Fantastic ‘5’ Hazelwood Projects qualify for BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2009

 

Fantastic ‘5’ Hazelwood Projects qualify for BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2009

Hazelwood College is delighted to have five projects taking part in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2009, which will take place in the RDS, Dublin January 6th -10th 2009. The projects being undertaken by the students at Hazelwood are varied in the categories for which they have qualified, from the Biological and Ecological, Social and Behavioural Sciences to the Technology category of the competition. The students partaking are from both junior and senior cycles at Hazelwood College which is a testament to the interest shown in science, across the student population here at Hazelwood College. Three first year students, Bridann Cronin, Clare Fehin and Shane O’ Callaghan are carrying out ‘A Qualitative Study on the use of Natural Horsemanship and Traditional Training Practices’. In this project the students are investigating practices used in horse training.

Niamh O’ Brien and Elizabeth Morley, two Transition Year students are busy with their project, ‘An Investigation into the Affect of Tyrosine Rich Foods on our Dreaming Patterns’. With the help of willing volunteers here at Hazelwood College, the girls project does exactly what is says on the tin!!

Transition Year students Aisling O’ Brien, Michelle Lane and Heather Coffey are carrying out ‘An investigation into the minority numbers taking Science subjects at Leaving Certificate’. With ever increasing interest in the development of ‘knowledge economies’ and home grown scientific experts, this project investigates a topical educational issue, the results of which may have a long-term impact in the success of Ireland as a centre for scientific excellence.

A most topical project is being undertaken by Transition Year student Paudie Walsh. Paudie’s project, ‘BELT UP!- A novel device to check for the wearing of seatbelts at various distances’, may prove of great interest to varies interested parties such as The Road Safety Authority and An Garda Siochana.

A project competing in the Biological and Ecological category aims ‘To investigate the various effects of pollution on fresh water Salmon and Trout’. This project is being completed by Transition year students, Louis Hodgson, Suzie Boyle and Michelle Browne. In light of this summer’s unseasonal weather events and our ever increasing concern about pollution in all its forms, this project aims to shed some light on pollution in fresh water fish.

All of the students are very excited about representing their school in such a prestigious competition. The students are being getting guidance with their work by their science teachers Ms. Herbert, Mr. McCarthy and Ms. O’ Connor. Ms. Treacy is busy organising fund-raising events to help provide assistance for the trip to Dublin in January, 2009. Best of luck to all involved, we are very proud of their efforts here in Hazelwood College.