KNYSNA NEWS -Young scientific minds can use this upcoming December holiday to work on their projects for next year's Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. A series of workshops will be held from February to April, to assist learners in developing their brilliant ideas into comprehensive research plans.
Recently, two learners from the Southern Cape excelled at the International Science Fair in Boksburg, Johannesburg, securing gold and silver medals for their science projects.
Grade 8 learner Mieke Conradie (14) of Hoërskool Outeniqua was awarded a gold medal for her project titled Fun Maths in the category for computer sciences and software development.
Grade 9 learner Bulumko Merile of Murray High School in Plettenberg Bay received silver for her project titled Water Recycling Tanks in the engineering category.
Both learners impressed with their work at this prestigious event held in September, where learners from across South Africa and other African countries displayed their projects.
Mieke developed an application to help children excel in mathematics. The application was made to be fun, but also educational, with a built-in growth mindset to facilitate the learning process.
Bulumko's goal was to develop a cost-effective water recycling tank that effectively filters contaminants from the water, ensuring it meets safety and cleanliness standards. The reasons for developing this tank are to conserve water and to save money by reducing water bills.
Eskom Expo Eden Karoo admin assistant Sonet Strydom said these expos provide the perfect platform for inquisitive minds to ask questions and find solutions to problems within their communities. They are encourages to do well-thought-out research, build prototypes, or develop applications. "By engaging in these activities, learners not only prepare themselves for tertiary education, but also cultivate out-of-the-box analytical thinking. Sometimes, a simple solution can pave the way for a patented idea or even a world-changing innovation. Never underestimate the value of your idea."
Key dates to note
• February to April 2025: A series of workshops to assist learners developing their ideas
• May 2025: Learners can receive constructive feedback from judges at district expos
• 15 to 16 August 2025: Learners will showcase their projects to the public and be judged on merit and hard work.
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