Out of almost 21 000 learners who wrote this year’s National Science Olympiad, five top performers found themselves winging their way to the London International Youth Science Forum in England in August.

This international forum brings together around 300 science students from almost 60 countries on the five continents, who participate in a programme of visits to industrial sites and research facilities, plus lectures and demonstrations from leading scientists.

For one of this year’s Science Olympiad winners, Junfeng Guo, the forum opened his mind to new ideas: “During the two weeks there, I was exposed to the latest research and technologies in the fields of science, exploring topics such as chemistry and light, polymers, renewable energy, carbon nanotubes, batteries and fuel cell, and nuclear fusion,” he says.

Guo won the Physical Science section of the 2010 National Science Olympiad, which culminated in a glittering event in Midrand at the end of September. This followed the special focus week, which was held during the school holidays for the top 100 participants. The focus week aims at enhancing and cultivating learners’ interest in careers in science, engineering and technology (SET) and this year included lectures, excursions and industry visits.

“We want to expose learners to science and let them see for themselves where the science is happening,” says SAASTA’s Science Education Unit Manager, Dr Jabulani Nukeri.

The Science Olympiad is one of SAASTA’s flagship programmes and focuses on identifying talent in SET and nurturing it into excellence.

Sponsored by Harmony Gold Mining Company, the fifth-largest gold producer in the world, the Olympiad test consists of a number of curriculum-based and general science and technology questions for grades 11-12 learners. There are two Olympiad papers that candidates can select from: Physical and Life Sciences.

Prizes for the top achievers include laptop and desktop computers, iPods, laboratory equipment and book vouchers, invitations to attend the Science Focus Week, and a trip to the United Kingdom to attend the London International Youth Science Forum.

The 2010 top five learners were:

• Physical Science in Grade 12: Junfeng Guo from York High School, George, Western Cape
• Life Science in Grade 12: Sam Tolmay from Voortrekker Hoër, Bethlehem, Free State
• Physical Science in Grade 11: Sean Wentzel from Westerford High School, Rondebosch, Cape Town
• Life Science in Grade 11: Fatima Haq from Sama High School, Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Disadvantaged School Physical Science Grade 12: Shared by Gladness Masango and Lindelwa Matsebula, both from Bantfwabetfu High School, Mashishila, Mpumalanga.

 
The prize for top girl learner in the physical science paper was shared by Gladness Masango and Lindelwa Matsebula, both from Bantfwabetfu High School, Mashishila, Mpumalanga. They also won prizes for being the top girl learners from disadvantaged schools (desktop computers) as well as a R2 000 book voucher. They are seen here with Beverley Damonse, executive director of SAASTA and Dr Molapo Qhobela, Deputy Director General, Department of Science and Technology.

Junfeng Guo, a Grade 12 learner from York High School in George, Western Cape, was the overall winner of the physical science category of this year’s National Science Olympiad. He received his award, a laptop computer, from Jackie Matebula (left) executive of corporate affairs at Harmony Mines Ltd and Beverley Damonse, executive director of SAASTA.

NOTE: National Science Olympiad 2011
Registration for the 2011 National Science Olympiad is now open. Please visit www.saasta.ac.za for more information.

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