Young scientists brainstorm for next leg of expo

GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT NEWS - Young scientists eager to enter the provincial leg of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in August are hard at work attending day camps and online workshops, where they share their brilliant ideas.

"Learners were afforded opportunities since the beginning of the year," said Eden administration assistant Sonet Strydom.

"Each online workshop was held on two separate days, making participation easier and ensuring progress with their projects." A teacher's workshop and online workshop for learners were held in March, followed by another online learner's workshop and day camps in April, in Knysna, George, Mossel Bay, Riversdale and Oudtshoorn.

Strydom said it was heart-warming to see a grand total of 92 learners attending the day camps, eager to share their work and ideas. "We endeavour to assist learners reach their goals and complete projects to enter for the provincial expo competition to be held in August."

She thanked all role players for availing venues to host the day camps and giving learners the opportunity to participate. "We look forward to the coming activities during the second school term," she said.

For information regarding the Eskom Expo, send an email to Sonet Strydom (puffels@cyberperk.co.za).

Medals and certificates
All the youngsters who participated in the 2020 International Science Fair competition last year received their medals and certificates during the month of April. Strydom said it was a mammoth task to ensure every winner received their certificate and medal, but it was well worth it.

In George, four Grade 9 learners from Outeniqua High received "Highly Recommended" for their projects. The learner pairs were Tim van Staden and Johan Burger, Yana Lötter and Kirsten Swart. Three other Grade 9 Kwaggas received recognition for participating in the event: Jaco Jacobs, Mia van Eden and Marleigh Maritz.

The following learners from Murray High in Plettenberg Bay received medals and certificates for their projects:

Thimna Sijama (bronze, Grade 10), Leletu Ngqele (Gold, Grade 12), Sinipha Gwejeka (participant), Siyabulela Kroma (Highly Recommended), Nosiphiwe Meyatho (Gold, Grade 12) and Okuhle Mzimba (participant).

Bridgton Secondary School in Oudtshoorn has a bronze medal winner, Chloe Parry, while the Grade12-learner Siviwe Ngqambuza of Knysna High received a "Highly Recommended" for his project. Luthando Mtsamana (Grade 10) of Concordia High in Knysna received recognition for participating in the event.

Bridgton Secondary School in Oudtshoorn: From left are Mr Witbooi, Mr K Ellis (principal), Chloe Parry (bronze medal winner) and teacher Ms De Vos.

Medal winners at Murray High in Plettenberg Bay with deputy principal Anathi Tyontwana and science educator Ernest Mbili (left) and science head of department Ntombizandile Zinto (right). In front is the expo Eden administration assistant Sonet Strydom.