A dance contest that teaches about muscle extension, a party girl’s dilemma about the value of brain functions, an exploration of the magical number nine, and twin pierrots magnetic attractions were among the presentations that took home the main honours at the Awards Ceremony of NIHERST/NGC’s Science Whizz Competition on Friday 8th June 2007. The 131 entries which produced 24 finalists suggest a continued strong interest in the competition. Having drawn to a close at the final leg on May 25th - 26th 2007, the winners of this annual ‘science showman’ contest were announced at the ceremony which was held at the National Science Centre (NSC).

Related Links Overview Science Whizz 2007 Science Whizz 2006 Science Whizz 2005 Science Whizz 2004 Science Whizz 2003

The speakers at the morning’s proceedings were Ms. Althea Maund, Science Advisor at the NSC, Ms. Claudette Ible, Curriculum Officer (Science) at the Ministry of Education, who had served as the Chief Judge of the competition, Mrs. Maureen Manchouck, President of NIHERST and Mr. Clarence Mitchell, Director of the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NGC) - the sponsor of the competition.

Ms. Ible, in presenting the judges’ comments, lauded the competence and confidence displayed by entrants and their high level of teamwork. She noted the dedication of teachers who had supported their students in this competition. She also offered some suggestions for improvement by entrants for future competitions. Mrs. Manchouck, in her remarks, emphasized that the recent inclusion of drama in the school curriculum, tied to this type of competition, could serve to assist in the delivery of the science curriculum.

Mr. Mitchell described the Science Whizz Competition as the most entertaining and exciting programme sponsored by NGC, and a point of great pride for the company. He considered that the event had the potential to help develop a cadre of innovative and inventive scientists and individuals who could learn to think and act scientifically and logically.

This year’s prize-winners were:

Junior Science Category

Senior Science Category

Special Prizes

At the end of the prize-giving, the audience was treated to two of the winning performances. First on stage was Kevonne Kerr, a sixth form student of Holy Name Convent, Port of Spain. Kevonne’s presentation was entitled “There isn’t any party like a brain party”. This clever piece highlighted the individual roles of the various parts of the brain, as discovered by a girl who wanted to leave at least one part of her brain at home when heading off to a party. Needless to say, by the end of the skit, the party girl realized that you can’t really function anywhere without an intact brain!

The next performance was by Mariah McInniss from St. Joseph’s Convent, St. Joseph. This youngster developed a game entitled “Magnatrac” which explained and demonstrated the actions of magnets and electromagnets, moving a fishing boat along a river while trying to make a catch. Mariah used the concept of attraction and repulsion of magnets throughout her performance, successfully blending drama and science into her superb delivery.

Ashelle Edwards of Scarborough Secondary School continued on her winning streak from 2006, by copping again the First Place in the Junior Science Category. Her presentation centered on the actions of muscle groups as extensors and flexors, couched in the scenario of a dance contest.

It is our hope that the enthusiasm of participants and the support of teachers, parents and other mentors can assist in sustaining the main objective of this project – to encourage more school students to embrace science. We offer hearty congratulations to the winners and encouragement to the other finalists and participants. We hope to see you all again next year with exciting, whizzing performances!

Written: June 2007