Young scientists showcase innovation at regional expo

GEORGE NEWS - Enthusiastic young scientists seized the opportunity to exhibit their remarkable scientific and innovative research projects at this year’s regional final of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in the Eden Karoo.

A total of 77 learners in Grades 7 to 12 from the region gathered to present their research projects at the event held at Outeniqua High School on 4 and 5 August.

The evaluation of the 45 projects on display was carried out by 23 judges, comprising educators, specialists, scholars, and avid Eskom Expo supporters.

Due to a taxi strike over that weekend, some schools were unable to attend and their projects were adjudicated afterwards, therefore the delay in the release of the results.

The Regional Science Fair director, Leana Robinson said, "This was an opportunity for young scientists to show your interest in science and to be an active participant in its development. Sometimes our most seemingly insignificant ideas, when explored can be a major discovery. The Eskom Expo regional science fair aims to assist learners in this exciting process. A sincere thank you to all who assisted – volunteers who gave generously of their time, parents who provided support and resources, mentors and teachers who provided guidance and encouragement, judges who provided feedback and the Outeniqua High School for hosting the event."

Eskom Special Awards

Six exceptional young scientists were awarded the prestigious Eskom Special Awards. The learners, who received bluetooth speakers, were:

Best female: Abigail Marais from Point High School;
Best innovation: Aeden Rischmuller from Still by the Sea;
Best energy project: Chanel Greyling and Probijot Virdee from Point High School;
Best development project: Tahlia van Merch and Chloe le Roux from Aurial College.

Other special prizes awarded included:

Best Male: Jaco Jacobs from Outeniqua High School; Best Junior Female: Jane Solomons and Mariana Wagner from Môrester Secondary School; Junior Male: Heinrich Conradie and Pieter Winterbach from Outeniqua High School.

Category winners included:

Agricultural – Abrie van As from Oakdale Agricultural School
Energy – Chanel Greyling and Probijot Virdee from Point High School
Engineering – Jaco Jacobs from Outeniqua High School
Environmental – Tanith Smith and Juelles Eloff from Point High School
Social Sciences – Mian Hurter from Curro Mossel Bay

Nine medals for Kwaggas

Outeniqua High School learners pocketed nine medals. Pieter Winterbach, Amika Raubenheimer, Janelle Greyling, Heinrich Conradie, Jaco Jacobs and Roné Coetzer earned gold, Kelsey Justus silver, and Zanelia Liversage and Katinka Barnard bronze.

Eskom Expo Executive Director Parthy Chetty said the event forms a vital part of South Africa’s broader strategy to invest in skills development, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI) at the school level.

"The impressive projects showcased by learners, particularly those from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and girls, highlight a promising future ahead."

Advancing learners from the region will have the opportunity to compete at the Eskom International Science Fair (ISF) in October.

This prestigious event offers participants the chance to win prizes, bursaries, scholarships, and various other opportunities. Moreover, learners stand a chance to be selected to present their research and innovations at international science fairs held in the United States of America, Asia, Europe, and across Africa.

Grade 12 Outeniqua High learner Jaco Jacobs' project, 'Automated inflation and pressure regulation for recreational and professional cyclists' won the Best Male Project Category. With him is Rozanne Harding from Eskom.