Science Fair regionals celebrate young scientists

A young scientist fed up with household cleaners setting off his asthma has created a clever  alternative.

Oscar Webb from Renwick School joined hundreds of entrants from schools across the region for this year’s Marlborough Lines Science and Technology Fair.

The Year 8 student was showcasing his entry, Bye Bye Bac among other projects at Stadium 2000 today.

He says his research showed a common additive, ammonium quaternary, in some big brand cleaners was a problem for some asthmatics.

“My mum and I both have asthma, and most cleaners don’t work properly and cause my asthma.

“I wanted to make a cleaning product that didn’t do that.”

After putting two prototypes together, it was a mix of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and white vinegar that worked the best.

Initial attempts where he added lemon juice to the mix were not as effective, Oscar says.

“I think we’ll use it [the cleaner] at home now.”

About 350 primary and secondary students have taken part in their own school SciTec Fairs, with some from each being picked for the regional final at the stadium.

The celebration has been held for more than 20 years, running as a partnership between the Blenheim Lions, local schools, and teachers with Marlborough Lines as the lead sponsor.

Marlborough Lines is a long-standing advocate of the need for increased youth interest in science and technology.

Ward School students Victoria Hickman and Honor Todhunter paired up to investigate if gummy bear lollies would increase in size when put in liquid.

“Vinegar worked the best,” explains Victoria.

Renwick Year 6 student Aaron Anderson enlisted the help of his pet Flemish Giant rabbit, Nicey, for his project.

After reading a book about how to make bridges, Aaron chose to investigate Can I Make a Bridge for My Bunny.

His well-made lollipop design proved successful, holding Nicey, who weigh 6kg, for more than hour.

“It held him no problem,” Aaron says.

Chloe Dougall from Fairhall School chose to discover which flour type would make the tallest and best tasting cupcakes.

Her project, Flour Power grew from a love of baking, she says.

“Mum and I love to do baking together and I was really interested in the different types of four.

“Standard flour is the best.”

Witherlea friends Juan Jose, Girvan Dick and Harrison du Plessis wanted to find out about the energy burned in the world’s first atomic bomb, Little Boy.

“We’d heard about it and wanted to find out more,” Juan says.

“The world’s first atomic bomb was a big deal,” he says.

Judges were marking each project  yesterday with prizegiving set to take place today at 7pm.