Young scientists showcase new ideas

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GEORGE NEWS - Grade 11 learner Heinrich Conradie of Hoërskool Outeniqua is among the top achievers of the Eskom Expo Eden Karoo Regional Science Fair, where young scientists showcased their innovative research projects.

The event took place last weekend at the George City Hall.

Heinrich impressed the adjudicators with his scale model of a robotic vehicle, complete with a camera, humidity, temperature and quality sensors.

This invention can be used in a CBRN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) contaminated area to gather information. He secured the Eskom prize for Best Innovation with this remote-controled vehicle.

Other winners of the sought-after Eskom prizes include Grade 10s Izelke Conradie and Sarai Roos of Point High (Best Female), Grade 11s Joël Oosthuizen and Jonathan van Wyk, also of Point High, for the Best Energy Project and Grade 9 learner Linathi Koyana of Murray High in Plettenberg Bay (Best Development Project).

George Herald attended the event on Saturday 16 August, observing the interaction between the learners at the fair.

It was an honour to witness these top achievers excitedly sharing their inventions, giving a breakdown of their work to interested visitors and other participants.

Izelke and Sarai designed a three-tier, handbag size water filter which operates with activated charcoal made of black wattle wood, an invasive species. This was developed for people in rural areas, providing a cost effective way to purify water.

Joël and Jonathan designed a system that uses wind energy as fuel source to generate electricity and can charge an electric vehicle while driving.

Grade 7 learners Jakequinn Saayman and Mikash Maritz of Kretzenshoop Primary won a prize for the Best Junior Engineering project, and Grade 7s Mqweba Khalima and Mnyanda Iminathi of Delville Park Primary won a prize for the Best Junior Social Sciences project.

The fair featured 49 projects showcased by 74 young scientists across Grades 4 - 12 and Technical and Vocational Education and Training Level 2 to 4 students.

Learners were recognised for excellence in research and innovation and 12 gold, five silver and 16 bronze medals were awarded.

Grade 10s Izelke Conradie and Sarai Roos of Point High with their water purifying system. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

Recipients of the Special Awards from Eskom:

Best Female: Izelke Conradie and Sarai Roos, Grade 10, Punt High
Best Innovation: Heinrich Conradie, Grade 11, Outeniqua High
Best Energy Project: Joël Oosthuizen and Jonathan Van Wyk, Grade 11, Punt High
Best Development Project: Linathi Koyana, Grade 9, Murray High

Prizes for exceptional efforts and creativity (sponsored by Steyn-Wilson Laboratories, Zebra Surfacing and Martin & East Group):

Agriculture (Best Junior): Aedan Rischmuller, Grade 9, Still Bay Homeschool
Computer science and software development (Best Senior): Somila Sihele, Grade 10, Murray High
Earth Sciences (Best Senior): Izelke Conradie and Sarai Roos, Grade 10, Punt High
Earth Sciences (Best Junior): Reneshmee Raymond and Ke-ano Jacobs, Grade 6, De Villiers Primary
Energy (Best Senior): Joel Oosthuizen and Jonathan van Wyk, Grade 11, Punt High
Engineering (Best Senior): Heinrich Conradie, Grade 11, Outeniqua High
Engineering (Best Junior): Jakequinn Saayman and Mikash Maritz, Grade 7, Kretzenshoop Primary
Environmental Sciences (Best Senior): Thandile Mqeke, Grade 11, Concordia High
Environmental Sciences (Best Junior): Ivile Ncanywa, Grade 9, Murray High
Social Sciences (Best Senior): Haily Ruth Petersen, Grade 11, Aurial College Social Sciences (Best Junior): Mqweba Khalima and Mnyanda Iminathi, Grade 7, Delville Park Primary

Cash prizes by Rondebult:

Best Senior Male: Heinrich Conradie, Grade 11, Outeniqua High
Best Senior Female: Izelke Conradie & Sarai Roos, Grade 10, Punt High
Best Junior Male: Aedan Rischmuller, Grade 9, Still Bay Homeschool

Additionally, the SA Quantum Technology Initiative at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) awarded a Raspberry Pi to James Julies, Grade 11, Morester Senior Secondary.

Grade 11s Joël Oosthuizen and Jonathan van Wyk of Point High with their specialised system, generating electricity with wind energy. Photo: Michelle Pienaar