Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Teen scientists to show projects in Taiwan
TWO teenage boys have won their places to represent South Africa at the 2019 Taiwan International Science Fair after showcasing science projects of exceptional quality at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair.
Michael Dennis, 18, from Potchefstroom Gimnasium, and Christiaan Bauman, 16, from Hoërskool Waterkloof, were selected by a panel of academics and professionals following the Fair, which was held in Gauteng in October last year.
The teens impressed judges with their ingenuity, depth of knowledge and mastery of enquiry methodology, Eskom said.
Michael investigated water pollution and developed a management tool for modelling pollution levels. High levels of phosphates in water bodies were not only toxic, but upset the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Michael’s tool would enable management of these levels.
Christiaan addressed the lives of miners and civilians being threatened or lost in sub-terrains, such as caves.
He programmed and built a robot that could be sent into these spaces, where it could detect life forms, map the space, and provide rescuers with other critical data.
Executive director of Eskom Expo, Parthy Chetty, said: “The aim of Eskom Expo is to get learners engaged in the sciences through research. What we are seeing with these two young scientists is that they have taken their work to a much higher level, which is comparable to industry standards.”
The Fair, in Taipei, started on Monday and ends on February 1. South Africa participated because it offered pupils an opportunity to present their research to their peers from other countries, while promoting cross-cultural communication and educational exchange.
Eskom Expo board of directors chairman, Pieter Pretorius, said: “Eskom has invested in the expo for young scientists for over two decades because we feel this is the perfect avenue to grow future scientists and engineers for the country…” – African News Agency (ANA)