On August 25 and 26 the Stellenbosch Town Hall was a hive of activity when 276 learners from 24 different schools displayed 217 research projects at the Stellenbosch regional competition of Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. Fifty nine projects were awarded bronze medals, 49 silver and 30 gold.

Learners who enrolled the best research projects in specific categories – there are 27 of them – received cash prizes funded by the Faculties of AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Engineering, Science and Medicine and Health Sciences.

Seventeen learners from 13 schools were selected to represent this region at the International Science Fair (ISF) in Boksburg in October 2016.

As the host of the competition in this region with the Faculty of Science, the Centre for Pedagogy in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University (SUNCEP) was excited to see and experience the enthusiasm amongst the youngsters. "We are also thrilled about the number of entries, especially from schools who participated for the first time this year", said Director, Dr Trevor van Louw.

EXPO, by the very nature of its activities, is making a contribution to improving the scientific, technical and research skills of young people, and providing an excellent opportunity for educators to engage in the type of activity promoted within the education curriculum.

"This platform gives learners a wonderful opportunity to display their work on higher level and have it adjudicated objectively. We know that learners who participate in this competition have a huge advantage as it improves their ability to think critically and solve challenging issues," says Dr van Louw.

About 80 teachers, mostly lecturers and post graduate students from various faculties at Stellenbosch University as well as a few members from organisations such as iTembaLabs and the South African Weather Service adjudicated the projects.

Ms Sophia Turner, from The DST-NRF Centre for Excellence for Invasion Biology (CIB), who was one of the judges, confirms Dr van Louw's words. "This expo introduces learners to first-hand experience with the scientific process. They learn how to think independently, how to problem solve and are supported to come up with insightful and logical conclusions. Ultimately it also encourages them to pursue science as a career. The learners were pleasant to work with, showed a lot of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn from the constructive criticism given to them".

Likho Sikutshwa, also form the CIB, Ms Noluthando Hlazo, a teacher from Masibambane Senior Secondary School and Ms Sheraine van Wyk from the Whale Coast Conservation in Hermanus all agree that it worked well to judge the projects with people from different backgrounds. "When discussing the scores that we gave each project, it became evident that we gave our scores based on our backgrounds and expertise."

Ms Hlazo, currently working towards a PhD in Science education with a focus on assessment for learning said: "I have learned a lot during the judging process and will definitely use all the information I gained there to help my learners with their projects next year. One of the things I have learned, however, was that learners should start with their projects much earlier.  I therefore started a science club at my school where I am encouraging learners to start thinking of projects to do for next year expo now already. I am certain my school will have the most entries in expo next year."

On the photo above are from left to right:

Ms Likho Sikutshwa, Ms Sophia Turner, Ms Sheraine van Wyk and Ms Noluthando Hlazo.