ReelLIFE SCIENCE Video Competition

NUI Galway is launching the ReelLIFE SCIENCE Video Competition in schools and youth groups in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with the support of Science Foundation Ireland.

The programme encourages young people to think about science and technology in their everyday lives in a creative way while learning new communication and digital skills. Since 2013, more than 20,000 young people have taken part in over 600 primary and post-primary schools and youth groups in 32 counties, from Belfast to Bere Island, from Clifden to Clontarf, and everywhere in between, and we have awarded over €35,000 in prizes directly to schools and youth organisations.

Students and teachers can research a STEM topic such as ‘Climate Action’, ‘How Things Work’, ‘Marvels of Medicine’ or ‘Science and Me’ and produce a 1–3-minute video on a smartphone or tablet to engage and educate the public. Videos can be in English or Irish, live-action or animated and from just one student, or many.

With a prize fund of over €5,000, the best video at each level will win €1000 for the school or youth organisation they are representing and will be screened for the public at the Galway Science and Technology Festival in November.

Here is just some of the feedback we have received from last year’s participants:

“It started with a small idea and it has opened up a huge amount of questions and interest. One thing led to another and then another. Science was suddenly all around us. Brilliant.” Primary Teacher

“We really enjoyed doing this project as it taught us teamwork and more about the digestive system.” Fifth Class Student

“I really enjoyed making this video and learned a lot of new facts about Climate Change. This experience has definitely improved my video production skills.” TY Student

“Fantastic to find a competition that encouraged the girls to get involved in science while also using their love of drama and writing. They weren’t intimidated and did their best to use the science they learned themselves.” Post Primary Teacher

For students and teachers that might like to work on their video before the summer, the 2022 entry form is now open. If they’d prefer to wait for the 2022/2023 school year, the closing date is October 21st so there’s plenty of time to get involved!

You can find previous year’s winning videos and lots of information on our website www.reellifescience.com including our updated ‘How To Enter’ guide as well as new animation, video editing and YouTube step-by-step guides, to make it easier than ever to take part.