NIHERST: Science Whizz 2006

Some might have been confused and questioned exactly what could have brought together Jane of the Jungle, a Sensei, a cooking show hostess, a leprechaun, an environmental gymnast and two rappers to compete against each other? The answer to this mind boggle is really quite elementary – a love for science coupled with a flair for the dramatic as a finalist of NIHERST’s eighth Science Whizz competition.

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Overview

In this year’s competition, thirty-one (31) finalists bedazzled the judges and audience alike with their amazing presentations that required contestants to demonstrate a scientific or mathematical principle in an informative and entertaining way. It was evident that the contestants took the challenge seriously, demonstrating not only superb skills and understanding of science, but also unique creativity in their presentations. So Jane emerged from deep within her jungle abode to get an explanation on the science of sound from an inveterate hunter. The cooking show hostess aided a chef in distress by giving her a recipe for an emulsion to make her salad palatable, while the Sensei taught the grasshoppers a short method of multiplying special numbers. The end result was a competition of high standard and a difficult task for the judges.

At the award ceremony, held on June 9th at the National Science Centre, two students of Scarborough Secondary School, Ashelle Edwards and Arita Edmund received first and second prizes respectively in the Science Junior Category. Kirlan Gibson of the Open Bible High School took the third place award. Ms Keren-Maryse De Four an independent entrant was given the Science Senior Prize. In the Mathematics category, youngster Prithivi Ramakrishan of the International School Port of Spain won the junior prize and the top senior prize was given to Mr Rong Qai Chen of the Open Bible High School.

Mrs Maureen Manchouck, President, NIHERST in her remarks after the prize giving said that she felt heartened to continue competition as its objectives of increasing students’ interest and improving their academic performance in science and maths were being realised. She also expressed the hope of expanding the competition not only by increasing the number of participants but also to improve the programme to stimulate greater creative thinking and innovation.

Although the curtain has come down on the Science Whizz 2006 competition, it’s not all over for these science wizards as their performances will be featured on an upcoming television programme. So stay tuned.