Highly Commended Projects
To investigate how materials can affect sound
Sound absorbersThis project set out to investigate how different materials affect sound passing through them. Six different materials were used along with four prerecorded noises. Sounds were analysed using Vernier logger pro software and a Vernier microphone. FFTs were produced using the software. Good analysis of the effects on both amplitude and frequency for the different absorbers and sounds, demonstrated.
- Student(s)
- Michael McInerney and Jack Hayes
- Teacher
- Ms. Mary Lyons
- Venue
- Limerick Institute of Technology (2011)
The development and evaluation of an odorless skin tanning cream
Danielle McGlinchey and Maria McHughStudents made excellent use of a colorimeter to measure the amount of tanning/browning produced by different creams. A good understanding the sensor, how it worked and how it related to the complex chemistry involved in the project, was shown throughout.
- Student(s)
- Danielle McGlinchey, Maria McHugh and Joanna Munoz
- Teacher
- Ms. Anna Blanking
- Venue
- Letterkenny Institute of Technology (2011)
To investigate the effect that everyday electronic devices leave on the magnetic field
Jane Corrigan, Chelsea Taylor and Yvonne LawlorA very good understanding of the datalogger was evident along with good knowledge of how to put it to use. Information obtained from the datalogger was compared with that of a plotting compass; a more traditional method. Assisted by the datalogger at SciFest the participants were able to demonstrate their findings.
- Student(s)
- Jane Corrigan, Chelsea Taylor, Yvonne Lawlor
- Teacher
- Ms. Geraldine Waldron
- Venue
- Carlow Institute of Technology (2011)
Hot, Hotter, Hottest –Cooling curves for hot drinks
Hot, Hotter, HottestNewton’s Law of Cooling; the rate of change of the temperature of an object is proportional to the difference between its own temperature and the temperature of the environment. Temperature sensors were used to record the heat loss of various hot liquids, starting at 100, 82 and 72 degrees centigrade.
- Student(s)
- Daniel McCarthy, Brian Gould, Robert O'Halloran
- Teacher
- Ms. Julie Gleeson
- Venue
- Cork Institute of Technology, Galway (2011)
To investigate the pigments in pig skin
Martha Ni DhochartaighThis project was well planned. Using a light sensor to measure the amount of light reflected from black skin and clear skin, comparisons were made. The experiments were repeated and a conclusion drawn up.
- Student(s)
- Martha Ni Dhochartaigh
- Teacher
- Ms. Collette Ní Nuanáin
- Venue
- Waterford Institute of Technology (2011)
The effects of different portable music devices and earphone styles on hearing
Catherine Ward, Hannah Coleman, Sarah Fennelly, Jessie Nolan, Ella Lyons and Emma Russell with their teacher, Regina Greehy and Stephanie O'Neill (DSE).This project is an investigation into the varying effects that different types of earphones and mp3 players can have on hearing.
- Student(s)
- Jessie Nolan, Ella Lyons, Emma Russell
- Teacher
- Ms. Regina Greehy
- Venue
- Dublin Institute of Technology (2010)
Sports drinks, or not?
Cliona Barrett, Aoife Sutton, Katie MoffitThis project examines whether drinks such as Lucozade sport, Lucozade sparkling orange, Powerade and Red Bull, replace the salts that you lose while playing sports.
- Student(s)
- Cliona Barrett, Aoife Sutton, Katie Moffit
- Teacher
- Mary Pat Pilkington
- Venue
- Waterford Institute of Technology (2010)
What materials block sound effectively?
What materials block sound effectively?This project examines how efficient different materials are at absorbing sound.
- Student(s)
- Claire Donaghty, Sean Clarke
- Teacher
- Mr. Raymond Tynan
- Venue
- Athlone Institute of Technology (2010)
How bright is too bright?
How bright is too bright?This project uses a light sensor to calculate the distance a person needs to stand back from burning magnesium in order to avoid damaging their eyesight.
- Student(s)
- Sophie Andrews McCanol, Nicholas Stafford, Orla Reynolds
- Teacher
- Ross O'Connor
- Venue
- Blanchardstown Institute of Technology (2010)
Fire and global warming
Syl McEvoy, Alesi Horan, Nicole Curran, Doireann Lynam and Stephanie O' Neill (DSE)This project looks at the links between burning and the production of carbon dioxide.
- Student(s)
- Nicole Curran, Doireann Lynam and Alesi Horan
- Teacher
- Mr. Syl McEvoy
- Venue
- Carlow Institute of Technology (2010)
Which sport gives the maximum benefit from exercise?
Louise Crowe and Aishling Conlon with Ann Fitzpatrick and Miriam Hamilton, teacherThis project investigates which sport is best for improving and increasing certain aspects of the body such as, cardiovascular fitness and calorie burning.
- Student(s)
- Louise Crowe, Aisling Conlon
- Teacher
- Ms. Miriam Hamilton
- Venue
- Limerick Institute of Technology (2010)
Fast twitch fiber, not so black and white!
Shane Hayes and Michael Dillane with Noel Brett and teacher Geraldine O'Shea.Why is Usain Bolt the fastest man in the world? Is there a link between skin colour and fast twitch fibre?
- Student(s)
- Shane Hayes, Michael Dillane
- Teacher
- Ms. Geraldine O'Shea
- Venue
- Institute of Technology Tralee (2010)
Measuring hand-strength
William Daly, Ross O'Donovan, Kevin O'Keeffe with their teacher Eamonn Connolly, Stephanie O'Neill (DSE) and Dr Barry O'Connor (Registrar CIT).Using a Vernier hand dynamometer (sensor). The objectives set out to detrmine if correlations can be found between hand-strength and age, lifestyle and fitness (eg. of a hurling player/team compared to those with a less active lifestyle)
- Student(s)
- Ross O'Donovan, Kevin O'Keeffe and William Daly
- Teacher
- Mr. Eamonn Connolly
- Venue
- Cork Institute of Technology (2010)