BT Young Scientist

This year two projects completed by Transition Year Students were accepted for entry into the annual BT Young Scientist competition. This is a considerable achievement considering that less than 25% of the projects that are submitted are selected for entry into the competition.

Sean Clancy is from Mitchelstown and he entered his project into the senior Biology and Ecology section. His project’s title is “What fitness types are best for our horses?” It involved testing whether low intensity exercise or high intensity exercise is more effective in increasing the fitness levels of horses. Sean worked to determine the effectiveness of both intensity levels using several test subjects. He concluded from his testing that lower intensity exercise was just as effective as the higher intensity and that it was better for the animal’s health.

The second project entered was a group project and it was also entered into the senior Biology and Ecology section. The group consisting of Diarmuid Kilgallen (Naas), Ben Murphy (Portumna) and Gavin Meagher (Roscrea) worked together to complete their project titled “How does physical fatigue affect the mind and its functions.” The team of three investigated whether there was a correlation between physical exertion and cognitive ability. The team first tested the fitness level of their test group and then measured the same group’s cognitive abilities in a separate test. They concluded that cognitive ability decreases with increased activity and that this has many implications for sports.

Sean K, Gavin M, Ben Murphy

On Friday Sean’s project received a “Highly Commended” award and he was interviewed by both national and local newspapers on his project.  The group project received much interest from Joan Freeman, the founder of Pieta House.  She requested that she meet with the boys on Friday to discuss their project. The boys will be submitting their project to another competition in DCU which will be held later in the year.

A sincere thanks to their mentoring teacher, Ms. Lesley Cox, for her work in helping them in both the application process and in their project preparations.