Events and Competitions
A new list of computer science competitions and events aims to support the national rollout of Computer Science to post-primary schools through the unique collaboration of representatives from all of the key stakeholders with the intention of developing and implementing a range of measures designed to allow the subject to develop and prosper as a subject for all.
| Event/Competition | Entry Date | About |
|---|---|---|
| Astro Pi | 14 September to 23 October 2020 | The European Astro Pi Challenge offers young people the amazing opportunity to conduct scientific investigations in space by writing computer programs that run on Raspberry Pi computers aboard the International Space Station (ISS). |
| CanSat | 18 September 2020 | CanSat is an initiative of the European Space Agency that challenges students from all over Europe to build and launch a mini satellite the size of a soda can. |
| Coolest Projects | May - June | If you’re up to 18 years old and you have made a cool project, you can join in. You can work as an individual or as part of a team of up to five. All projects are welcome, from beginner to advanced, in any programming language and using whatever hardware you have available. |
| Young Scientist | Closing date 01/10/20 | BT Young Scientist is an Irish annual school students' science competition to encourage interest in science in secondary schools. |
| EU Code Week | 10-15 October 2020 | EU Code Week is a grassroots initiative which aims to bring coding and digital literacy to everybody in a fun and engaging way… |
| Hour of Code | 7 – 13 December 2020 | The Hour of Code is an introduction to computer science driven by the Hour of Code and Computer Science Education Week Advisory and Review Committees as well as an unprecedented coalition of partners that have come together to support the Hour of Code — including Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the College Board. |
| Formula Females | All year round | The Go Girls Karting initiative is designed to give young females an insight into the world of Motorsport, whether it’s competing as a driver or undertaking a career through STEM. Using Motorsports as a platform to teach STEM education provides a new way of thinking for students who need something different in order to learn. |
| Teen Turn | Programmes available various dates throughout the year | Teen-Turn aims to provide teen girls the opportunity to gain hands-on STEM experience so that they can visualize themselves in those kinds of careers and therefore make third level course choices accordingly. |
| Technovation | October 2020 | Technovation is a global tech education nonprofit that empowers girls and families to become leaders, creators and problem-solvers. They offer two programs – Technovation Girls and Technovation Families – which bring kids and adults together to solve big problems in their communities. |
| Science on Stage | Event opens 2021 | Science on Stage (SonS) Europe is a European initiative to encourage science teachers to share best practice in science teaching. A key focus of SonS is the hosting of biennial teacher festivals to showcase innovative teaching ideas. Follow up activities focus on sharing, developing and sustaining the inspiration gained at the festival. |
| Berbas | November 2020 | The Bebras Computing Challenge introduces computational thinking to students, by allowing them to solve interactive tasks online. It is run in over 50 countries and takes place every November. The tasks can be answered without prior knowledge about computational thinking or information and communication technology. The aim of Bebras is to get students all over the world excited about computing. |
