News from the Otago Science Fair

The 2022 Aurora Energy Otago Science and Technology Fair attracted over 250 entries from students across Dunedin and Central Otago. 

In the past, Kavanagh has had more than 20 entries selected from the junior classes' compulsory curriculum involvement. While no longer a compulsory activity, students can still work independently on an investigation of choice. This year we had two entries; but what quality! 

Saira Eldho, year 9, investigated if it would be possible to produce biogas from cow manure, vegetable peel, and mashed banana and whether temperature would affect the rate of gas produced. She won the Aurora Award for Excellence in Energy Research. Saira is currently completing the Serious about Science option class and shows great promise as an investigator at such a young age!

Sarah Al-Balushi, year 13, investigated the effect of predicted climate change on the reaction time of half crabs, specifically a combination of both a higher temperature and a lower pH, vs just a higher temperature or a lower pH, in order to gain a better understanding of the impacts of climate change on this species and potentially other crustaceans. Sarah won four awards: The University of Otago Department of Zoology Award; the University of Otago Department of Biochemistry Award; the Australian and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research and Teaching Award and an Aurora Award. Sarah finishes her schooling at the end of this year and is pursuing a career in science, specifically Veterinary Science.

Congratulations to both girls for going above and beyond their current workload to make valuable contributions to science and extend both their skills and understanding of science in real-life contexts.