Top illusionist joins BT in call for entries to the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition
Top illusionist and television mentalist David Meade today joined students in the dome at Victoria Square for a science lesson 148ft high to launch the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.
Proving that science is not just lab coats and Bunsen burners, David helped students take their learning to new heights by hosting the dome’s first ever interactive science lesson in a bid to encourage young people to ‘Dream it, Do it’ and enter this year’s competition.
The science lesson was hosted by BT to mark the official launch of the 2017 BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition and today the company called on teachers and young people aged 12-19 from across Northern Ireland to get involved in the exhibition which will take place in January 2017.
To enter, the individual or group must submit a one-page proposal outlining their project idea before the closing date of 29th September, 2015. Entries can be made in any one of four categories within the STEM agenda: (science, technology, engineering and maths).
Commenting on the launch, David Meade said: “I am very excited to be involved in the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition for a second year as I’m a huge advocate of anything that inspires and encourages young people to pursue their dreams and continue to learn.As a former teacher myself, I understand the importance of encouraging young people to take what they’re learning in the class room or their day-to-day life and use their imagination to turn it into a fantastic idea, something which I practice regularly in my line of work.
“In my experience it’s about keeping an open mind, being open to new lessons, new experiences and new science. This world class competition is a great way of helping students imagine the possibilities that could lie ahead by simply dreaming it and doing it.”
Peter Morris, Head of Operations, for BT in Northern Ireland, added, “As a major investor in Northern Ireland we depend on talent and skills to drive our economy and the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition plays a key role in nurturing that future pool of talent.”
He added, “We’re keen for students to start thinking of science beyond its traditional form. Students who have experienced the exhibition understand that it is about much more than science, it’s about imagining an idea and then bringing that idea to life through research and development. Every discovery ever made came from a single idea and we want all teachers and students involved in science, technology, engineering, maths or the social sciences to challenge themselves to make that next big discovery through the exhibition. I’m looking forward to seeing some great entries over the coming months.”
The BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition will take place 11th-14th January 2017 in the RDS in Dublin. As well as the incentive of getting a project shortlisted and experiencing a week at the exhibition in Dublin, there are also over 120 teacher and pupil awards to be won, including cash prizes, international trips and the overall title of BT Young Scientist & Technologist(s) of the Year.
The theme for this year’s event is ‘Dream it, Do it’. For more information on the exhibition and for details on how to enter, log onto www.btyoungscientist.com.
