Students Inspire at the BTYSTE in the RDS!
What an incredible day it was at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition held in the RDS this January! It is our favourite way to kick off the new year sharing our passion for science, innovation, and interactive learning with young minds and the excitement of the next generation. Our team from Explorium were buzzing with energy as we entered and started meeting the hundreds of students presenting and thousands more visiting the exhibition.
From the moment the doors opened, our stall was a hive of activity. The students from all over the country were drawn to the hands-on exhibits from our bed of nails to AI ball games that bring the fascinating world of science to life. It is always inspiring to see the genuine curiosity and excitement on the faces of students, educators, and families as they explore science through interactive demonstrations.
This classic demonstration of the principles of pressure and distribution of weight never fails to amaze. Lying on a bed of nails might sound intimidating at first, but it’s a fantastic way to illustrate how forces work around us. Our experts were on hand to explain the science behind the experiment, ensuring that everyone left with a new appreciation for the wonders of physics and a chance to win a family trip by guessing the number of nails…I’ll give you a hint! There are X nails across the width of the bed and X nails down the length of the bed.
In addition to the bed of nails, we introduced an exciting new interactive experience: the AI Finger-Ball Game, developed by our Science Intern- Dominik Jacobzak. Combining the thrill of a competitive game with cutting-edge artificial intelligence, this activity quickly became one of the crowd favorites. Participants had a blast trying to outsmart our AI opponent, and the game sparked lively discussions about machine learning, data, and the future of technology in sports. It was a perfect example of how science and technology can come together to create fun, engaging learning experiences and highlights how students are driving forward this new world.
The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition celebrates and inspires the next generation of innovators and critical thinkers across Ireland. For us at Explorium, it was an absolute privilege to be part of this event, connecting with budding scientists and sports enthusiasts from all over the country. We were thrilled to meet so many students and hear about their projects. We had three standout projects that we loved speaking with…
🌌 Sarah Stewart & Grace Goulding (St. Mary’s Secondary School, Mallow, Cork) Analysing Temporal Variations in Quasar Flux: A Python-based Approach to Satellite and Observatory Images. ➡ A project using Python to simplify the study of light changes in quasars from large telescope images, uncovering patterns over time. ⛳< Tate Tomkin Beddy (Blackrock College, Dublin) A Mathematical Investigation into How the Loft of a Golf Club Affects the Golf Ball and its Flight Path. ➡ A deep dive into the mathematics behind how a golf club’s angle influences the ball's trajectory. 🌱 Ruben Massey (Coláiste Chiaráin, Limerick) Which Plant is the Best Defence Against Ocean Acidification? ➡ Testing which aquatic plants reduce carbon dioxide in seawater to combat ocean acidification. Congratulations again to the incredible students from Kerry, who won with projects..and to all that took part, present at the RDS and around the country. Between BTYSTE, SciFest, Science Blast and so many other initiatives the future of Irish science and innovation is bright and we are excited to continue to support at our centre from family and friend visits and school tours.
As the exhibition came to a close, the positive energy and feedback we received only reinforced our commitment to making science accessible, fun, and engaging for everyone. Events like these remind us why we do what we do—sparking curiosity, breaking down complex scientific concepts, and inspiring a lifelong love of learning. A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stall, engaged with our exhibits, and contributed to the lively atmosphere. We can’t wait to bring even more innovative experiences to the community at our next event. Until then, keep exploring, stay curious, and never stop learning! See you at the next adventure with Explorium!