Kerry schools that participated in the BT Young Scientist competition have been praised by Minister for Education and Kerry TD, Norma Foley.
There were 27 projects from eight different Kerry post-primary schools which qualified for the exhibition in the RDS, Dublin. A number won category awards and one project by sisters Ciara and Saoirse Murphy from Presentation Secondary School, Tralee won a national award.
Sarah Abbott, a teacher from Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare, won the Stripe Chemical, Physical and Mathematical Science Educator of Excellence Award.
Minister Foley said: “There were outstanding entries from all around the country but I was particularly proud to see the excellent standard of projects from schools in my home county.”
She personally spoke with many of the students from the eight Kerry schools which featured at the exhibition with students from Killorglin Community College, CBS Secondary School, Tralee, Mercy Secondary School Mounthawk, Tralee, Pobalscoil Inbhear Scéine, Kenmare, Presentation Secondary Schools Listowel and Tralee Tarbert Comprehensive School and Scoil Phobail Sliabh Luachra in Rathmore.
Their projects included investigations into the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom, the misuse of over-the-counter medicine, the best probiotic for gut health and the level of microplastics in fish in Kenmare Bay.
There were also projects from Kerry schools examining myths and misconceptions in the GAA, the development of a pedal chest compression device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the creation of an accessible technological aid to assist in medical emergencies.
Minister Foley said: “There was a rich array of projects from the students in all the Kerry schools at the exhibition. I think the most outstanding feature of the projects is the absolute dedication and enthusiasm of the students.
“I must also acknowledge the enormous support and guidance provided by teachers and school communities for the students and not forgetting their families who also walked the journey with them.
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