Yesterday, I visited the BT Young Scientist exhibition in Dublin. It was great to experience the buzz around the RDS.

There were some 40 projects from local pupils, all extremely interesting. I had the opportunity to speak directly with those involved in 17 of these projects. (Others were either tied up with judges or had popped away from their stand when I called around).

I asked students how they come up with their ideas – some had been suggestions from their science teachers, others had been questions that they wanted answers, and in several cases students had identified a problem & were trying to come up with a solution.

What I found interesting was that many projects where food/agriculture/environmental in nature. All key issues in their own local communities. It was really great to see students taking everyday issues into the lab- that is what science is all about!

But one thing stood out from this subset of projects, 5 were tillage related, even though we have very little tillage in our area.

So clearly students were expanding their expertise & knowledge, tools that will be vital to them & the future of the Irish economy.

But it is also learn something new at these events.

On this occasion, I learned from Saoirse & Roisin, that gravity had changed, well at least for the Junior Cert!

No wonder I was walking a little heavier around the RDS!!!

Well done to the pupils, teachers & schools involved. You should all be very proud of your achievement!

Here are some photos from the day: http://ow.ly/H1fj4