National Science Fair

With banners over the stage, drawings of famous scientists decorating the walls, and about 100 people in attendance, the winners from each of the 10 provinces of Mozambique presented their science fair projects last Saturday in Quelimane, Zambezia for the 13^th annual National Science Fair.

In collaboration with the Mozambican Ministry of Science and Technology, two Peace Corps volunteers Dan and Sam worked all year to plan the national event, a big undertaking to bring together future scientists from around the country to show off their experiments and new ideas.  Students were judged by a jury constituting 5 people, one Peace Corps volunteer and 4 representatives from the Ministry.

After a student theater presentation about the spread of HIV/AIDS and a dance performance from a local women’s group, the students began their presentations.  Each presenting student had previously won their respective provincial fair last month and was invited to this National Fair to represent their province. Each student gave about a ten minute presentation or explanation of their project, followed by questions from the jury and audience.  The projects included:

1^st Cycle (grades 8-10)

Zambezia - Motion sensor and Remote Controlled Light

Nampula - Natural Pesticides from Alcohol mixed with peppers, garlic, or soap

Inhambane - Electrical Circuit using Graphite and Sulfuric Acid

Cabo Delgado - Sound-activated light

Sofala - Pesticide using fruits of a plant mixed with salt and water

Maputo - Preparation of Medicinal Syrups with plants and natural ingredients

Niassa - Extraction of alcohol from wine

Tete - Home-made Electrical Fan from Cardboard

Gaza - Electrical Circuit that links a cell phone alarm with a bell

Manica - Solar Water Heater

2^nd Cycle (grades 11-12)

Maputo - Production of Hair Gel from plant ingredients

Sofala - Creation of a machine to shell peanuts

Nampula - Distillation of Salt Water

Niassa - Electrical Circuit with option to vary electrical consumption and dimming feature

Inhambane - Creation of a Radio

Cabo Delgado - Demonstration of preventing erosion

Zambezia - Production of a Natural Insecticide using plants

Manica - Production of glue using burned oil

Tete - Natural plant-derived drink to aid the symptoms of HIV/SIDA

Gaza - Model of an improved urban plan

Though it was a long day, it was an amazing opportunity to watch these students presenting on a stage, in front of leaders of their communities, receiving praise and recognition for their innovative ideas.  It was also great to see 5 strong, intelligent girls presenting and defending their projects. 

And the winners were…

For first cycle, 3^rd place went to the student from Nampula for his natural insecticides.  He definitely knew what he was talking about and confidently defended his results and ideas.  2^nd place went to the student from Tete who made a fan from cardboard.  And 1^st place, the winner of a new lap top, went to a very impressive female from Inhambane who’s notable experiment, though not with materials many schools would have available, still impressively explained the scientific principles and chemistry behind her Sulfuric Acid and graphite electrical circuit.

2nd Cycle winner with the Zambezia Delegado

For second cycle, 3^rd place went to the student from Zambezia who made another natural pesticide.  2^nd place was awarded to the representative from my province, Delanie who I don’t think I ever saw not smiling, for her water distillation design.  And 1^st place was awarded to Elias from Niassa for his variable electricity circuit.  In a country where smiling is rare in formal ceremonies, this time, these students did not hesitate in hiding their smiles and Elias even put his hands on his head, in shock and pride of winning!

Adam and Tony with the Nampula students