Showcasing smart science by young people 15 August 2005

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Over $6000 worth of prizes will be awarded to school students in the Wellington region as part of the 41st annual Wellington Science & Technology Fair, sponsored by the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA).

There are 361 entries this year – from 41 schools, with large numbers of entries from intermediate-aged students from throughout Wellington and the Hutt Valley

The fair is open to students from Years 7 to 13 (Forms 1 to 7). Prizes are awarded in five classes: Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11-13.

The big prize for the overall winner is $700 and a week working alongside a post-graduate research student, sponsored by Victoria University’s Faculty of Science. The main winner will also be nominated for a place at the Genesis Energy "Realise the Dream". This is a week-long 'festival' of events for young scientists, technologists and others, to be held in December.

Last year’s main prize winner was Simon McVeagh from Rongotai College, who was in Year 9 (Form 3). His project, "Why girls should not swim in Evans Bay", investigated whether the marine life in Wellington Harbour has improved since New Zealand banned the use of TBT anti-fouling paints.

'Science & Technology Fairs provide a great chance to 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. Across the country thousands of students have been involved in researching, constructing, and presenting exhibits. Participation in Science & Technology Fairs is a powerful learning tool, and a lot of fun,' says NIWA’s Education Co-ordinator, Dr Julie Hall.

'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 Dr Hall.

NIWA is also a major sponsor of the Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Nelson Science & Technology Fairs, as well as the NIWA Discovery Room, an interactive marine discovery centre at Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World.

The NIWA Wellington Science & Technology Fair is open to the public on Friday, 19 August, 0900 to 1700, and Saturday, 20 August, 0900 to 1230. The exhibition is in the Laby Building at Victoria University.

Prizegiving is on Saturday 20 August at 1300 in Maclaurin Lecture Theatre 3 at Victoria University.

Media please note: To obtain advance notice of winners on the morning of Friday 19 August for the purpose of arranging interviews and photographs, please contact Sylvia Nichol (see below)

NIWA Wellington Science & Technology Fair Programme:

Wednesday, 17 August Set-up in afternoon
Thursday, 18 August Judging (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 at midday on Friday, 19 August)
Friday, 19 August Open for public viewing (9.00 am to 5.00 pm)
Saturday, 20 August Open for public viewing (9.00 am to 12.30 pm)
Prizegiving (1.00 p.m. in Maclaurin Lecture Theatre 3)

The exhibition will be in the Laby Building, Victoria University of Wellington.

www.sciencefair.org.nz

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