Since launching in 2013, more than 23,000 young people have taken part in ReelLIFE SCIENCE, producing over 2,500 STEM videos in 680 schools and youth organisations all around Ireland.
These videos have received more than 500,000 views in over 100 countries and have been featured on RTÉ’s News2Day and TG4’s Cúla4 TV programmes.
Here you can see a map of the schools and youth organisations taking part in ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2013-2021
Below you can see a summary of each year’s competition, with the winning videos, prizegivings and special guest judges.
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2021
A group of 18 fifth class students from Gaelscoil Riabhach in Loughrea, Co. Galway, along with their teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, won the €1000 first prize at Primary School level for their Irish language video ’An Córas Díleá (The Digestive System)’. Primary school runners-up were Scoil Phádraig from Westport, Co. Mayo, while Scoil na nAingeal Naofa from Boyle, Co. Roscommon finished third.
Transition year students from Le Chéile Secondary School in Tyrellstown, Dublin 15, led by teacher Sean Creedon, claimed the Secondary School €1000 award, for their distinctive animated short ‘The Science of Colour Vision’. Secondary school runners-up were Laurel Hill Coláiste FCJ from Limerick, while Coláiste Ghobnait from Inis Oirr, Co. Galway were awarded third place. ‘Are Aliens Real?’ by Coláiste Muire, Ennis transition year students won best Science Song as voted by the public.
The Foróige Hub Castlebar, with support from youth worker Ruairi Kelly, won the €1000 Youth Organisation first prize for their video ‘A Home for Bees’. The Finglas Youth Resource Centre came second, while third place went to Adanna Okoye of the Eastside Youth Service Foróige, Galway.
All of the 2021 winning videos can be viewed here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2020
The judges selected ‘An Croí’ by Fourth Class students and teacher Briain Ó Meacháin from Gaelscoil Riabhach from Loughrea, Co. Galway as the winner at primary school level, winning €1000. Judge Ferne Corrigan said “I loved the start stop animation for this, it was a very clever way to show how our hearts work and how we need to keep them healthy. The students are very smart and should be really proud of their work” agus dúirt Múinteor Ray “Do bhaineas an-taitneamh as an físeán seo le na páistí as Gaelscoil Riabhach. Bhí an ‘stop-motion’ an-simplí ach an-éifeachtach ar fad! Tá sé soléir go raibh sibh ag fohglaim a lán rud agus go raibh a lán taighde déanta agaibh, go háraithe leis an saineolaí slántiúil sa rang!“
The winning video at secondary school level was the animated ‘What is Mitosis?’ from Transition Year students Isabelle Xiao and Cindy Xu, along with their teacher Patrick Cushen from Alexandra College, Milltown, Dublin 6, winning €1000. Judge Ray Cuddihy said “This video is fantastic. Brilliant work from Isabelle and Cindy. I loved the animation, voice manipulation and the bedding music. It was so funky and appealing. Combining art and science is an incredible skill. You should be very proud!“.
Brothers Alex and Nathan Wai from The Ripple Effect Youth Hub, Dublin, won at youth group level, with their video ‘Canny Canines: Are dogs smarter than we give them credit for?‘, winning €1000 for the group who run activities for young people with Aspergers, ADHD and Dyspraxia in South County Dublin. Judge Ferne Corrigan said “I love this as an idea, testing the family pet for science! Really clever and that dog is brilliant. Great to have the statistical analysis of Deano’s performance and how they want to expand their testing in the future. Very thorough work from some brilliant canine scientists. What I especially like is that it is bringing science into their homes with their own pets. Makes it very accessible. I look forward to their future work and will have to test some out on my own dog!“
A full list of 2020 winners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE @ HOME 2020
During the Covid-19 lockdown in April and May 2020, a special one-minute, ‘at Home‘ version of ReelLIFE SCIENCE was held, with hundreds of young science communicators representing 80 primary schools, secondary schools and youth organisations around Ireland taking part. After an extensive shortlisting process by a team of 40 NUI Galway scientists and science students, the winning video was determined by a public vote of over 1,400 people on Twitter.
In his first-placed video, MAX KAMALARAJAH, winning €1000 for Wallace High School (Lisburn, Co. Antrim), used his kitchen sink and food from his cupboards to create a memorable demonstration of how the body recruits cells and proteins during Blood Clotting. The ReelLIFE SCIENCE judging team noted how this “really creative use of everyday items to explain a complicated situation captured the ‘at home’ aspect of ReelLIFE SCIENCE @ HOME” and described it as a “fantastic and novel depiction of the science of coagulation that certainly supported learning in an engaging and accessible way.”
In second place, with a superbly animated and scientifically relevant video about the power of the Immune System to fight outside invaders, Transition Year student ENYA O’REILLY HUERTA, won €500 for her school, Naas Community College, in Naas Co. Kildare. Our ReelLIFE SCIENCE judges praised the video as “well-edited” with “brilliant animations, great science and beautiful production“. One judge liked the “wonderful art and great explanation within the time limit” while another said it was a “well-voiced and really relevant at the moment“.
In third place, with his distinctive animated video about ‘Germbusting Heroes’ Edward Jenner, Louis Pasteur, Joseph Lister and Alexander Fleming, Sixth Class student WILLIAM STOKES, won €250 for Baltydaniel NS, Newtwopothouse, Co. Cork. The ReelLIFE SCIENCE judging team called this video “a knock-out“, noted the “huge effort to cover a lot of information in a creative, engaging and informative way” and said “the use of the founding antibiotic fathers as germ busters was nicely done!”
Read more about ‘ReelLIFE SCIENCE @ HOME‘ here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2019
The judging panel selected ‘No New Water‘ by Baltydaniel NS from Newtwopothouse, Co. Cork as the best video at Primary School Level, winning €1000. Judge Joanna Donnelly praised the video’s “funny script“, cast, filming and graphics, while Adam Kelly said the video was “Informative, accessible and pretty funny.”
Transition year students, Kalen McDonnell, Noah Lynskey, Jason Doyle, Erin Russell Hughes and Katie Hughes, along with teacher Aideen Lynch from Holy Family School for the Deaf in Dublin, claimed the Secondary School €1000 award, for their short film ‘How Science Helps Us Hear’. Judge Adam Kelly said of the video “I didn’t know much about hearing aids or cochlear implants worked, and this video did a good job of informing me, really enjoyable.” while Joanna Donnelly remarked that “This taught me something new!”
The ‘Green Team’ from Rosses Neighbourhood Youth Project in The Rosses, Co. Donegal, led by Foróige Project Worker Clare Mullan, won the €1000 Community Group first prize for their video about Climate Action, ‘Acting Local, Thinking Global’. Judge Adam Rutherford praised the “Fantastic combination of powerful imagery and commentary” while Joanna Donnelly called the video “Brilliant. These kids were very good. The graphics were super. The explanations were clear. They have a plan to counter the issue and are acting on it. I love these guys!”
A full list of 2019 winners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2018
The judges selected ‘Science and Me: The Skin‘ by Powerscourt NS from Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow as the best video at Primary School Level, winning €1000. Norah Patten commented that it was “nice to see all of the kids participating. Lots of easy to understand science communicated. Love the Lego part, very easy to understand and well planned. Any age group could watch this and learn something new from it” while Dara Ó Briain commended the “strong involvement from the class” and that there was “loads to learn” from the video.
The animated biopic ‘Rosalind Franklin: A Lesser Known Science Heroine‘ from Loreto Secondary School Kilkenny transition year students, Emer Tobin and Katherine Morrow, claimed the CÚRAM-sponsored first prize at Secondary School Level. The video was described by Dara Ó Briain as “A really good topic, beautifully presented” while Simon Meehan was “delighted that Dr Franklin’s work was brought to light in this manner and given a chance to be publicly recognised.”
Lackagh Foróige group member Sean Janson demonstrated the ‘Science of Smashing’ with equations, experiments and “tons of personality” to win the CKI-sponsored first prize at Community Level. Norah Patten praised Sean for “trying to put some maths and science to smashing. Great job on front of the camera!” while Dara Ó Briain liked that the science on screen is “experimental science. It’s repeatable, properly explained and has tons of personality!”
A full list of 2018 winners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2017
The judges selected ‘How the Immune System Works‘ produced by the 25 fifth and sixth class students of Sooey National School in Sooey, Co. Sligo, under the direction of teacher Thomas Egan. No strangers to the competition, Sooey NS also claimed first place back in 2014. Judge Amber Gell described the video as “very creative and entertaining!” and commented that “The students clearly had a blast filming this video and teaching about the concepts. That enthusiasm and understanding was well-conveyed and came across to the audience.”
The video ‘The Death of Paul Donovan‘ produced by Fourth Year students from Davitt College in Castlebar, Co. Mayo under the guidance of teacher Fiona O’Connor, claimed the CÚRAM-sponsored first prize at Secondary School level. Described by Prof. Luke O’Neill as “very funny and original“, the video also impressed Shane Curran who said “The anecdotal style and storyline is very engaging. A lot of work done in preparation of the story and the techniques used in forensics.”
‘The Immune System Simplified‘ produced by members of the Corofin Foróige Group claimed the first ever CKI-sponsored First Prize at Community level. The video’s distinct animation style impressed all of the judges, with Amber Gell commenting “Very creative use of prop work. Did an exceptional job addressing the science using an appropirate medium in an informative yet entertaining manner. Well thought-out video, outstanding job!”
A full list of 2017 prizewinners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2016
The judges selected ‘Life in Space – An Saol sa Spás!’, produced by 4th class students of Gaelscoil Riabhach (Loughrea, Co. Galway) under the direction of teacher Brian Ó Meacháin, as the best primary school video, and deserving winners of the €1000 first prize. Described by Maria Louise Fufezan as “a really inspiring video that successfully communicated the wonders of life in space” the students interviewed NASA astronaut Colonel Ron Garan about his experiences aboard the International Space Station.
The secondary school competition saw Patrician High School (Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan) Transition Year students John Ubaldo and Colm Lonergan, with guidance from their teacher Maeve Reynolds, claim the CÚRAM-sponsored €1000 first prize, with a video entitled ‘How The Sun Works’. “A film with engaging animation and good scientific content“, according to Prof. Eleanor Maguire, this animated video communicates complex concepts with an easy-to-understand, visually striking style.
A full list of 2016 prizewinners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2015
The judges selected ‘Scoil Aonghusa Rocket Launch’, produced by 4th class students of Scoil Aonghusa Senior, Tallaght, under the direction of teacher Jennie Smith, as the best primary school video, and deserving winners of the €1000 first prize. The video, a news report live from Tallaght’s first manned rocket launch, was described by Cmdr. Hadfield as “fun” and “well-acted”, while Prof. McLysaght praised the “humour interspersed with the science,” remarking that “This video is great fun and I think the pupils had fun making it too!”
The 2015 secondary school competition saw Causeway Comprehensive School, from Causeway, Co. Kerry, improve on 2014’s third place finish by claiming the CÚRAM-sponsored €1000 first prize, with a video entitled ‘The Mystery of Light’. With guidance from science teacher Bridget Buckley, the filmmakers, fifth year students Solas O’Halloran and Matt Tyrkiel, were hailed as “engaging hosts” by Cmdr. Hadfield, while he described their video as being “cool, clearly explained” and “dramatically filmed.”
A full list of 2015 prizewinners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2014
‘The History of Medicine’ was made by Leaving Certificate student Julien Torrades of Summerhill College, Sligo, under the supervision of his Art teacher Jonathan Cassidy, winning the Primary School first prize of €1000.. The video was described by Prof. Curry as “a good use of stop-motion…with a nice sense of humour…covering an impressive amount of ground in a short space of time”.
‘The Secret Life of Honey Bees’ was produced by Fifth and Sixth class students from Sooey National School, Co. Sligo, with the help of their teacher Thomas Egan, winning the Primary School first prize of €1000. Judge Professor Stephen Curry commented: “Sooey National School’s video had good science content, with a very, very funny script and the kids were clearly having a lot of fun which makes the film hugely appealing.”
A full list of 2014 prizewinners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 2013
Secondary School Winner – Michael McAndrew, St Enda’s College, Galway. “Astrobiology – Life in Space”
In first place at Secondary school level, under the “Astrobiology” category, we have a stunning video called “Life in Space” created by the multi-talented St. Enda’s College Transition Year student Michael McAndrew, under the direction of Mr. Fahey and Mr. Conroy. This remarkable film combines a fantastic concept and animation style with an intelligent script, wonderful delivery and original score. The film describes the fascinating field of Astrobiology, encompassing the origin and future of life on earth and the search for extraterrestrial life in other “Goldilocks Zones”. The simple yet effective cartoon style could conceivably be used to explain a range of different scientific topics, and the ReelLife Science team can’t wait to see more of Michael’s excellent work. In Michael’s own words “it is very exciting what the future might bring us“.
Primary School Winner – Scoil Mhuire Rosmuc. “Scaipeadh Síolta”
In first place at Primary school level, under the “Habitats” category, we have a video as Gaeilge about Seed Dispersal called “Scaipeadh siolta i Rosmuc”. This memorable video was made by the 5th and 6th class students in Scoil Mhuire Rosmuc, under the direction of their teacher Ms. Ni Chonaola. The wonderfully produced video comes with an extremely impressive script, to which Ms. Ni Chonaola was kind enough to provide an English translation for non-Irish speakers. The students took a very specific topic in Seed Dispersal and Germination, and produced three very amusing and informative sketches demonstrating different methods of dispersal. Furthermore, they performed some experiments of their own on the various seeds they found, identifying the different traits associated with them, based on their method of dispersal.
A full list of 2013 prizewinners can be found here >>>
ReelLIFE SCIENCE 