The team of 6th Year students soared ahead of rival teams from Laurel Hill and Castletroy College, and will now represent Ireland at the European CanSat competition taking place on the Andoya Rocket Range in Norway in April 2012. The winning team, made up of Eimear O’Sullivan, Gavin Randles, James Ryan and Gearoid Moore, will be sponsored on their journey by Analog Devices and ESERO Ireland, the European Space Education Resource Office, co-funded by the European Space Agency and Discover Science and Engineering.

Participating students had to design a CanSat with all the component parts of a satellite, including power, sensors and a communications system, squeezing them into the miniature frame. The winning team will have their CanSat launched to an altitude of approximately 1km by a rocket at the European final in Andoya Rocket Range in Norway in April 2012. The teams carried out tests to simulate the descent of a CanSat after ejection from a rocket. These tests served to evaluate the performance of the CanSat recovery or parachute system, a crucial element of the CanSat mission. All teams demonstrated that their design would ensure a safe landing of the CanSat.

Dr Barry Fitzgerald, Projects Officer in Physical Sciences at NCE-MSTL in UL and co-ordinator of the National Competition said “Today’s final is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication shown by the three teams. It is clear to see from the standard of projects on display that all involved fully embraced the CanSat challenge, displaying the virtues of teamwork and no little amount of scientific ingenuity. It is credit to their teachers as well who have provided the guidance and advice required in bringing the teams to their current levels. I congratulate all three teams in taking part and I am sure that the team from Crescent College Comprehensive will go on to represent Ireland with great distinction at the European CanSat final in Norway next year.”

Brian O’Mara, Engineering Manager at Analog Devices said “As part of the judging panel here today I have been fortunate to see up close the amount of effort that the students from the three schools have put into their CanSats. It bodes well for the future of science and engineering professions in Ireland that students are being introduced to competitions like CanSat at this stage, and the evidence would suggest it is having an impact on their future career choices. Companies like Analog Devices are always on the lookout for talented graduates with a passion for science and technology and competitions like this will ensure that the numbers entering this category continue to grow.”

Ann Fitzpatrick, ESERO Ireland Manager, said “The purpose of the CanSat competition is to open up the possibilities of space and exploration to secondary school students and being at today’s final in UL proves they have taken on the challenge wholeheartedly. I was at the Andoya Rocket Range in Norway in 2010 when the last European CanSat competition was run and it is a truly fantastic opportunity for the winners of this Limerick pilot programme to represent Ireland again next year. ESERO Ireland’s ambition, with the assistance of the European Space Agency, is to establish a network of regional CanSat competitions across Ireland that tie in with third level institutions and today’s final in UL is a great step towards realising this goal.”

The pilot CanSat competition, held only amongst Limerick secondary schools, follows on from the success of the Laurel Hill team which won the Silver Award in the first European CanSat competition held in 2010. It took place in co-operation with the Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering in UL, Analog Devices and has been co-ordinated by the NCE-MSTL (National centre for Excellence in Maths and Science Teaching and Learning). The teams made a short presentation on their projects and outlined the results of their primary mission after trialling their CanSats at a test-day event also held in UL on December 17th.

The first part of the campaign kicks off this week with a nation-wide competition that asks students to create a piece of digital content reflecting the theme ‘Smart Futures’. With some amazing prizes on offer including laptops, Xbox Kinect, iPad, home cinemas and smart phones and even work experience with top technology companies in Ireland, such as the Xbox Games Studio, there is no reason for students to be bored this Christmas!

Paul Sweetman, Director of ICT Ireland and the Irish Software Association said: “5 of the top 10 exporters in Ireland are technology companies, and the sector is responsible for approximately one third of Ireland’s total turnover. It is clear that supporting the technology sector, for future economic growth, is crucial. A key competitive advantage Ireland possesses, which is continually referenced by technology companies, is the quality and quantity of skilled graduates available to work within the sector.

In order to maintain and enhance this competitive advantage, industry and government must work together to highlight the great opportunities for sustainable and rewarding careers in the technology sector. Since January of this year, over 80 jobs a week have been announced in the sector. The ‘Smart Futures Online Careers Fair’ will play a leading role in broadcasting these opportunities to students and parents.”

There are eight categories to enter: Animation, Audio, Game, Mobile App, Podcast, Tech Article, Video and Website. The deadline for entry is Friday 27th January 2012 and a full outline of competition categories, prizes and sponsors can be found on www.smartfutures.ie.

On 23 January 2012 a week long careers fair will take place on the website. Technology professionals from participating companies will be available each evening to answer career-related questions from students and guidance counsellors. Company profile pages are also available to give an overview of what these companies do, what kind of roles they have requirements for, what skill sets they are searching for and what it’s like to work there.

Follow the Smart Futures campaign at www.twitter.com/SmartFuturesIE and at www.Facebook.com/SmartFutures to become a part of the community and help encourage Irish students to discover how to create their smart future.

Smart Futures Competition Category Prizes

Microsoft

Best game:
1st Prize: Nokia Lumia Windows 800 phone + 1 week work placement in Xbox Games studio, June 2012.
2nd Prize: Xbox Kinect Games console

HP

Best video:
1st Prize: HP Pavillion  G6 laptop + 3 day work placement with HP
2nd Prize: Gift Certificate from  HP SNAP FISH ; Store: Gift Certificates HP on line printing service
Web enabled printer HP Photosmart 7510 e-All-in-One Printer

Ericsson

Best animation:
1st Prize: Xperia arc S Andriod Smartphone + a site visit to Ericsson
2nd Prize: Xperia PLAY , Playstation certified Smartphone.

SAP

Best podcast:
1st Prize: Sony Home Cinema 5.1 Blu-Ray System + a Site visit to SAP
2nd Prize:  iPodTouch 8gb

Cisco

Best website:
1st Prize: Macbook Air laptop
2nd Prize: Flip HD Camcorder

Openet

Best mobile app:
1st Prize: 16Gb iPhone + 1 week placement
2nd Prize: Samsung Galaxy Pro Android mobile phone

CPL

Best tech article:
1st Prize: 32Gb iPad 2 + a CV skills, interview preparation and ICT careers prospects workshop
2nd Prize: Kindle Wifi eReader

Xilinx

Best audio:
1st Prize: Samsung Home Cinema Blu-Ray System + 3 day work placement
2nd Prize: Playstation 3 160Gb

What is Smart Futures?

The technology sector in Ireland is thriving. Employment, through indigenous and multinational technology firms, now tops 84,000. All of the top ten multinational technology companies have a significant presence in Ireland and the indigenous software sector’s exports are worth well in excess of €1 billion annually. Five of the top ten exporters in Ireland are technology companies, and the sector is responsible for approximately one-third of Ireland’s total turnover.

Since January 2011 over 80 jobs a week have been announced in the sector. This is on foot of 6% employment growth in 2009 and 4% in 2010. IBM’s 2011 Global Location Trends Report, launched in November 2011, ranks Ireland as the top destination in the world by quality and value of investments. With a growing multinational technology presence in Ireland and a vibrant and innovative indigenous software sector, the future prospects for Ireland’s technology sector are bright.

ICT Ireland, the Irish Software Association and STEPS with the support of Discover Science and Engineering, are engaged in a joint careers campaign to highlight the vast number of employment opportunities in the technology sector in Ireland. The campaign, entitled ‘Smart Futures’ involves a number of initiatives which are designed to engage with students, teachers, stakeholders and the wider community in order to stimulate an interest in technology as a potential career option and to influence subject choices at second and third level. Upcoming events and initiatives in the Smart Futures series include:

• ‘Smart Futures Start Here’ online careers fair
• Smart Futures Champions Programme
• Smart Futures Transition Year Work Experience programme
• Smart Futures Video Series

It is hoped, that by profiling the sector and building awareness on the diverse and exciting careers in the sector, that a greater number of students will consider careers in computer, technology, engineering and science courses at third level. By ensuring Ireland has the top tech talent, we will continue to grow as an ICT powerhouse on a global scale.

With events that varied from human ‘chemicals’ taking over the streets of Dublin, a 32metre communications dish being re-commissioned as a deep space radio telescope in Cork, nationwide science lectures, experiments and competitions, not one but two astronauts visiting Ireland, The Rubberbandits viral videos and much, much more!

Peter Brabazon, of Director of Discover Science and Engineering (DSE), which co-ordinated Science Week, said: “We have more than 100 great partners nationwide whose efforts made Science Week 2011 happen. The theme really highlighted how chemistry is central to people’s everyday lives. There are an overwhelming number of careers available to those who immerse themselves in the study of science, technology, engineering and maths, and it was truly inspirational to see the turn out at and support of all of the events. It was especially motivating to see the young people of Ireland express such an interest.

“DSE is extremely pleased to be the coordinating force behind the initiative and we remain very confident in Ireland’s scientific capabilities. Science Week 2011 really showed that the people of Ireland have an interest and a hunger for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths and we endeavour to keep that alive and support growth in this area.”

Science Week may be over but Discover Science and Engineering supports STEM and has numerous initiatives for students, teachers and members of the public which run all year round. For more information visit www.discover-science.ie.

The participating schools submitted 815 official records of common species and 4,572 weather observations during 2011. The project also allow schools to investigate whether the timing of spring is changing by noting the swallows arrival and other identifiers of spring. The results are submitted to the website, www.greenwave.ie, and mapped to determine where and when spring started and the pattern in which it moved across the country.

When viewed from outer space, it is said that a ‘green wave’ begins in the south of Europe in February and as the temperature rises, it moves up across Europe travelling at approximately four miles per hour; similar to the speed at which a human walks.

Speaking about Greenwave, Programme Director at Discover Science and Engineering, Peter Brabazon said: “The Greenwave project offers students a hands-on experience in observing, measuring, classifying and recording the patterns of spring. It is a practical way to get involved with the social, environment and scientific education curriculum in Ireland. It also helps to develop students’ ICT skills in terms of recording and submitting their results online.”

During 2011, Greenwave was extended to 17 European countries ranging from Portugal and Greece in southern Europe to Denmark and Sweden in the north. A total of 1,888 official records of a range of species and weather conditions were submitted from these countries onto www.greenwave-europe.eu.

Between the months of February and March, students are asked to log their sightings of six species including ash, horse chestnut and hawthorn trees, the primrose, the swallow and frogspawn on the website. They are also asked to measure and record wind speed, rainfall and temperature. The results are recorded on www.greenwave.ie in order to map the arrival of spring.

Schools wishing to take part in the 2012 Greenwave project can register online at www.greenwave.ie. The project also caters for Gaelscoileanna, with materials available in Irish on the website.

All schools taking part in the Greenwave project will earn credit towards Step 1 of the Discover Primary Science and Maths, Awards of Science & Maths Excellence.

As part of the project, schools are asked to submit photographs of the species they’ve been monitoring and a winner of each category is chosen. This year’s overall winning photograph was awarded to the Holy Family National School in Co. Mayo for their picture of the Hawthorn tree. To see all the winning photographs, log onto www.greenwave.ie.

Sarah O'Connel (2) and James Mongey (5) with Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin

Ireland’s favourite science and maths educator Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin and Discover Science & Engineering (DSE), today launched Science Week 2011, ‘The Chemistry of Life’, which will uncover the often hidden role of chemistry in our everyday lives! Through a series of nationwide events, Science Week, 13th – 20th November, will bring to life chemistry’s vital role in society. From the toothpaste we use to clean our teeth to the mobile phone in our pockets – chemistry is all around us! Science Week will also demonstrate the importance of chemistry to the future development of the Irish economy.

Science Week is a collaboration of events run by colleges, schools, libraries, teachers and students throughout Ireland. DSE co-ordinates these events through the website, www.scienceweek.ie where information on all Science Week activities is available.

Although Science Week is two months away, people can get involved right away

Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin

through the website. Competitions and activities are now open for entry including:

• ‘A League of Extraordinary Elements’, an art competition for primary schools, where studentsdesign their own chemical super-hero;

• ‘Science Snaps’, a photography competition open to the general public;

• A competition to name a 32metre satellite dish which will be re-commissioned as a Deep Space Radio Telescope in Cork.

Earlier this month, the Science Week team took to the streets with their video camera to find out what chemistry means to the nation. While asking what chemistry-related products people could not live without, they bumped into the country’s most controversial Limerick lads, The Rubberbandits, who spoke about their love of chemistry, which element could survive Fight Club and what would happen to the world if no one studied science! http://youtube/1fyh1JOwqws

Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, James Mongey and Sarah O'Connell show us the role of chemistry in everyday life

Speaking about her involvement with Science Week, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin said: “Chemistry is in our everyday lives. It can be found in the beauty products we use, the microchips in our mobile phones, and in the food and water we consume. It creates life-saving medication and has contributed to Ireland being a world leading exporter of pharmaceuticals, as well as being fundamental to the development of new technologies such as green energy conversion and nanotechnology. I am delighted to be involved with Science Week and encourage everyone to get involved with the week and see how chemistry influences their lives!”

Speaking at the launch, Peter Brabazon, Director of Discover Science & Engineering said: “Science Week 2011 will highlight how chemistry is central to people’s everyday lives, as well as showcasing the very best of Irish science and chemistry. There are an overwhelming number of careers available to those who immerse themselves in the study of science, technology, engineering and maths. This year, we will put a particular emphasis on careers in chemistry, not forgetting the huge number of capable Irish scientists who have gone before us. Discover Science and Engineering is proud to be the force behind the initiative and we remain very confident in Ireland’s scientific capabilities.”

Science Week events will be take place nationwide for the duration of the Week and everybody is welcome to come along and take part.

For information on ‘The Chemistry of Life’ competitions, activities and events taking place visit www.scienceweek.ie.

The increased demand for skilled graduates to fill the current job opportunities in the technology sector will only be met if the numbers taking up science, maths and engineering based courses at third level continue to rise. This is the message from Discover Science & Engineering (DSE) and ICT Ireland, the leading representative body for the technology sector, welcoming the latest figures from the CAO that show an increased take-up of science and maths courses. As 65,000 Leaving Certificate students across the country prepare to receive their results, DSE and ICT Ireland have renewed their call to students and parents to focus on courses on offer at third level to develop the skills necessary for future jobs in this thriving sector.

According to DSE and ICT Ireland there is a strong demand for qualified graduates in the areas of software engineering and development, applications development, security engineering, forensic science and computing, digital product management and on-line business development. Graduates with skills in emerging areas such as robotics, genetics, nanotechnology and renewable energy are also in popular demand. It is estimated that approximately 3,500 vacancies exist for jobs in these diverse areas.

According to the Director of ICT Ireland Paul Sweetman: “For many young people a qualification in technology is the gateway to an exciting career. With over 2,500 jobs announced in the sector since January, demand for skilled individuals across an array of disciplines is growing. Both government and industry are addressing this demand by developing tailor made conversion courses for those with related qualifications and through the Springboard education initiative which provides up to 2,000 places on technology-based courses. While the skills gap for ICT professionals is a significant challenge, it is one shared across Europe and Ireland is moving quickly and effectively to ensure we remain the location of choice for the technology sector and continue to provide jobs for today’s graduates.”

Programme Director of Discover Science and Engineering Peter Brabazon added: “It is really encouraging to see the increase in the number of students taking up science, maths and engineering based courses at third-level. Already in the past two years, the numbers taking up science at third level is the highest in 10 years and the numbers studying critical professional skills such as electrical engineering have begun to improve. This is after many years where we had low levels of people with these skills in Ireland.”

There are currently a number of initiatives in place to target young people studying maths and science within the school system and ensure they develop a practical skill set relevant to industry. These range from the new Project Maths syllabus, the roll-out of a project-based curriculum at Junior Certificate level and a new science curriculum in primary schools, in place since 2002. National annual events such as the Smart Futures conference, ICT Champions Programme, Engineering Week, Science Week and Maths Week also drive awareness amongst students and provide new opportunities for engagement in science and maths projects.

Concluding, Mr. Brabazon said: “There are a number of interesting, exciting and well paid job opportunities for young people in the technology sector. The challenge now is communicating this to young people and their parents, while continuing to invest in developing the future pipeline of skilled graduates needed for this sector. We have to make young people enthusiastic about studying science and maths at primary and secondary level to encourage them to pursue careers in this area. In our experience too many students are still being turned off honours maths and science subjects at an early age, limiting their career opportunities.”

Spaceman Stephen Neeson with students from the International School, Dublin

Ireland joined in the International Celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s momentous journey today (12th April 2011) with a day long series of events, outdoor movie screenings and scientific festivities all across Temple Bar in Dublin.

On the 12th April 1961 Yuri Gagarin became the first human to break the shackles of Earth and venture into the Cosmos. At the time, Gagarin’s flight was undertaken amid considerable secrecy. But the 50th anniversary is being marked by a unique social media event recreating the voyage and allowing people across the world to fully experience the historic voyage for the first time.

With support from Discover Science and Engineering, the Temple Bar Cultural Trust and Temple Bar Traders, Temple Bar is playing host to a series of day-long events commencing with the first screening of First Orbit, a feature film shot for the event aboard the International Space Station, at seven minutes past seven, the exact moment Gagarin lifted off half a century ago, which will continue to be screened throughout the day and into the evening.

Other events include a forum for young professionals interested in a career in space, with talks available throughout the day from young space professionals on Ireland’s future in space and career opportunities for Irish graduates. The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies will demonstrate recordings from recent earthquakes including recently from Japan and some minor tremors under Dublin and Clare at Filmbase,. Children can also take a tour of the Cosmos on an inflatable planetarium especially erected at the Wax Museum for the day, admission to the planetarium is free for the event. There is also the opportunity for aspiring star gazers to send their own message or photo to the stars, using a live linkup to a radio telescope operated by the Cork Institute of Technology at its science centre in Blackrock Castle Observatory. This will be available at the FilmBase from 4-8pm.

For full details on all events, please log on to www.visit-templebar.com.

The results will enable DSE participants to examine spring as it moves across Ireland – does it move from north to south or inland from the coast to centre, based on buds on trees and hedges beginning to open up during springtime.  When viewed from outer space, it is said that a ‘green wave’ begins in the south of Europe in February and as the temperature rises, it moves up across Europe travelling at approximately 4 miles per hour; similar to the speed at which a human walks.

The project will also enable participating schools to see whether the timing of spring is changing by examining whether swallows are appearing in Ireland earlier in spring due to warmer temperatures earlier in the year.

Greenwave has become an international project this year, with schools in more than 15 countries ranging from Portugal and Greece in southern Europe to Denmark and Sweden in Scandinavia taking part in 2011 for the first time.

Between the months of February and March, students are asked to log their sightings of species including ash, horse chestnut and hawthorn trees, the primrose, the swallow and frogspawn. Students are also asked to record wind speed, rainfall and temperature. The results are mapped onto the www.greenwave.ie website to see the arrival of spring.

The Greenwave project is a practical way to support the teaching of the Plants and Animals Strand of the primary school science curriculum. Students have the opportunity to develop the following skills: observing, classifying, recognising patterns, estimating and measuring, recording and communicating, while also helping advance their ICT skills.

Commenting on the launch, Peter Brabazon, Programme Director, Discover Science and Engineering, said, “Greenwave is one of our most popular initiatives with students as it takes science and maths outside of the classroom and into the great outdoors. It teaches children analytical skills in a way they can relate to in their everyday lives.  We would encourage as many schools as possible to get involved this year to help instil an appreciation of science, technology, engineering and maths into young people across Ireland.  It is fantastic to see that an Irish educational project is now also being adopted by schools in other European countries as an example of best practice in STEM education.”

Students who participate in the experiment will be in with a chance to win some great prizes by submitting photos of their sightings on www.greenwave.ie. The photos will be judged by Eanna Ni Lamhna, and Gerald Flemming and the winning school will receive a digital camera and printer.

Schools wishing to take part in this year’s Greenwave project can register online at www.greenwave.ie. The project also caters for Gaelscoileanna, with materials available in Irish on the website.  All schools taking part in the Greenwave project will earn credit towards the Discover Primary Science Awards of Science & Maths Excellence.

Peter Brabazon, Programme Director, Discover Science and Engineering, said, “Science Week 2010 has been a great success and it’s fantastic to see the rise in popularity this year with 505 events taking place, an increase of 12% since 2009. The increased student numbers and record attendance at Science Week also points to the growing popularity of science, technology, engineering and maths among young people. I would like to thank everyone who got involved with Science Week this year which wouldn’t be possible without the enthusiasm and support of the volunteers and partners.”

Coinciding with Science Week, a HEA report on CAO acceptance figures was also released.  The figures were positive for science, computing and engineering courses, with computing and engineering acceptance rates remaining stable. Science acceptances increased in 2009/10 to 10.3% of all acceptances and have remained stable in 2010/11 at 10.2%. This is the highest rate of acceptance in 10 years.

The final official Science Week event took place on Saturday 21st November as the Galway Science and Technology Exhibition took place in the Bailey Allen Hall NUI Galway. The event was opened by Maire Geoghan-Quinn, EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation and Science, and featured 3-D Tours of the Universe, science entertainment shows and workshops for students.

The winners of two national competitions which took place during Science Week – Science Snaps and Science Raps – were also announced. Science Snaps, a national photography competition, had three categories – general public, senior cycle and junior cycle. Bernard Dunne came first in the General Public category for his image ‘Science Leaps’. First place in the Senior Cycle Category went to Sinead O’Neill, a student of St. Flannan’s College, Ennis Co. Clare, for her image ‘An Eye for Nano Science’. Katie Riordan, a student of Coláiste Choilm, Ballincollig, Cork, was awarded first place in the Junior Cycle Category for her image ‘Coloured Transpiration’. A gallery of all of the photo entries can be seen at www.pix.ie/go/sciencesnaps.

Hosted by Discover Science and Engineering and the Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre (APC), University College Cork, Science Raps challenged students to unleash their inner rapper and express themselves and their thoughts about science and technology through rap music. Students were asked to compose and video a rap on this year’s Science Week theme, ‘Our Place in Space.’

Rory O’Connor from Fermoy, Co. Cork was awarded first place in the over 17 category for his creative rap entitled “E=MC Rory”. The first prize in the 16 and under category went to Catherine Finn from Clondalkin, Co. Dublin for her effort “The Universal Rap” which struck a chord with judges for her clever use of rap music to express her thoughts about science.  All of the Science Raps entries can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/user/Pharmabiotic

The aim of Science Week is to promote the relevance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in our everyday lives and to demonstrate the importance of these disciplines to the future development of Irish society and the economy.

Science Week Ireland is organised by Discover Science & Engineering, the Government’s integrated programme for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) awareness and promotion.  Further information on Science Week 2010 is available on www.scienceweek.ie