RS Components was part of the judging panel and one of the sponsors for the special awards at this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists that took place at the Birchwood Conference Centre on the 7th and 8th of October.
The event is a science fair where students from all over South Africa, as well as from other countries, exhibit projects based on their own research. It is aimed at increasing students’ awareness of the wonders of science, adding to their knowledge and broadening their scientific horizons. Students are required to identify a problem, analyse information, find solutions and communicate their findings effectively.
Hundreds of students participated in different categories with innovative ideas to solve everyday problems. Projects ranged from creating bio fuel, automated pill dispensers for people with Alzheimers, to charging a cellphone with a lemon. As much as these are deemed ‘school science projects’, they have created exposure and opportunities for young South Africans far beyond the classroom. A great example is Siyabulela Xuza, who developed a cheaper, safer rocket fuel as his project and won the gold medal at the Expo in 2006, followed by other international wins, a scholarship to Harvard and global recognition by having a planet named after him.
“It was encouraging to engage with these young scientists at the expo and to discuss all the amazing ideas that are possible and could solve real world challenges. The future of our country will depend on the skills of its young people and we are proud to be a part of an initiative that promotes science, technology and commercial learning amongst learners,” said Mellisa Naidoo, head of marketing for RS Components South Africa.
RS sponsored prizes in the form of two Raspberry Pi systems, each of which included a Raspberry Pi 2, an SD card with software preloaded, 2,8” LCD starter kit, mouse and keyboard. The two systems were part of the special awards at the Eskom Expo.
The two special award winners won for their work on an Unmanned Robotic fire fighter and a Novel Ignition preventing drunken driving. The students are from Mbilwi Secondary School and Dundee High School.
For more information contact RS Components, +27 (0)11 691 9300, [email protected], www.rsonline.co.za
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