Fair to showcase young science talent 17 August 2006
Hundreds of young scientists are to showcase their talent at Victoria University in the annual NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair, held from 23 to 26 August.
Around 400 exhibits are expected from Year 7 to Year 13 students, from 38 schools throughout the Wellington and Hutt Valley areas, covering all areas of science and technology.
Dr Gillian Turner, judging co-ordinator and chief judge, says she is looking forward to the event. 'It’s always exciting to see the talent coming from these students, and the creative projects they come up with.'
On judging day, 24 August, a team of 24 judges will interview all the students and select the best projects in each of the age classes. In all, over $10 000 worth of prizes are available, donated by a range of businesses and science organisations.
"The Victoria University Science Faculty is proud to be donating the main prize this year," says Dr Turner. "If the Fair is won by a Year 11, 12 or 13 student they will receive a one-year fees scholarship towards a science programme at Victoria, which could be a great opportunity."
The principal sponsor is NIWA, with other sponsors including the Royal Society and Otago University, who are donating an all-expenses-paid trip to their summer science school. The main winner will also be nominated for a place at Genesis Energy’s "Realise the Dream" – a week-long festival of events for young scientists, technologists and others, to be held in December.
'Science & Technology Fairs provide a great chance for students to actively participate in science projects. The enthusiasm is clear to see and the Fairs give an opportunity for students to gain recognition for excellence and innovation.
'Naturally, NIWA hopes that many of the students exhibiting at this year’s fair will take up careers in science. Young scientists and technologists will be vital to maintaining New Zealand’s prosperity and our remarkable environment in future,' says NIWA’s Education Co-ordinator, Dr Julie Hall.
The Fair, held in the undergraduate physics and chemistry laboratories in the Laby Building, is open for public viewing between 9 am and 5 pm on Friday 25 August and 9 am to 12.30 pm on Saturday 26 August. Prizegiving is on Saturday 26 August at 1 pm in Maclaurin Lecture Theatre 3 at Victoria University.
The details of the Main Prize winner, the Royal Society prize, and the 1st prize in each class will be posted to the fair’s website (www.sciencefair.org.nz) at midday on Friday, 25 August.