- Four Grade 11 learners from Pinelands High School are representing their school at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair in Johannesburg.
- They are showcasing innovative projects ranging from sustainable waste management to earthquake-resistant foundations.
- The students all aim to pursue careers in STEM.
Four innovative Grade 11 learners from Pinelands High School are representing their school at this year’s prestigious Eskom Expo International Science Fair at the Emperor’s Palace Convention Centre in Kempton Park, Johannesburg.
The expo started yesterday (23 September) and will continue until Friday 27 September. At least 308 local young scientists and nine international participants from Lesotho, India, Russia and Mexico are showcasing their research and engineering projects at the event. At least nine young scientists from Turkey, Ghana, Mozambique, Kenya and Ireland are joining the event virtually.
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The four learners are among a group of 18 from different schools in the Cape metro who are participating in the contest.
They are all showcasing projects that address pressing real-world issues.
Projects
Adam Gibbon and Chris Collier-Reed have developed a groundbreaking project titled “Flies to the Rescue”, focusing on the use of black soldier fly larvae for waste management. Motivated by the alarming amount of food waste generated in homes and communities, the duo discovered that these larvae can decompose organic waste efficiently, producing valuable by-products like organic fertilizer and protein-rich animal feed. “We wanted to find a sustainable solution to combat food waste, which accounts for over 30% of global production,” said Adam. Chris added: “It’s been rewarding to collaborate with local agri-tech start-ups and overcome the challenges of working with live organisms.”
Israh Ebrahim has taken a different approach with her project, “A New Approach to Earthquake Resistance”. She was inspired by her fascination with natural disasters and technology.
Israh designed an eco-friendly building foundation that utilizes multiple earthquake-resistant technologies to withstand various seismic waves. “I realised that many current systems struggle with different seismic waves, and I wanted to create something that is both effective and environmentally friendly,” Israh explained. Despite initial challenges, she persevered: “With guidance from my teachers, I was able to improve my understanding and develop innovative solutions.”
Thanaa Samaai explored the science of baking in her project, “How Different Types of Flour Affect Cake”. A passionate baker, she investigated how different flour types influence cake structure. “I wanted to understand how the choice of flour impacts the final product,” Thanaa shared. Faced with ethical constraints that prevented tasting her creations, she created 108 cupcakes for analysis, stating “it was challenging to discard them, but I hope my research helps new bakers make informed choices about their ingredients”.
Preparation
All three students expressed pride in representing Pinelands High School at the Expo, emphasising the support they received from their teachers and mentors. Looking ahead, they aspire to pursue careers in Stem fields, driven by their passion for innovation and research.
In preparation for the Expo, the students participated in workshops and mentorship sessions that enhanced their projects and presentation skills.
“We’re thrilled that our students are, increasingly, choosing to identify problems in their local communities, and come up with solutions for them that are not only workable, but bring definite value to the community,” remarked Nicole Masureik, the teacher in charge. “Their journey to this point has been a long one – they started in January of this year and have been working on their projects non-stop since then. We are very proud of them, and hope that the judges at the International Science Fair not only see the value of their work, but reward them for it,” she added.
The Eskom Expo International Science Fair serves as a platform for young scientists to showcase their work and engage with peers, fostering the next generation of innovators. The Pinelands High School finalists aim to address global challenges, showcasing not just scientific inquiry, but also a commitment to community engagement and environmental sustainability.
