Learners of the St. Patrick’s CBC in Kimberley received the most gold medals, and medals overall, at the Kimberley regional finals of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
At this event on 30 July, 78 young scientists gathered at the Sol Plaatje University’s (SPU) South Campus Community Hall to show–case their innovative science, engineering and social investigations, while 31 judges evaluated the 59 projects.
A total of 26 learners received bronze medals, 10 silver and 12 gold at this regional expo, one of 35 in all provinces.
The most entries were seen in the Biomedical and Medical Sciences category, with a significant number of entries in the Social Sciences and energy categories.
The best in the energy category was Antoné Menne of the De Aar High School with her project, “Skaap-voerkraalmis ideaal vir verhitting”.
The best development project was a group project, and Chriszaan Olivier and Rihanna Darries of the Riverside High School in Douglas were rewarded for “Candle jar”.
The most innovative project award went to Sabelo Sithole of the Kimberley Boys’ High School for “Hydroelectric traffic lights”.
Learners in the region who advance to the International Science Fair (ISF) in December, will compete against the best young scientists in the country where they have a chance to win prizes and bursaries, along with scholarships and various opportunities.
Here learners also stand a chance to be selected to show–case their research or innovation in an ISF in the United States, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa.
“The event marked a new partnership with the SPU, as both organisations share a common goal. The vice-chancellor, Prof. Andrew Crouch, is keen to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (Stem) education”, said the Northern Cape coordinator, Chris McCartney.
“It was impressive how learners were able to develop such innovative projects. Eskom is investing in young scientists through the Eskom Expo, which forms part of a broader Eskom strategy of skills development, investing in Stem and innovation at school level,” commented Cecil Ramonotsi, CEO: Eskom Development Foundation.
“Eskom Expo remains one of our flagship corporate citizenship initiatives, through which we actively develop the innovation potential, presentation skills and competitive edge of our young scientists,” said Nthato Minyuku, Eskom group executive for Government and Regulatory Affairs.
