BUDDING young scientists are invited to enter a project in the FFS Expo for Young Scientists and stand a chance to go on a four-day scientific enriching tour in KZN and Gauteng in October.
The expo, now in its 31st year, is open to learners from Grades 8 to 12 and is about science and having fun.
At the expo, learners are expected to present the results of their studies in any aspect of science that is of interest to them. The results are displayed visually as a poster, together with any other material that is relevant. A panel of judges will interview each exhibitor and the best entries will be awarded medals. All participants will receive participation certificates.
In addition, the South African Association for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR) will award a deserving marine science project, that shows excellence in innovative research.
There are three basic types of expo projects: collections, constructions and investigations, and a broad range of categories including physics and astronomy, chemistry, botany, zoology, mathematics and statistics, marine sciences, microbiology, conservation and environmental studies, human biology and medicine, energy innovations, recycling, social sciences, electronics and robotics, and many more that learners can exhibit on.
The closing date for acceptance of entries is 30 June, however late entries will be accepted until 10 July. The science expo takes place on 30 and 31 July at the UKZN Edgewood Campus Conference Centre (at the corner of Richmond and Mariannhill Roads in Pinetown).
FFS Refiners is sponsoring about 25 of the top achievers at the expo and a group of disadvantaged young scientists to tour sites such as the Drakensberg Pumping Station, Wits University Planetarium, the Hartbeeshoek Radio and Astronomy Observatory, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s National Laser Centre, Pretoria Zoo, Tswaing Meteorite Crater, Sterkfontein Caves, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre and the NECSA Atomic Energy Corporation at Pelindaba.
Visit www.ffs-refiners.com/general/csi/science-expo for information and entry forms. Science teachers can email Bice Martincigh on martinci@ukzn.ac.za for expo requirements.