BT Young Scientist 2024

Four outstanding students from Blackrock College recently showcased their talents at the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, making a significant impact in the physical, chemical, and mathematical categories. The boys’ entries were selected from over 2,000 applications to be featured amongst the 550 showcased at the RDS. Jack O’Connell and Alex Browne, both in transition year, presented a captivating project titled “The Physics of Table Tennis and How It Improves Your Hand-Eye Coordination and Reaction Speed.” Their research delved into the intricacies of table tennis, exploring its impact on enhancing hand-eye coordination and reaction speed. The project not only showcased their scientific acumen but also highlighted the practical applications of their findings. Jack had the opportunity to test his reaction speeds against that of Ryan Baird (Ireland and Leinster rugby player).

In another commendable entry, John Mc Callig and Calum Burke (3^rd year) presented a project centred on the intriguing question, “Does the Wood that an Acoustic Guitar is Made of Affect the Sound of the Guitar?” Their investigation into the acoustic properties of different woods used in guitar construction demonstrated a meticulous approach to scientific inquiry. The project not only enriched their understanding of physics and materials science but also contributed valuable insights to the field of music and instrument design.

All four students exhibited dedication, enthusiasm, and a commendable level of scientific curiosity throughout the preparation and presentation of their projects. Their participation in the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition not only showcased their intellectual capabilities, presentation skills, creativity, and a fervent enthusiasm for integrating scientific principles into their hobbies. We thank Ms Steele for her preparation and support of the boys.