SciFest: Inspiring and Promoting Excellence in STEM in Second-level Schools
How SciFest Benefits Students
SciFest:
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is open to all second-level students; it is locally based and there is no entry fee, making it highly accessible and inclusive
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encourages students to develop an interest in science through an inquiry-based approach and hands-on activities
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helps students to grow in confidence and develop their communication skills by exhibiting their work in a small, local, student-friendly environment
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encourages students of all abilities and backgrounds to participate, lowering barriers and bringing the talents of diverse populations into the innovation pipeline
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encourages and supports the greater participation of girls in STEM education
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provides students with an opportunity to engage in activities that link science, maths, engineering and technology to their everyday lives and to society
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provides students with an opportunity to visit their local third-level college, view the facilities and learn about the courses available, encouraging them to continue their STEM education into third-level
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supports the inquiry-based, problem-solving approach promoted by the science and maths curriculum in second-level schools, thus improving students’ opportunities to achieve academic success
How SciFest Benefits Teachers
SciFest:
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facilitates a community of educators with similar goals and ideals
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provides online support for teachers at scifest.ie
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supports the teaching of the STEM subjects in the second-level curriculum
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provides opportunities for professional development for teachers
SciFest@School Evaluation 2017_18
Teachers who registered for SciFest@School were asked to complete an online evaluation questionnaire.
Comments included:
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Focuses students on collaborative, team-based projects. They practice communicating with external judges
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Raises the profile of the school. Enhances self confidence. Raises the awareness of science subjects
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Great for developing a wide range of skills in one project such as scientific literacy, numeracy, ICT, communication
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Very positive. A perfect module for TY
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It was a great opportunity for our students who have special ed needs to take part in such an event and rise to the occasion
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It's inclusive so everyone regardless of level gets to participate. Other Science events can be quite elitist
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It was excellent way of allowing students to really put the nature of science into practice
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Already have first years planning their SciFest projects for next year
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It was good for the pupils to see each other’s work and to see the standard that can be reached
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It is a great showcase for the school as we had a lot of people come in to judge the projects
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SciFest feedback can bring shortfalls in their scientific method to the attention of students. Very useful ahead of CBAs
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Nice event for getting the science department working together
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Involving entire school community!
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Prepares students for new CBAs in junior cycle. Gives all students the opportunity to compete in a science competition
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Teaches students to work under pressure
Testimonials
The documents below give a flavour of the views of teachers on the value of SciFest and project work to the development of students' learning and skills.
To access a particular document please click on either the document title or its icon.