Budding young scientists are set to show off their projects at the South and East Auckland Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Fair this week at Mission Heights Junior College.
Among the entries are ‘Balletic Bodies’, ‘What’s with all the Gluten-Free Waffles?’ and ‘Freedom from Nagging’.
More than 170 students from 15 schools have entered this year’s annual National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA) South and East Auckland STEM Fair.
Tracey Burton, a Freshwater Ecologist and science fair coordinator at NIWA, says the fairs are an important platform for students to think about and engage with science. “For many young students, science fairs are the first time they will design and carry out their own scientific investigation. We hope the experience will inspire them to pursue careers in science and technology”.
Students are competing for more than $11,000 in prizes including special awards, best overall project by year level and the premier best in the fair award. As well as cash awards, students are also competing for an experience-based learning trip with Auckland Transport and the opportunity to display projects at MOTAT in a Science Fair Showcase exhibit.
On Friday morning, a team of judges will interview students and the winners will be announced at a prizegiving to be held at Elim Christian Centre Auditorium on Tuesday August 27 at 7pm.
Public viewing is available at the Mission Heights Junior College (in theatre), 103 Jeffs Road, Manukau on Monday August 19 and Tuesday August 20 from 3pm to 6pm.
Providing major sponsorship for many of the science fairs throughout New Zealand is part of NIWA’s long-term commitment to enhancing science and technology for young New Zealanders.
NIWA is also a major sponsor of the Auckland City, South & East Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury-Westland and Wellington Science and Technology Fairs.
For more information visit http://www.sciencefairmanukau.org.nz/
 Fair this week at Mission Heights Junior College.){kind=link}