The annual Eskom Science Expo, a fair in which scholars are given the opportunity to showcase their scientific investigations has again assisted in creating a platform to exhibit new and exciting discoveries by budding scientists. The UFS hosted the regional exhibition of scholars’ projects from 13-15 August 2015 on the Bloemfontein Campus. Many local schools entered participants, who competed in the various categories offered in the competition. The aim and mission of the competition is to develop the young scientist to “identify a problem, analyse information, find solutions and communicate findings effectively.”

Project categories range from Agricultural Sciences, Engineering, and Energy, to Food Sciences. Many of the scholars’ projects try to tackle the issue of energy sustainability in South Africa, given the current condition facing the country. Some of the UFS departments took time out to educate these scholars. The departments included Geology, Information and Computer Sciences, and Chemistry.

Eskom was the coordinator of the event. They believe that, by participating at the expo, students awareness of the wonders of science will increase, adding to their knowledge and broadening their scientific horizons.

Having listened to some of the investigations of the participants, it seems that the issues or topics tackled were issues close to home for each of them. Their everyday environment served as a direct source of inspiration for an investigation.

However, at the end of this weekend, only a few projects could be selected to go through to the national leg of the competition.  A project that received a prestigious award was by Iselle van den Heever from Fichardtpark Primary School, who was awarded Eskom Best Female Project Special Award, for her project that investigated how planets orbit the sun.

The UFS continues to play a role in ensuring that young scholars are given a platform to seek out new and innovative solutions to issues of sustainability and development.

The Expo increased learner’s awareness of the wonders of science.