POLOKWANE – The learners spent many weeks ton creating and inventing different basic needs of science projects to showcase in the theatre, and to also impress the judges at the exciting science event held on 26 April.
They entered one of two categories, and competed in two groups; The senior group consisted of Gr 6 and 7 learners, while the junior phase group consisted of Gr 4 and 5 learners.
In the first category, which was called Pure Science and Investigations, the learners had to think of a question, and then develop a hypothesis that would answer the question.
They were expected to follow the Scientific Method and be able to conduct a fair test to either prove, or disprove their hypothesis.
In order to do this, the learners needed to to have a good understanding of how to conduct a fair test, and also on how to control their variables.
In the second category, called Technology and Design, the learners had to build or develop a product designed to solve a need. They were required to follow the technological process, which includes research, design, making and most importantly, evaluating their product at each stage.
The judges spent a lot of time assessing, and asking each candidate questions. They needed to have an attractive, organised display, and 75% of the marks were allocated according to how they understood the learners’ topic, evidence of research and application of the Scientific Method or Technological Process.
The contestants also needed to be able to communicate their findings and experiences to the adjudicators.
Gr 6 learner, Humayd Dada’s science project focused more on teenagers, as during his research he found that more teenagers than adults consume drinks that are harmful for their bodies. He explained that energy, caffeine and acidic drinks are not good for the body, so he invented a harmless drink, which involves vegetables as the main ingredients to boost one’s energy or that supplies one with energy.
Alexsis Govenden and Lebone Mapatha (Gr 6) created and designed a gadget for faster internet and Wi-Fi connection. They called it a Trendnet Wi-Fi.
“There is a way to enhance the strength of Wi-Fi signals in a cheap, yet effective manner, by using simple materials such as aluminium paper and a cereal box, or any box material found around your home. From these, you can build a device to boost your Wi-Fi signal at your home,” Alexsis said.
“The aluminium paper is attached to a box, then made to stand with a stick, and will help the Wi-Fi bounce back into the specific room you will be using the Wi-Fi,” Lebone said.
Mitchell House School Headmaster, Andrew Cook, wished all the learners that participated in the Science Fair event the best of luck.
A few photos from the event:
anne@nmgroup.co.za
