Young scientist earns spot in International Science Expo

An aspiring scientist from Flora Park Comprehensive High School, Lufuno Mawelewele is through to the International Science Fair after outcompeting his opponents at the Eskom Science Expo regional round at Gateway International Airport recently.
The school was represented by four budding scientists being Keith Chituni, Nhlamulo Ndhambi, Mosa Mupezeni and Lufuno who are in different grades. At the regional champs, Keith and Nhlamulo attained bronze medals while Mosa got silver. Lufuno received a silver medal, special award, tablet and scientific calculator.
According to his mentor and educator Isabel Sathekge, the four had to come up with their own science projects which they presented in front of the judges. She said Mosa’s project will be judged again and if it happens that he wins, he will join Lufuno on the international stage stated, adding that she is confident in her learners.
Keith explained that his project was a machine which senses the smell of alcohol in the classroom and sends a signal to the principal’s office for educators to investigate. The other one works as a register and if it finds that one learner is not in class, will still alert the principal while the third machine detects harmful items such as knives and guns on learners.
Nhlamulo’s project focuses on reducing unemployment rate among graduates. He stated that the system will allow businesses to contribute 5% of their quarterly earnings to assist unemployed graduates to establish businesses. Mosa’s ‘aircraft efficiency with greener operations’ project aims to improve aircrafts take-off and landing operations by replacing modern runway track with magnetic levitation system and replace wheels with hooks. He said this will reduce noise and air pollution.
Lufuno aims to assist astronauts to work in a safe environment without exposure to radiation and lack of oxygen by designing a portable space lab. Sathekge outlined that the school only had one learner at the international champs last year and that the fact that Mosa still stands a chance meant a lot to the school. She said it shows that learners understand her work and teaching tactics and she was planning to conduct a workshop at the school to educate learners about the importance of such competitions and urge them to participate.
Sathekge congratulated the four wannabe scientists for their achievements and wished Mosa and Lufuno best of luck with their next competition. She added that they were hoping to have more learners competing on the international stage next year.

Story and photo: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za