Note. Information on this page relates to SciFest@School STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) fairs only, that is, in-house STEM fairs hosted by the schools themselves. For information on SciFest@College fairs, which are regional fairs for second-level students hosted by third level colleges, please follow this link.
What is SciFest@School?
SciFest@School is where a second-level school hosts their own in-house SciFest STEM fair. A list of the fairs registered for the current school year may be viewed here. Resource materials to support the organisation of a SciFest@School fair are available in the resources section of this website. In addition to the resource materials support from SciFest is also available in the form of advice on the organisation of a SciFest@School STEM fair, a teacher's pack, certificates for participating students, a number of awards for winning projects, 'freebies' and support on the day of the event.
SciFest@School Awards and Criteria
SciFest will provide up to 4 awards. Please click here for details of these awards. When a SciFest representative attends the fair they will bring these awards with them.
When there is no SciFest representative at the fair a school can submit details of the awards made and these will be posted to the school. To download a copy of the awards claim form please click here.
When Should I Hold My SciFest@School?
SciFest@School STEM fairs can be held at any time during the school year. Participation in SciFest@School is not a requirement for entry to SciFest@College. Students may enter a SciFest@College fair directly without having participated in a SciFest@School fair. Participation in SciFest@School is, however, a good preparation for SciFest@College. Also, many teachers use their SciFest@School fair to select projects to go forward to SciFest@College. Note that the final date for submission of completed entry forms for SciFest@College this year is Wednesday 12 March.
SciFest@School and the CBAs
Students who have developed a SciFest project should have little difficulty in completing an Extended Experimental Investigation - CBA 1. The skills acquired in preparing a project for a SciFest@School fair are also those assessed in the CBA. Conversely, an Extended Experimental Investigation prepared for a CBA could, with additional work, be subsequently further expanded and developed into a project suitable for exhibiting at a SciFest@School fair. For 'A Guide to Doing a SciFest Project' please click here.
SciFest@School and TY
Researching, developing and presenting a SciFest project can constitute an ideal module for a Transition Year programme - see Science by Inquiry Transition Year Module here.
SciFest@School and Gaisce - The President's Award
SciFest is a Gaisce Challenge Partner. Students participating in a SciFest STEM fair can use their participation as the Personal Skill element of their Gaisce Award. Those involved in organising SciFest events can use their activities to meet the Community Involvement element of their Gaisce Award. Please click here for further details.
SciFest@School Registration Form
Registration for SciFest@School is now online. To access the registration form please click here. The form is available in both Irish and English. To select your preferred version please select from the drop-down menu in the top right hand corner of the form.
SciFest@School Terms and Conditions
Please click here to download a copy of the SciFest@School Terms and Conditions. It is important that teachers familiarise themselves with these when organising a SciFest@School event. Tá leagan Gaeilge den doiciméad seo ar fáil anseo.
SciFest STEM School Award
This award recognises schools for their support for STEM through hosting five (Silver Award) or ten (Gold Award) SciFest@School STEM fairs. For more information on this award please click here.
SciFest@School Experience
Schools that are hosting SciFest@School fairs in 2024/2025 are listed here
Schools that hosted SciFest@School fairs in 2023/2024 are listed here
Schools that hosted SciFest@School fairs in 2022/2023 are listed here.
Schools that hosted SciFest@School fairs in 2021/2022 are listed here.
Schools that hosted SciFest@School fairs in 2020/2021 are listed here.
Schools that hosted SciFest@School fairs in 2019/2020 are listed here.
Click on the photo below for a short video of a SciFest@School in Tullamore College, Tullamore, Co. Offaly which was featured on RTE News2Day in March 2022.
The experience of organising a SciFest@School event is reported on by two teachers here:
SciFest@School in Santa Sabina, Dominican College, Dublin 13
SciFest@School in Fingal Community College, Swords, Co. Dublin
Examples of past SciFest@School programmes can be accessed here:
SciFest@School in Skerries Community College, Co. Dublin
SciFest@School in Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal, Co. Cork
SciFest@School in Sutton Park School, Sutton, Dublin 13
For further information on SciFest@School please contact us. Alternatively, you may wish to contact one of the SciFest School Liaison Officers.