• Have I access to the apparatus or equipment to carry out the work?
Once you are satisfied that you can really get to grips with your project, then you enter the Planning Stage. Remember, only a few scientific discoveries are the result of chance or luck, the rest are the result of many hours of dedicated thought and experimentation.
Read background material and literature
The rule here is read, read and then read some more! This will give you real insight into your topic. Background material can be obtained from books and journals and by using the Internet.
So put your thinking caps on now and Good luck!! |
