Inspiring Excellence in STEM Education
The SciFest science fairs programme is a national
initiative set up to encourage a love of science,
technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
through active, collaborative, inquiry-based
learning. The programme was launched
nationwide in 2008 and participation has
increased at an average annual rate in excess of
20% year-on-year. The phenomenal growth in the
popularity of SciFest reflects the fact that it is
inclusive, accessible and free to enter, recognising
diversity and the uniqueness of the individual.
SciFest offers an innovative way to expose
second-level students to, and enhance their
understanding of, STEM subjects. SciFest is
characterised by own choice of topic,
collaboration, hands-on activities,
presentation skills, an emphasis on
real-world problems and recognition
of work done, making participation
attractive to a wide range of
students. They grow in confidence,
develop their critical thinking, problem
solving and communication skills and
become aware of the variety of
exciting careers associated with a
STEM qualification.
SciFest science fairs take place locally in schools
(SciFest@School), regionally in third-level colleges
(SciFest@College) and nationally (SciFest@SFI
Discover). Winners from SciFest@SFI Discover
compete at an international level in Intel ISEF in
America and INESPO in the Netherlands.
Engineers Week is a chance for second-level students and their
teachers to be inspired by engineering, find out more about careers
in this exciting area, and win prizes.
Hundreds of events and activities will take place across the country
from 28th February to 5th March 2016, in companies, schools,
museums and libraries. Or why not run your own event in the
classroom?
> > > Check out www.engineersweek.ie for inspiration for your
own event or classroom activity, and to keep up to date with event
listings over the coming months.
Engineers
Week 2016:
Save the
DATE!
Hosted by colleges around the country, the Engineering Your Future
programme gives Transition Year students a meaningful, practical
insight into engineering at third level and as a career.
Attending students gain a week of exposure to the
various engineering disciplines – by taking part in
Past students at Engineering Your
hands-on workshops, labs and demos; interacting with
Future said:
lecturers and graduates; and meeting engineers during
"The most rewarding aspect was that finally I had a clear
industry visits.
understanding of engineering. I had all my questions
The programme opens for applications each January, and
answered."
runs in April or May.
"Loved every minute of the week. The practical
> > > Check steps.ie in January for details of
challenges provided me with a fun and unique learning
participating colleges and application criteria.
experience that I wouldn't have had in school."
"A wonderful opportunity to learn about technology,
medicine, design and other aspects of engineering. And
you get to make new friends and met interesting people."
Find out more about SciFest at www.scifest.ie
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