Young scientists to tackle matters big and small

HOW do you measure the strength of a spider’s web? How seductive is Sudoku?

These are just two posers among 1,152 projects accepted for the 2006 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition taking place from January 10 to 14.

More than 2,000 students nationwide have made this year’s event the biggest in the competition’s 42-year history. Since 2000, entries have soared by 90%.

As the statistics show, the huge interest in the Young Scientist competition starkly contrasts with a fall in student numbers taking science subjects at second level.

BT chief operating officer Mike Maloney was enthused at the “phenomenal” number of entries and the growth in size and stature of the exhibition.

As ever, girls taking part beat boys two-to-one. However, the statisticians point out, boys have represented 56% of the winners to date.

Last year’s individual winner was Patrick Collison, a transition year student from Castletroy College, Limerick.

Winners have consistently proved their worth in international competition.

Irish students have taken the top honours ten times at the European Union science contest. They have scooped over 20 top awards in the International Science and Engineering Fair, in Phoenix, Arizona.

The latest success there was scored by the 2005 group winners from Dublin’s CBS Synge Street, Michael Mulhall and Frances Wasser.

Soft drinks - and what they can do to and for you - grab the attention of at least three project groups.

Maynooth Post Primary’s entry examines hidden caffeine in our daily diet.

Mayfield Community School questions whether sports drinks improve performance.

Moate Community School wonders if energy drinks are just for thirst - or a real energy boost.

Meanwhile, to more socio-esoteric matters - Patrician High School of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan is poised to discuss The Great Mosher/Scanger Divide.