Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher was delighted to have five projects taking part in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition 2009. Twelve students travelled from the train station in Charleville to Dublin Heuston on Tuesday, 6th January 2009 with science teacher, Ms. O’ Connor. Excitement and anticipation was high among the students for what was to come during their week at the RDS. The students also got a superb opportunity to make new friends from all over the country and to see what project ideas other people were working on. The judges were very pleasant and the experience of presenting their projects to the judges was a wonderful opportunity to show case their work and efforts. In the evenings the students were treated with a trip to Funderland, the cinema in Dundrum Town Centre and a disco at the RDS. The group returned back to Charleville station with Ms. O’ Connor and Ms. Herbert at eight thirty on Saturday, 10th January 2009, with awards, memories, and fun had by all!!!
Paudie Walsh’s project, ‘BELT UP! – A novel device to check for the wearing of seatbelts at various distances’, received a Highly Commended award at the Young Scientist Exhibition. Everyone at Hazelwood College is very proud of his success.
A Display Award was awarded to the project completed by Transition year students, Lewis Hodgson, Suzie Boyle and Michelle Browne. Their project entered in the Biological and Ecological category aimed ‘To investigate the various effects of pollution on fresh water Salmon and Trout’.
Transition Year students, Niamh O’ Brien and Elizabeth Morley carried out ‘An Investigation into the Affect of Tyrosine Rich Foods on our Dreaming Patterns’. The girls discovered that such foods as raisins, eggs, cheese and soy products can cause increased frequency in the number of dreams experienced by participants.
Transition Year students, Aisling O’ Brien, Michelle Lane and Heather Coffey carried 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 investigated 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.
First year students, Bridann Cronin, Clare Fehin and Shane O’ Callaghan carried out ‘A Qualitative Study on the use of Natural Horsemanship and Traditional Training Practices’. The students carried out extensive research into the training practices used by horse trainers in the mid-west region. The focus for horse trainers was on good horsemanship rather than defining if the practices being used can be classified as natural or traditional training practices.
The students are thankful to their science teachers Ms. O’ Connor, Ms. Herbert, Mr. McCarthy and Mrs. Treacy, who offered guidance and support during the preparations for the exhibition.