Students gear up for MIT Manukau Science Fair

Monday, 13 August 2007

Students gear up for MIT Manukau Science and Technology Fair

From electronics to the environment, enthusiastic science whizzes from local schools are busy preparing for the 2007 MIT Manukau Science and Technology Fair to be held at Manurewa High School from 18-22 August 2007.

This year, students will be competing across 14 categories in what organisers claim is “one of the best regional science fairs in the country”. The first prize is a Manukau Institute of Technology scholarship worth $4000, or a cash prize of $1000. As principal sponsors, MIT will also be offering several other awards in electronics, innovation, invention and heritage categories.

The fair promises to be a true community event, with other prizes up for grabs including a $500 cash prize for the runner up from the Kiwanis Club of Counties Manukau, and an environment award from Manukau City Council. The Premier Award winner may be selected to represent this fair at the Genesis Energy Realise the Dream event.

Fair convener Charl van der Heever says this year is shaping up extremely well. Although the prizes are a real bonus, he says the real focus is on students developing sound skills and excellence in scientific research.

“Each year the fair inspires local students to explore the world of science and technology while having the chance to represent their school,” says Charl, as head of Biology at Manurewa High School.

“For many students the fair provides a platform outside of the confines of the classroom to explore an area of interest. Past award winning participants all agree that their participation and achievements in the fair have helped them to secure a variety of scholarships as well as boosting their applications for places in restricted courses at tertiary institutions. We hope that the MIT Manukau Science and Technology Fair will continue to provide this springboard into the awesome world of science.”

The competition is open to intermediate schools and colleges in the Counties Manukau area and entries close on Tuesday, 09 August. All entries will be judged by a panel of experts from industry and education on Sunday, 19 August, while the prizegiving will be held on Tuesday, 28 August at the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre. The competition is open to the public for viewing from Monday, 20 - Wednesday, 22 August.

ENDS

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