Science expo attracts record numbers

More than 300 students are preparing for Nelson’s Scitec Expo, with this year’s event incorporating new ways for children to express their love of science and technology.

The Cawthron Institute, which organised the Expo, says some 340 entries from schools across Nelson and Tasman will be on show at next month’s fair at the Trafalgar Centre; almost 100 more than in previous years.

Students are exhibiting their work under two new categories; Art in Science/Technology, and Research, alongside the traditional science and technology projects.

Finn Bryant will be among those showcasing his battery-powered Lego sorter, chosen last week as one of five technology entries from Clifton Terrace Primary School.

‘‘He’s developed something that helps him at home,’’ quips the school’s Expo coordinator, Year 2 teacher James Hebberd, who believes the new art and research-based projects have helped inspire the children.

‘‘We’ve definitely got more students keen to be involved because we’ve got the new categories,’’ he says, with four art projects among the school’s 15 entries.

Entries are open this year to early childhood centres as well as primary and secondary schools, with students now able to enter in Te Reo Maori.

The Cawthron Institute says prizes worth $6000 will be on offer at the fair, with around 50 judges volunteering a day of their time to read and interview all the students.

‘‘The Expo aims to inspire students to pursue their interest in science and technology,’’ says Cristina Armstrong, the Cawthron Institute’s community educator.

Armstrong says the Expo will ‘‘show the public the amazing talent and hard work from our younger members of the community.’’

The Scitech Expo will take place on September 26-28.