TriTech success for PEPPS learners
PEPPS Preparatory coordinator for TriTech, Tanya Van Whye said that the experience was inspirational as the learners were given the opportunity to experience 'science in action'.
POLOKWANE – PEPPS Polokwane Preparatory and College learners represented the school at the TriTech 2023 National Science and Technology Fair that was held at Hoërskool Merensky on October 21.
Of the preparatory phase learners that participated, Mia and Leila Korff won the health sciences category, receiving gold medals and a voucher for their project, ‘Swimming takes my breath away’.
The two explained that the goal of a competitive swimmer is to become faster and one way in which to better their time is to expand swimmers’ lung capacity as a large lung capacity is needed to hold as much oxygen as possible.
With this in mind, they formulated that they have formulated an experiment called Lung Busters, which consists of a drill in which swimmers hold their breath for as long as possible.
The experiment took place over three weeks.
PEPPS Preparatory coordinator for TriTech, Tanya Van Whye said that the experience was inspirational as the learners were given the opportunity to experience ‘science in action’.
“We surely look forward to Tritech 2024,” she said.
Erin Altenroxel and Rozaan Korff obtained position three in the maths, science and technology category.
Their project, ‘The Shed’, was a food app.
The Shed is the tuck-shop at their school. As the school has grown over the past few years, so has the demand for orders. They have identified a demand at school to have a means of communication between The Shed and the learners, teachers, and parents to save on time during break to purchase goods from The Shed. The app aims to create a better functioning, systematic tuck-shop, through the implementation of packed lunches which are on the menu on the app. This creates a healthy, fully balanced meal ready for the child, teacher, or parent.
The Shed app will also have a notice feature, improving the communication of possible price adjustments. Unfortunately, the app is not yet fully functional – but once it is, it will benefit all parties.
PEPPS Polokwane College TriTech coordinator, Timmy Mahlane said that they are proud of the hard work and commitment shown by learners. “Despite limited time, the pressure, and managing their schoolwork, they managed to emerge victorious. Let’s not forget that they competed against students from North West and Mpumalanga, who they defeated,” he said.
