Anica Dennis, a young scientist from Potchefstroom High School for Girls, came home with a bronze medal in the computer math category of the Karademir Science Energy Engineering Fair (OKSEF) in Turkey.
Anica’s scientific research entailed an expert system mobile app that shows the seriousness of the health conditions of children, based on their symptoms.
The app identifies basic danger signs and expresses the urgency of getting the child to a healthcare professional in three classes: high, medium and low.
“My Eskom Expo for Young Scientists journey started in grade eight and took me all the way to Turkey, where I made friends from many different countries. OKSEF was an amazing opportunity, not only to explore the horizon of science but also to learn about other cultures,” Anica said.
According to the young scientist, passion drove her to science and motivated her to do this project. She decided that this would be the last time she would be participating in the science expo as she will be in matric next year.
“I need to focus on that, but I aim to improve my project by taking the feedback from the OKSEF judges, implementing it and translating my app into all 11 official South African languages,” she said.
After she matriculates, Anica wants to study bio-engineering or go in a direction where she can combine her two passions, science and sport.
Anica is one of the learners the judges hand-picked after showcasing science projects of exceptional quality at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists’ International Science Fair (ISF) last October.
To everyone who wants to enter the science expo, “never give up, even though it does take hard work and a lot of effort. If your one project fails, it doesn’t mean you should stop or give up. You should continue, no matter what. The sky is the limit,” she said.
Lydia Maputle, Eskom Science Expo’s regional coordinator, invites all those who want an opportunity like Anica’s to enter the first level, the district Expo at Boys’ High from 08:00 on 20 July.
It is compulsory for all young scientists to start there. The regional expo is the second level and will take place at the NWU amphitheatre on 14 August. From the regional round, the judges will select finalists for the international round in Boksburg. This round will take place during the September school holidays.
Learners who are in matric and interested in doing electrical engineering in 2020 are also encouraged to participate. They could earn a full bursary to study at the University of their choice. Visit www.expedience.co.za for more information.
