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41% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the most important benefit of hosting the Square Kilometre Array telescope, would be the boost it gives our international reputation as experts in this field. |
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37% opted for “attracting more young people into science and engineering”; and 22% for “foreign investment for local technology projects”. |
Scientists at Stellenbosch University have developed a high-tech "tea bag" filter that fits into the neck of a bottle and turns polluted water into clean water as you drink from it.
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By Reyhana Mahomed
Grahamstown prides itself on having some of the country’s best government schools – but also some of the most enthusiastic young scientists. On 16 July, they showcased their efforts at the regional Eskom Expo for Young Scientists competition.
South Africa is in urgent need of young talented scientists who have the initiative and passion to contribute to society, so this year, Eskom asked learners to design projects that could solve specific problems in their communities. The 80 projects on show ranged from alternative ways of generating electricity to ways of rehabilitating the environment. Grade 8 learner Luthando Mgqawana of Ntaba Maria High School investigated the use of graveyard soil for agricultural purposes, while Victoria Girls’ High School Grade 11 learner, Marryam Tariq, looked at the possibility of using rainwater for domestic purposes.
This year, two staff members of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiverstiy (SAIAB) were involved in judging the event. Vanessa Rouhani of SAIAB science communication and aquatic biologist, Nikki James, spent a day scrutinising the projects and questioning the learners about their presentations.
“The quality of research has reached new, higher standards this year,” says Kate Cobbing, a science teacher at St Andrews High School, who has been a judge for the past four years and is the regional coordinator for the Eskom Expo.
This year the judges awarded six Gold Project Awards in the region. These winners will now participate on a national level on 1-2 October in Pretoria, and have each secured a bursary at Rhodes University.
How far we have come
Founded by the late Dr Derek Gray, the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists has been running for 30 years and has established itself as the premier exposition for the South African youth to demonstrate their innovation in the fields of science and technology.
More than 60 000 learners from schools in 26 regions around the country submit their scientific projects and are given the opportunity to discuss their work with professional scientists, judges, educators, learners from other schools, parents as well as other interested community members.
“One thing that Africa is not short of is incredibly innovative human talent. Eskom is totally committed to ensuring that the African Renaissance is realised,” says Eskom’s Dr Steve Lennon, Divisional Executive Corporate Services.
Judging criteria is based on the scientific work and effort that goes into the project, the initiative displayed and the scientific method followed by the learner, coupled with the quality of the findings and the scientific and technical skills that the learner develops.
For more information visit www.exposcience.co.za.
A 2006 success story
Siyabulela Xuza's science project “rocket fuel, which is cheaper, safer and more efficient than fuels used today” won gold at the 2006 Eskom Expo for Young Scientists’ National Finals as well as the Dr Derek Gray Memorial award for the most prestigious project in SA.
This led to an invitation to the International Youth Science Fair in Sweden in 2006, where he presented his project to the king and queen of Sweden and attended the Nobel Prize ceremony in Stockholm. His project was then entered into the world's biggest student science event, attracting about 1 500 students from 52 countries – the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair in the US, where he won two top awards.
Xuza received US$8 000 from New Mexico Oil and Gas Company as well as a high-performance laptop from Intel and the world-renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology.