Established in 2007, the competition aims to stimulate an interest in science among school pupils and makes them aware that science and its applications are all around us. The goal is to demystify science and generate an interest in science careers. This year more than 80 entries were received.
Professor Deena Naidoo, the Master of Ceremonies and co-ordinator of the competition, welcomed the teachers and pupils from winning schools as well as the invited guests. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, the Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Affairs opened the function and Professor Lesley Cornish, the Director of the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Strong Materials gave closing remarks.
1st Place Award and a cash prize of R15 000 went to King’s School, Robin Hills for Outstanding Scientific Comprehension and Overall Excellence for the poster entitled Carbyne putting the car in a byne.
2nd Place Award went to Hyde Park High School and a cash prize of R10 000 for Outstanding Scientific Comprehension and Overall Excellence for the poster entitled Wanted! Synthesized or NOT Rhenium Diboride.
3rd Place Award went to Parktown High School for Girls and a cash prize of R5 000 for Outstanding Scientific Comprehension and Overall Excellence for the poster entitled Gorilla Glass.
The competition challenges Grade 10 pupils to produce a poster on the properties and applications of a strong material. Strong materials are materials that retain their distinctive and applied properties under extreme conditions and have established potential commercial applications.
Special prizes in various categories were awarded. To view the recipients and winning posters, click here.
