Winners of the Northern Cape Eskom Expo for young scientists drew inspiration from the Covid-19 pandemic to research their projects.
WINNERS of the Northern Cape Eskom Expo for young scientists drew inspiration from the Covid-19 pandemic to research their projects.
They will participate in the final round of the Eskom expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF) on October 8, where competitors from 35 regions in South Africa and African countries will participate.
Eskom expo provincial coordinator Chris McCartney said Mea Ford and Nordeway van Zyl from Carnarvon High School received the best development project in the biomedical and medical sciences category for their project on the effectiveness of soap on killing germs
“The findings of this award-winning project demonstrated that not all soaps are effective when washing your hands to prevent Covid-19 contamination.”
He stated that 79 projects were showcased at the provincial expo ranging from environment to energy.
“The Eskom award for the best female project went to Jana Strydom from Curro Kathu High School. She found a solution to extend the battery life of an electric car by means of a wind turbine that is installed behind the vehicle’s grill.
“It is clear that resilience is a South African trademark with pupils taking inspiration from the pandemic to decide on research subjects despite its disruptions,” McCartney added.
He said four of the five Eskom award winners were girls.
“The best innovation project was awarded to Melanie Louw from Hoërskool Duineveld who worked on a project developed to effectively unload a bale of hay to feed animals.
“Karlien Rossouw, also from Hoërskool Duineveld won the best energy award for using gas as the quickest way to light up a braai.”
McCarney stated that the expo endeavoured to cultivate a spirit of research among the youth as part of Eskom’s strategy of skills development, investing in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation subjects.
