St Stithians young scientists wow the judges at international science fair

Young and thriving scientists from St Stithians Boys‘ College in Sandton used their time in lockdown to be innovative. Taking part in the annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair, they said that the motivation behind their project was to assist with fighting the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

Focusing on density statistics, they wanted to determine how the density of a population affects the spreading of the coronavirus.
“We wanted to create a project that was topical and interesting to the both of us and that maybe some part of it could help in the future during this or another future pandemic,” said Nicholas Homann.

Their digital project about the virus earned them a silver medal for the fair in December last year. On their way to completing school, the Grade 11 boys said that they wanted to push themselves by entering the fair.

“Our teacher, Ms Lizelle Swanepoel, said that our project was expo level and really pushed us. Once I saw the opportunity there was a lot of buzz from my friends and family so I decided to try and make them proud, I also wanted to challenge myself,” said Mongi Luthuli.

Physical sciences teacher at the school, Pfarelo Mphaphuli said that science is an important aspect especially in the world we live in. Having been a physical sciences teacher for almost 25 years, Pfarelo added that one of the most important things to do as a scientist is to learn by experiment.

“As a result, they become more interested such that they usually choose to continue with the subject throughout their schooling and post- school careers,” said Mphaphuli.

With plans to study further in the fields of microbiology and math, the boys are growing passionate about the field.

Mphaphuli mentioned that more students need to take sciences at school level.

“Having more learners do the subject in school will also equate to more educators needed. It is a reality that our country does not have that capacity at the moment.”

With big plans in mind, he intends on continuing to motivate learners to think outside the box. “Learners should be innovative and determined. In the end, the world will be a better place.”