Biodiversity Youth Symposium offers learners a chance to show their skills

The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG) invites learners in Grade 10 to 12 to participate in the 4th Biodiversity Youth Symposium on 3 August 2013. The Symposium will be held in the zoo's Education Centre from 08:30 - 16:00.

The NZG's Parks Leshaba (left) and Elize de Jager with last year's winners - Odirile Marire and Isaac Masoleng from Voortrekkerhoogte Secondary School.		Desiree Gambushe's presentation on sustainable foods for sustainable energy earned her the second prize in last year's competition.

This year's theme is "Celebrating scientific areas in which South Africa has a competitive edge". The sub-theme is "Saving our endangered species".

There are five categories for oral presentations - Indigenous Knowledge; Marine Sciences; Palaeontology; Biodiversity; and Antarctica.

Learners must choose their own topics, which have to coincide with ONE of the above-mentioned categories. They must report on a research project they completed and not merely give a literature review.

The due date for abstracts (250 words) and registration is 19 July 2013. The registration fee is R50 per learner. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

Prizes for schools and learners

• First prize: A science-related prize to the value of R2 000 for the learner and a camera to the value of R2 500 for the learner's school.
• Second prize: A science-related prize to the value of R1 500 for the learner and a printer to the value of R1 500 for the learner's school.
• Third prize: A science-related prize to the value of R750 for the learner and a scientific calculator to the value of R750 for the learner's school.

The best abstracts will be selected for oral presentations.

Learners may still register and attend the symposium without presenting a talk.

Further information and registration forms can be obtained from the NZG's Elize de Jager at 012 339-2734 or elize@nzg.ac.za.