Grahamstown learners have returned from the Eskom Expo International Science Fair for young scientists with nine medals and two category prizes, as well as a treasure trove of skills and memories.
Grahamstown learners have returned from the Eskom Expo International Science Fair for young scientists with nine medals and two category prizes, as well as a treasure trove of skills and memories.
Regional director Anja Fourie said that the bright young minds impressed the strict judges at the Johannesburg Expo.
TEM Mrwetyana Grade 11 learner Luphelo Belu scooped the South African Environmental Observation Network best project award and a bronze medal for his project "Water wise", which dealt with water issues in the Joza community.
Victoria Primary School learner Zoe Lang was awarded a bronze medal for her project "Cost-effective ways of reducing one’s carbon footprint", and fellow schoolmate Lea Timmermans was also awarded bronze medal for her project, "The differences in 3D perception with right- and left-handed people".
Eyethu Mdiza, a Grade 9 learner from Ntaba Maria Secondary School, received a silver medal and the prestigious HJ van der Byl Award for her project, “The most efficient way to clean pit latrines”.
Sumaiya Vawda and Danielle Walker of Victoria Girls’ High School were awarded silver medals for their projects, “Reducing the oxidation of fresh produce” and “Do birds have a favourite colour?” respectively.
Fourie says she hopes that all the participants gained valuable experience at the fair.
"It was the spark that ignites many successful careers in the sciences in the years to come," she added.
The learners were required to enter a project at the Rhodes University Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, one of 32 regional finals held in August this year, where their projects were selected for entry into the national finals.
Fourie, said the excellent performance by Grahamstown’s young scientists at the International Science Fair remains consistent.
"We hope these learners will be an inspiration to others in the Fort Beaufort, Grahamstown and Queenstown educational district to enter the competition and to access the opportunities it has to offer," Fourie said.
The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists gives learners the opportunity to exhibit their own scientific investigation.
"The project aims to inspire and develop young scientists who are able to identify a problem, analyse information, find solutions and communicate findings effectively," Fourie said.
