Learners of two high schools in Kimberley performed exceptionally well in representing South Africa at an international competition held annually in America, and during which youths present their research findings to a panel of scientists of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
These learners of the Kimberley Boys’ High School and the Kimberley Technical High School (THS) were the first from South Africa and the African continent to ever participate in the Growing Beyond Earth (GBE) 2022-’23 competiton.
A total of 372 schools across six continents started trial 1 of the competition in September, said Keamogetswe Thomas, communication officer at the Northern Cape Entrepreneurship Academy, a non-profit company.
Only 58 schools out of the 372 made it through to trial 2, including the two Kimberley-based school. Trial 2 culminated in a student research symposium where schools had to present and showcase their scientific research virtually.
The programme is designed for trials to be done at a school, progress be measured and results captured online over seven months. The learners present their findings virtually.
Boys’ High ranked in the top 11 performing schools, scoring 192 out of 200, and were awarded a special merit award for exemplary teamwork.
On their work, a judge commented, “They investigated the effect of humidity on plant growth. They tested their prediction that higher humidity could increase yield with constant growth. The experiment was well-conceived and executed, and communicated clearly with a very high-quality presentation. Strong work indeed.”
THS ranked in the top 39 performing schools, scoring 185 out of 200.
A judge’s remark was, “This was obviously well-rehearsed and really professionally performed. Taking the initial observations about algal growth and using that as a building block for a new investigation was a great piece of science! Elements like using randomisation in the trial design showed a really thoughtful approach to setting up the experiment. The discussion with the judges was also sophisticated, showing a real ability to think in the moment. Great job!”
At the core of the learners’ achievement lies the fact that they participated in a groundbreaking classroom-based citizen science project with NASA attached to it. This initiative aims to advance NASA’s research on growing plants in space by conducting plant experiments in a state-of-the-art plant habitat, reminiscent of the Vegetable Production System aboard the International Space Station.
Reflecting on his experience, Lukhanya Wolfe of Boys’ High said it helps to shape his ambitions for helping the earth, and finding ways to sustain life beyond our planet.
“I envision our contributions having the potential to redefine the agricultural space,” expressed Tshiamo Molusi, also of Boys’ High.
Khanyile Kalipi of THS said farming with new technology has propelled us into a realm of endless possibilities.
The schools’ participation was made possible by the Northern Cape Entrepreneurship Academy, which aims to educate and drive sustainable development with learners and young people through various initiatives such as GreenLab.bi.
– Keamogetswe Thomas
