Electricity + Control February 2019

ENGINEERING THE FUTURE

Fresh ideas from young scientists

Two teenage boys recently travelled to Taiwan to represent South Africa at the 2019 Taiwan International Science Fair, after showcasing science projects of exceptional quality at the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists International Science Fair (ISF).

Take Note!

M ichael Dennis (18) from Potchefstroom Gimnasium and Christiaan Bauman (16) from Hoërskool Waterkloof were select- ed by a panel of academics and professionals fol- lowing ISF, which was held in Gauteng in October last year. These young boys impressed the judges with their ingenuity, depth of knowledge and mas- tery of enquiry methodology. Dennis investigated water pollution and devel- oped a management tool for modelling water pol- lution levels. High levels of phosphates in water bodies are not only toxic, but also upset the del- icate balance of the ecosystems. Dennis’s mod- elling tool will enable the management of these phosphate levels. Bauman addressed a serious problem that is experienced worldwide: the lives of miners and ci- vilians being threatened or lost in underground tun- nels or caves. The group of 12 boys and their foot- ball coach who were trapped in a cave in Thailand presents a recent example. Bauman programmed and built a robot that can be sent into such subterra-

The teenagers impressed the judges with their ingenuity, depth of know- ledge, and mastery of enquiry methodology.

nean spaces where it can detect life forms, map the space and provide rescuers with other critical data. Eskom Expo Executive Director, Parthy Chetty, says, “The aim of Eskom Expo is to get learners engaged in the sciences through research. What we are seeing with these two young scientists is that they have taken their work to a much higher level, which is comparable to industry standards.” The Taiwan fair took place 28 January to 1 Feb- ruary in Taipei. South Africa participates in this fair as it offers learners an opportunity to present their research to their peers from other countries as well as promoting cross-cultural communication and educational exchange. “Eskom has invested in the Expo for Young Sci- entists for over two decades because we feel this is the perfect avenue to grow future scientists and engineers for the country. The projects done by these two young learners point to the bright future we can create for our youth and our country,” says Pieter Pretorius, Chairperson, Eskom Expo Board of Directors.

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We feel the Expo for Young Scientists is the perfect avenue to grow future scientists and engineers.

Enquiries: Visit www.exposcience.co.za

Christian Bauman with the robot he designed to detect life forms in underground spaces.

Michael Dennis with his project on modelling and man- aging water pollution levels.

Electricity + Control

FEBRUARY 2019

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