On Monday 10th of August, the Otago Science Fair was held at Tūhura Otago Museum to celebrate the hard work of hundreds of students throughout the region. Students stood shoulder to shoulder in front of their beautiful display boards that summarised their independent projects and investigations that have taken months to complete. Judges asked each group about their projects including why they chose their specific topic, what obstacles they faced in carrying out their research, and what they learned from the experience.

Representing Trinity were students Christopher Rooney (Year 7), Elyssa Then (Year 9), Mikayla Pleace (Year 9), Fraser Chamberlain (Year 9), Naomi Pushenko (Year 9), Eva Marslin (Year 9), Kayleigh Dryden (Year 9) and Saira Eldho (Year 13). The competition was tough as there were so many interesting and creative projects, but they all managed to impress the judges and earn an award! An amazing achievement!

Christopher Rooney’s project ‘Keeping your bedroom safe in an Earthquake’ won the Aurora Energy Award, the University of Otago Geology Department and Geosciences Society of New Zealand Award, University of Otago College of Education Award and the University of Otago School of Surveying Award.

Elyssa Then and Mikayla Pleace’s project ‘The Sugar Showdown: How white sugar, brown sugar and honey affect cookie structure and texture’ won the Baking Industry Research Trust Award and the New Zealand Institute Food, Science & Technology with Seperex Award.

Fraser Chamberlain’s project ‘Deep AI Dive’ won the Bachelor of Information Technology, Otago Polytechnic Award and the University of Otago, School of Computing Award.

Naomi Pushenko and Eva Marslin’s project ‘Rhythm and Rise’ won the Aurora Energy Award.

Kayleigh Dryden’s project ‘The Chillin Chooks’ won the University of Otago, Department of Zoology Award.

Saira Eldho’s project ‘Green Hydrogen: Hype or Hope?’ won the Aurora Award for Excellence in Energy Research, the Keith Dawber Alternative/Renewable Energy Award and the Premiere University of Otago, Office of Sustainability Tī Kōuka Award.

All students were invited to attend the prizegiving this weekend at the museum and Saira, in earning a premiere award, was invited to a special afternoon tea with other premiere winners to celebrate their elite achievement!

I am so impressed by everyone’s hard work and dedication to their investigations. Every bit of research done helps to contribute to improving our world. Ka pai te mahi!