Waikato’s next generation of scientists are showcasing their latest discoveries at this week’s NIWA Waikato Science and Technology Fair in Hamilton.
Held at the Hamilton Garden’s Pavilion, the exhibits are open to the public on Friday from 2pm to 6pm and again on Saturday from 9am to 2pm. More than 350 projects from students in Years 7-13 have been entered from about 26 schools around the Waikato.
Kelvin Hogg, organiser and head of science at Hamilton’s St Paul’s Collegiate said the standard of entries continues to be extremely high.
“Science and technology fairs are all about getting students to think about the world around them and solve real-life problems. The students come up with new ideas and technologies that have real potential to become business enterprises. This is a great opportunity to view innovative and interesting ideas from our future scientists.”
Innovation is a key component at the annual NIWA-sponsored fair and this year projects include a motorised horse jump system, new antibiotic properties of lichen and the use of honey for wound repair.
Mr Hogg says the fair is always fascinating, with the quality and cleverness of student projects far exceeding the expectations of their age.
“The original ideas and enthusiastic way students talk about their projects shows that New Zealand’s future research and development projects will be in good hands.”
A team of judges, including commercial industry scientists, research scientists and educators, will award thousands of dollars in prize money and trophies. This includes 20 class winners of $120 each, 5 Major awards of $300 each and top prize of $1000 award for Best in Fair and $600 for the runner-up. NIWA also offers a paid work experience scholarship for the senior high school student with the most outstanding exhibit.
Prizewinners will be recognised at an official ceremony on Tuesday at the PWC Lecture Theatre at Waikato University.
NIWA wishes all students entering the fair the very best of luck. NIWA is also a major sponsor of the Auckland, Canterbury-Westland, Bay of Plenty, South and East Auckland and Wellington Science and Technology Fairs.
Contact
For more details see www.waikatosciencefair.org.nz