The Welkom Regional Eskom Expo for Young scientists took place at the Welkom campus of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, over the past weekend.
The expo on Friday, 15 August, and Saturday was the culmination of eight district expos, in which a total of 469 projects were entered by 520 learners from 57 schools.
The Life Science quiz involved 11 teams of two members each who were busy with various activities for three hours, which tested their knowledge to the utmost. The quiz master was Lethlonolo Taiwe, supported by Kano Lenong and Mari-Et Desmore as record keepers. Ntando Zondani and Nyakallo Hlakwane of the Teto High School (Welkom) won the challenge. The second place went to Itumeleng Seseng and Thabang Tshotwane from Iphateleng High School (Wesselsbron), with Mbulelo Wittes and Tebogo Bosaletse from 3rd Kgololosego Secondary School (Dealsville), taking third place.
The prize giving started with a science show by Ms Kgabsy Lekgabe. Fatima Noor delivered an inspiring address about her Expo journey of the past two years, followed by Leila Erasmus, a Gr.7 learner of Welkom-Volkskool, who gave an inspiring speech. A total of 22 projects received bronze medals, 22 received silver medals and 14 were awarded gold medals.
The award for the best project done by a female went to Fatima Noor (Welkom Gimnasium) “Next-gen bandages 2.0: Sensing, Healing and Sustaining Wounds precision enhanced wound care” and the best innovation project to Hanno van Jaarsveld (Naudeville Primêr) “The ideal chicken feeder”. The best energy project was by Calista Gerber (Welkom Gimnasium) “Remotely Controlling and Monitoring the regeneration of electricity”. The best PDI project was done by Mphe Moloto (St Andrew’s) titled “Strength of Vegan SCOBY Leather”.
Gold medals were received by: Hanno van Jaarsveld, Puleng Ramabodu and Matshidiso Mokoena (Harmonie Primary School ) – Portable Heater, Fatima Noor, Helené Fourie (Trio) – The influence of gravity altering vectors on the nutrition, Mphe Moloto, Leila Erasmus (Welkom-Volkskool) – Your Brain, music and Learning abilities, Thokozile Mkhwanazi (Hentie Cilliers High School) – All in One Learning Companion, Tusani Mbongo (Riebeeckstad Primary School), Building Warmth With Biochar, Luphawo Nyubatyha (Saint Anne’s PTHS) – Solar ovum that focuses on thermal efficiency, Aphiwe Ndlovu (St Andrew’s ) – Which organic material will retain moisture in soil?, Tshegofatso Seane (St Andrew’s) – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, Calista Gerber, Janet de Wet (Diepfontein Christian School) – DIY xylem filter kit, Retshedisitswe Setlaelo and Reanetse Morabe (Riebeeckstad High school) – Gravity-fed Water System.
“Congratulations to all our medal winners at the Welkom Regional Expo, your hard work, commitment and perseverance has paid off”
Anina Nel, regional science fair director
“Congratulations to all our medal winners at the Welkom Regional Expo, your hard work, commitment and perseverance has paid off,” said Anina Nel, regional science fair director.
“A special word of thanks to the 18 members of Welkom Eskom Expo committee and Nicho Swartz, the Provincial coordinator of the Free State, who have been working tirelessly the whole year to assist teachers and learners. To all the teachers and parents who assist and encourage learners to develop an interest in science on a daily basis: Thank you for your effort,” said Nel.
A team of seven learners will represent the region at the International Science Fair at Emperor’s Palace from 6 to 10 October. – Alastair Smart
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