Update
GEORGE NEWS - Grade 12 learner at Outeniqua High School Jaco Jacobs was awarded a silver medal for his science project at the 2023 Taiwan International Science Fair (TISF). The event took place from 6 to 10 February at the National Taiwan Science Education Centre in Taipei.
In Taiwanese terms, Jaco's silver medal is equivalent to a "second award". The only other South African learner invited to showcase her work was Dia Singh, a Grade 12 learner at St Dominic's School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. Dia received a third award (South African equivalent of a bronze medal).
A total of 288 learners from 21 countries around the world competed in this year's TISF.
South Africa participates in this fair annually via the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, as it offers local learners an opportunity to present their research to their peers from other countries, while promoting cross-cultural communication and educational exchange.
Jaco's project
The research project by Jacobs, "Automated Inflation and Pressure Regulation for Recreational and Professional Cyclists", found that for competitive cyclists, as well as amateurs, deflated or over-inflated tyres have always been problematic and more importantly, a safety hazard.
The learner's fourth prototype 3D-printed design automatically adjusts the tyre pressure while moving. Using this prototype, cyclists can also adjust the tyre pressure as the terrain of the track they are using changes.
"I feel very grateful to have won an award. I have been working on this project for a very long time and have gone through many iterations," said Jaco.
"To get second prize in Taiwan is definitely a special achievement. I had a great experience taking part in the TISF; I really enjoyed exploring the city's landmarks and culture, which was a highlight for me. I also enjoyed connecting with the locals and other international participants."
Jaco Jacobs proudly shows his silver medal award.
Dia's project
The research project by Dia Singh, "Using P.I.P. to strengthen roads: Plastic incinerated by plastic", demonstrated that the fuel produced when plastic is burned can be used to burn more plastic waste.
In this way, one can get rid of plastic using an alternative fuel source. In addition, Singh developed the Plasticator mobile application, which allows for the monitoring of quantities and types of waste that have been incinerated. This data is then saved onto a database and can be used for analysis purposes.
Dia said being selected by Eskom Expo to take part in the TISF was further than any goals she had set when starting to work on her research project.
"The great amount of positive attention from Eskom Expo's regional event and International Science Fair had given me confidence in the value of my project. To receive an award at the TISF was a great honour."
She said the best part of the trip to Taiwan was the people. "People from different backgrounds, countries and beliefs. Every person I met had left an impact on me, as they showed me how different we are and how beautiful that can be. These networks and connections formed will be cherished."
Jaco Jacobs, Brady Lawrence of Eskom Expo and Dia Singh.
Life-changing
Eskom Development Foundation CEO Sumaya Nassiep said it is important to encourage learners to participate in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, as it can be a life-changing experience that shapes their future careers and significantly impacts the local and international scientific community.
"The expo is open to learners from all backgrounds and levels of education, and is an excellent way to support and nurture the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders in South Africa."
Nthato Minyuku, Eskom group executive for government and regulatory affairs, said he is particularly proud of the two learners, whose innovations solve real world problems.
Registration to take part in Eskom Expo is open. Learners in Grades 4 to 12, along with learners from TVET colleges that are in NC2 to NC4 can register their projects by clicking the link: http://bit.ly/3dVnTGH
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