Young science whiz to share solutions at international event
A group of exceptional young scientists from SA will have the opportunity to show their stuff at the Grand Final of the Indonesia International Science Technology and Engineering Competition (ISTEC) in Bali.
Among them is Pearson High School grade 9 pupil Luke Boswell, 14, who booked his ticket for the event after impressing at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg in December.
Luke’s renewable energy project, “Investigating the performance and output of the Savonius, Darrieus and Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines”, looks into which turbines, performing at different wind speeds, produced the most power.
He designed the contraption, comprising a direct current (DC) motor, wires and wind turbine blades, using wood, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and steel. The science boffin is one of four SA pupils, and the only one from the Eastern Cape, set to represent the country at the event from May 10-14 which attracted about 190 young, gifted scientists from nine countries.
A small party at the Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport saw Luke off yesterday, where he said he was delighted to participate in the prestigious competition to spotlight innovative solutions to everyday problems.
“Obviously, all around SA, energy security is a major issue,” Luke said.
“[My project] looks into the solutions for energy independency in SA.
“This will enable people in rural and urban environments a means of electricity to power various things in their homes to alleviate dependency on the national energy grid.”
Speaking about the trip, sponsored by the Eskom Expo
for Young Scientists NPO, he said he was grateful for the support.
“It’s amazing to see people from different areas supporting and motivating you to do what you never thought possible.
“If you are going to create a project, you are not alone.
“A support system is available to push you to do your best.”
Regional science fair director Dr Marilyn Gibbs applauded Luke for qualifying for the international science competition.
“He’s put lots of hard work into this and gives us [Port Elizabeth Eskom Science Fair Expo Committee] the energising light,” she said.
“It’s the first time we’ve had an international SA representative in five years.
“It’s not easy getting chosen, and we hope [Luke] will be a groundbreaker for more pupils and schools.
“He looked at the efficiency of different blade designs and surface areas.
“It stood out because normal households in areas that can’t afford electricity can use it.”
District natural sciences subject adviser Richman Festile said the education department lauded the teen’s representation as phenomenal.
Luke’s father, Bevan, said he was proud to see his son making strides in the subject.
“He developed the project entirely on his own and did the research.
“To see it all coming together, as a parent, was a pleasure.”
Joining Luke for the competition in Indonesia are grade 10 Star College Cape Town pupil Zariah Parker, grade 10 pupil at Paul Roos Gymnasium in Stellenbosch Matthew Crouch, and Ndzhaka Mukela Siweya, a grade 12 pupil at Khanyisa Learning Centre in Limpopo.