Back in November, our Y9 Science students began their science fair investigations. They started by brainstorming possible questions and over the next 4 weeks planned, trialed, and problem-solved to complete their projects.

On Wednesday as part of the Junior Celebration Day, we held our first Y9 Science Fair. We had 24 amazing exhibits across the year 9 cohort, with fun and innovative projects involving slime, plant growth, memory & vision, homemade volcanoes, and much much more.

During the science fair the year 9s presented their work to the year 10s, staff, and whānau. Witnessing the year 9s confidently demonstrating a clear understanding of the scientific inquiry process was awesome. We were so impressed with their ability to explain what they'd learned and their decision-making processes.

The year 10s and staff acted as judges for the science fair and we presented four awards:

The "Best Student Presenters" went to Carter, Manaia J and Joel for their investigation about What fruit browns the quickest?

The "Most innovative investigation" went to Sithum, Dylan & Hayden for their investigation about Can you generate sufficient energy to light an LED using potatoes and lemons?

The "Ngākau award" (for biggest effort & commitment) went to Georgia, Paige, Kaylee and Salem for Which strength of hydrogen peroxide makes the tallest elephant toothpaste?

The "Best Visual Exhibit" went to Lanaiyah, Mika, Ebony, Aysha and Maia for their investigation of How to grow the best salt crystals?

Well done to all the year 9s for their hard work and amazing exhibits. We are already looking forward to the 2024 Science Fair!

Happy holidays from the Science team