Young potential scientists got to showcase their impressive science, technology, engineering, maths, and innovation projects at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists held at the University of Johannesburg, Soweto Campus on August 26.

The expo provided learners from Grade 5 to Grade 12 the platform to showcase scientific research projects related to either engineering, mathematics, and technology that they discovered on their own.

Projects ranged from washing powders made from egg shells to water purification projects made with charcoal.

“Most people think that Eskom is about engineering and electricity. The Eskom Expo for Young Scientists has various categories that learners can choose from, which are health, social sustainable development, and mathematics etcetera.

We encourage them to go around their community and come up solutions for the problems that they find. We at Eskom want to promote and inspire young scientists,” said Eskom provincial director, Dev Mamabolo.

Learners were judged on how they presented their projects whether they were enthusiastic and confident, the limitations and gaps of the project, possible suggestions for expanding the project and the authenticity of the project.

Aiman Chal Chal and Bibi Rafiyah Banoo of Sama School – who were contestants at the expo- created a Water Purification project.

“The project consists of a 2-litre plastic bottle that contains a layer of tissue paper, gravel, and charcoal. The bottom of the bottle is cut then placed upside down with a cup underneath it with the layers of tissue paper, gravel, and charcoal inside it.

“As you pour the unclean water inside the bottle, the charcoal cleans the bacteria from the water and the tissue paper holds the particles found in the water as the clean water gets drained out of the top opening of the bottle,’’ explained Banoo.

Mamabolo was impressed with the turnout as the number of projects had grown from 224 to over 300 in the Gauteng South region.

“I’m most impressed by the number of township schools that participated this year. It pleases me to see them having an interest in the science and technology subjects,” he said.

The most outstanding participants selected in all regions will participate in the upcoming Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair that will be held at the beginning of next month.

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