Learners of 19 Matjhabeng schools competed at the Welkom Regional Eskom Expo for Young Scientists that was held at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Welkom campus on 11 and 12 August.
“The expo aims to encourage learners to explore science and get them interested in careers in the scientific field,” says Lize-May de Klerk, local representative of the expo.
The competition had two components: the science quiz for teams and then the research projects done by individuals or two scholars.
The Physical Science quiz involved a record 29 teams of two members each who were busy with various activities for three hours.
“This tested their knowledge to the utmost, with quiz master Adel Smith, and Mari-et Desmore and Kano Lenong as record keepers,” says De Klerk.
The competition saw Monaheng Matene and Ntoyakhe Kamva of the Teto Secondary School winning the challenge.
Second place went to Bokamoso Msibi and Benice Potgieter of Welkom-Gimnasium, with Michaela Pottas and Kayla Rensburg of the Goudveld-Hoërskool taking third place.
All of these learners went home with a cash prize, compliments of Eskom.
There were 115 research projects entered in 13 categories. The levels were Gr. 5 to Gr. 7, Gr. 8 and Gr. 9, and Gr. 10 to Gr. 12. A total of 55 judges used the national rubric to evaluate each project in terms of scientific principles, creativity, written work, and the oral presentation.
A total of 25 projects received bronze medals, 19 silver, and 15 were awarded gold medals.
The award for the best project done by a female contestant went to Karmni Visser (Welkom-Gimnasium) for her Fantastic Plastic project.
The best energy project was done by Kganyo Makapane of the Hentie Cilliers High School for Hybotene:Hybrid Energy Robot.
Gold medals were received by Madelein Pretorius, Loskuil Primary School (Ondersoek metodes om tamaties sonder elektrisiteit volhoubaar te stoor); Leila Erasmus, Welkom-Volkskool (Hoe om bloubessies langer vars te hou); Hanno van Jaarsveld, the Primêre Skool Naudeville (Brandstofbesparing deur snelheid); Karlien van Jaarsveld, Naudeville (Nie-herwinbare en hewinbare produkte om slaggate te herstel); Karmini Visser, Welkom-Gimnasium (Fantastic Plastic); Fatima Noor, Welkom-Gimnasium (Plastic bottle housing – Free of charge); Calista Gerber, Welkom-Gimnasium (Licht – panel Ceiling Fitting); Nyakallo Mbongo, Welkom-Gimnasium (Soil Restoration . . .Inocculated); Kganyo Makapane, Hentie Cilliers (Hybotene: Hybrid Energy Robot); Micaela Sardinha, St Andrew’s School Welkom (Perfect Chip); Seabi Moroe, St Andrew’s (The impact of information systems in medical practice facilities); Olevia Cossa, St Andrew’s (A financial literacy game Gr. 7 to Gr. 9); Catrice Ravhura, St Andrew’s (Pharmacy apps for clients and pharmacists); Nthabeleng Mokgathi and Rethabile Motsumi, Makeleketla Primary School (Mixtures); and Qhawe Makala, Saaiplaas Primary School (The lefty Advantage).
“Congratulations to all our medal winners at the Welkom Regional Expo,” says Anina Nel, chairperson of said expo.
Nel also thanked the Welkom Eskom Expo committee and Nicho Swartz who worked tirelessly presenting workshops and mini expos to assist teachers and learners.
“To all the teachers and parents who assist and encourage learners to develop an interest in science on a daily basis, thank you for your effort.”
