This article is from page 60 of the 2009-07-21 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 60 JPG
JOBS, the economy and climate change are some of the issues wor- rying 73 per cent of Clare teenagers, according to a recent survey commis- sioned as part of the BT Young Sci- entist and Technology Exhibition. While the survey results show the younger generation is concerned about some of society’s big problems, it’s not all doom and gloom, with both the silver and small screens influenc- ing teenagers ambitions for the future. Popular television shows such as CSI clearly have an influence, with 42 per cent of students surveyed choosing fo- rensics as their ideal scientific job. Irish teenagers from various coun- ties were asked about the importance of technology and science in every- day life, as well as the significance of continued technological innovation. A massive 73 per cent from Clare said they are concerned about the economy and their future job pros- pects and the same percentage said that staying connected is vital, say- ing they can’t live without mobile phones, broadband and computers.
Only two per cent of respondents chose computer games as a must- have technological invention.
Every year, practical inventions emerge from the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition that have the potential to benefit society. These include a computer game that could help combat school bullies, which was highlighted by 21 per cent as a product that should be made available to the public. On a lighter note, 45 per cent of the sample would love to try out a Star Trek-style transporter to beam users to their target destination.
When asked why they would en- ter the exhibition, the majority of respondents said it would be for the honour of representing their school or community.
Organised by BT, the exhibition is now entering its 46th year and re- corded the greatest number of entries ever last year when 1,616 projects were submitted. The BT Young Sci- entist & Technology Exhibition will be held in the RDS, Dublin from January 12-16 2010. For more infor- mation, log onto www.btyoungscien- tist.com or call 1800 924 362.