Budding scientists from all over the Wellington region are displaying their ingenuity, creativity and analytic skills at the annual NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair at Victoria University of Wellington this week.
Some 400 entries from 42 schools in Wellington and the Hutt Valley have been received for the competition which offers about $16,000 in prizemoney across a range of categories.
The winner of the best overall exhibit will receive $1000.
Chief judge Bradley Douglass, of Victoria University, said this year’s entries covered a wide range of scientific disciplines.
“Victoria University is delighted to be hosting the NIWA Science Fair again this year. We’re dedicated to educating the next generation of scientists, and events like this are a great way of encouraging them to develop critical thinking skills.
“When you listen to the students talk about their projects you can see the excitement they have for science, and the quality of work is really inspiring.”
This year’s projects up for judging include:
- The asthma advantage: Does asthma make you a better swimmer?
- What is the best way to get rid of the weed Wandering Willy?
- Eye spy – or do I? How good is an eye witness’ judgement?
- Don’t let your tent blow away! Measuring how much force tent pegs can withstand.
- Building a Hovercraft. How high can you hover?
- Renewable energy from recycled parts.
- Elder watch: a portable laser tripwire for sleep walkers and the elderly.
Public viewing of the NIWA Wellington Regional Science and Technology Fair is on Friday between 9am and 4.30pm and on Saturday between 9am and midday at Victoria University’s Laby Building, first and second floors. Prizegiving is at 1pm.
NIWA wishes all students entering the fair the very best of luck. NIWA is also a major sponsor of the Auckland, Manukau, Bay of Plenty, and Waikato regional Science and Technology Fairs.
For more information see: www.sciencefair.org.nz
