CAPE TOWN – Curious minds and big questions prompted two teenagers to explore the matter of melting glaciers.

Cullen Fillies and Kieran Leander, two marine sciences learners at Protea Heights Academy in Brackenfell, share a passion for researching marine-related topics, a curiosity that has now carried them to top honours at the Eskom Expo Stellenbosch Regional Science Fair.

Their model of how melting glaciers affect seawater earned them the Best Senior Project and Best Developing Project awards for Earth Sciences at the prestigious science fair.

Cullen and Kieran are both Grade 11 Marine Sciences learners who enjoy conducting research on marine-related topics in their free time. Their passion for marine science inspired them to investigate the effects of melting ice on ocean salinity, water density and ocean stratification.

Climate stability

Their project investigated how continuous freshwater input from melting ice affects the mixing depth and salinity of stratified saltwater over time. The learners modelled the effects of melting glaciers and ice sheets by placing a coloured ice block into salt water and measuring how far the freshwater penetrated into the saltwater, as well as changes in salinity at two-minute intervals.

“The project aimed to demonstrate how fresh water from melting ice can reduce salinity, weaken ocean stratification, and potentially influence thermohaline circulation and climate stability,” explains teacher Surita Pedro, the school’s science fair coordinator.

“Along with the rollercoaster of emotions, even given this was my second Eskom Expo, my partner and I had incredibly insightful conversations with professionals, judges, and my fellow peers, which I believe will aid in building the foundation for our future, because the future is always built on the present,” says Cullen. While Kieran rated the experience as 10/10, saying, “It was a very enjoyable experience being there to explain what we had worked on, especially since it was my first time at Stellenbosch and my first time participating in an Expo. There was a unique and exciting atmosphere, and I would definitely love to go again.”

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Protea Heights Academy principal Andrea Coetzer says the school is exceptionally proud of their achievements.

“Our learners competed against some of the region’s best young scientists and once again proved that curiosity, careful research and perseverance lead to exceptional results. Protea Heights Academy received four Gold, two Silver and five Bronze medals, while one group of learners was awarded a Highly Commended accolade. We are especially proud of Cullen and Kieran. You have done our school proud, and we look forward to seeing many of you continue to excel at the next level of the competition,” she said.

“These results reflect the many hours our learners invested in their projects, the guidance of dedicated educators, and the encouragement they receive from their families. Success at this level is never achieved by chance.”

Future scientists

Hosted at Stellenbosch University’s Engineering Faculty in August, the science fair featured 206 projects, including group projects, presented by 276 learners in Grades 4 to 12 and technical and vocational education and training students.

Participants advanced to the Regional Science Fair after taking part in a range of Eskom Expo activities throughout the year, including workshops and compulsory District Expos, where they received valuable guidance and feedback from judges, mentors and STEMI professionals.

This year’s projects reflected a wide range of scientific interests and community-focused solutions across the 13 Eskom Expo categories. The most popular category was Environmental Studies, which attracted 30 entries, followed by Engineering and Social Sciences with 29 entries each.

Eskom Expo Stellenbosch Regional Science Fair director, Toinette Horn, said this year’s fair demonstrated what is possible when young scientific curiosity, innovative thinking and academic expertise come together.

“From low-cost technology and renewable energy concepts to research exploring artificial intelligence, biomedical engineering and environmental sustainability, our young scientists showed that they are ready to tackle real-world challenges,” said Horn.

“We should remember the names of these young scientists, because among them may be the innovators, engineers and researchers whose ideas will help shape South Africa’s future.”