We are delighted to have three Transition Year groups representing CSN at the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition in the RDS from 8th – 11th January.
Two groups qualified in the Intermediate “Biological and Ecological Category” and one group in the Intermediate “Social Science and Behavioural” category.
“The CURT: A Cork Underground Rapid Transit system designed by the Physarum Polycephalum slime mould”
Team Members: Mark Donnelly, Jacob Wallace and Pearse O’Cronín
Their project seeks to find the best network, shortest routes and model an effective underground rail network for Cork city and surrounds. They are investigating this possible underground rail system with physarum polycephalum slime and are looking at population densities, traffic problems and comparing their network to traditional models.
“Humans VS AI” – testing the reliability of AI detectors against humans
Team Members: David Dumitrescu, Timothy Linert and Yannick Daly Trillaud
In their project, they are testing multiple different examples of text and images, with test groups consisting of students, teachers and AI detection software. The examples are both human made and AI generated text and images to see how good people are at deciphering the two.
The boys chose this as their project because as more students are cheating on assignments with the use of AI, many teachers are wondering whether they should be employing the use of another AI to tell them if the work is genuine, or if they should be relying on their human intuition to tell the difference. They have completed several surveys and are busy putting the finishing touches to their project.
“Hydroponic Towers: Rockwool vs Earth Wool“
Team Members: James Gea Duffy, Glen McGovern and Noah Sembrano.
This project is a deep dive into the possible future of farming with technology’s hydroponic towers. Their project is an investigation into the effectiveness of earth wool as opposed to rockwool as a substrate for growing plants in hydroponic towers.
Our green fingered group, are growing basil, lettuce and kale in the schools’ hydroponic towers. Not only are they comparing substrates such as lava wool and earth wool, they are also looking at conventional methods of growing these vegetables in the schools’ polytunnel.
We congratulate all three groups on qualifying for such a prestigious science event and we hope that they enjoy the whole experience. They have been working hard and we are sure they will impress the judges and visitors to the exhibition with their investigations.
Best of luck from all in CSN!
