Auckland students gear up for science fair

First-time science fair entrants Oliver Gunson and Jayden Kumar are on a mission to help reduce skin cancer rates caused by New Zealand’s harsh sun.

The Year 8 King’s School students are competing in this week’s Auckland Regional Science and Technology Fair which is being held at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain.

Oliver and Jayden researched the penetration rates of UV through different types of clothing, wet and dry.

“This was to find out what clothes were good to wear on sunny days and also when wet. We chose this topic because we have been informed of rising skin cancer rates in New Zealand and want to do seomthing to help decrease these rates by researching the most common UV protection method,” they said.

The boys’ project is one of 170 entered in this year’s fair which involves 250 students from more than 20 schools.

Jayden and Oliver say the fair is a good way to do fun, practical and unique experiments in science. “All the experiments are unique and created by children like us, and we are looking forward to seeing the variety of projects at this year’s fair.”

The total prizemoney on offer tops $10,000 with the NIWA Premier Platinum Award for best overall exhibit worth $500.

Public viewing takes place from 5.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday and from 9am to 5pm on Saturday.

For more information see: www.scifair.org.nz