Knysna’s young scientists
A group of eight learners, representing Knysna, Outeniqua and Point High Schools, were chosen to partake in the International Science Expo in Johannesburg in September after the recent local instalment of the competition held in George. They are Bontle Mlokoti, Sinokuhle Rungqu and Siviwe Ngqambuza (Knysna High), Kuyler Geldenhuys and Phillip van der Merwe (Outeniqua High), Megan Bailey, Anne-Maria Adreani and Lunje Esther Mengezeleli (Point High).
At the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists at the George Civic Centre on 3 August, 32 learners (18 projects) received a bronze diploma, 18 learners (11 projects) were awarded a silver diploma and 13 learners (nine projects) took home a gold diploma.
Learners from Grade 6 to 12 took part in this competition, run annually by Eskom. The projects were evaluated by 40 judges from across the Eden/Karoo districts, who also gave feedback.
A device to save shower water, crop farming in extreme climates and a vending machine for sanitary products in the girls' bathroom at schools are some of the amazing projects displayed during the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
A total of 87 projects by 141 learners from various schools in the district were judged. Mzoxolo Primary School was the only primary school that entered in this yearly competition focused on the development of science. Outeniqua High School entered the biggest number of participants. Among them were Elouise Higgs and Ankia Heyneman, who built a model representing a vending machine for sanitary products. "The idea is that learners can punch in their student numbers for an item and the amount is added to their school account," said Heyneman. Two grade 11s of Point High School in Mossel Bay, Serett Kruger and Wentzel Pauw, amazed with their simple solution to stretch the lifetime of takkies. They developed a product to strengthen the soles.