Outeniqua learner to compete in high-tech Hong Kong science fair
6 June 2022
Jaco Jacobs, a Grade 12 learner at Outeniqua High School in the Eden Karoo region is one of two South African learners who have been selected by the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists to represent the country at the 2022 Global Youth Science and Technology Bowl (GYSTB) Science Fair.
The GYSTB is an online international student science project competition in biology, chemistry, physics and engineering in Hong Kong. It will be held from 10 to 12 June 2022. The competition is a showcase of global youth scientific achievement and innovation, which aims to promote science and technology, provide a platform for global youth to develop their creativity and scientific mindsets, and facilitate the exchange of scientific ideas, interests and abilities among young scientists all over the world.
Jacobs and Nicolaas Moolman, a Grade 12 learner at Hoërskool Volksrust in Mpumalanga, will represent South Africa virtually at the event.
Jacobs was selected because of his extensive knowledge and flair for engineering design, and his understanding of the variables that affect cycling performance. He investigated automated inflation and pressure regulation for recreational and professional cyclists. His fourth prototype 3D printed design automatically adjusts tyre pressure, while moving. Using an air release valve that is designed to work with a servo motor, the prototype has a mountable housing for the electronics. The young scientist wrote the code that enables the device to manage incoming data, such as low pressure, and adjust the tyre pressure accordingly.
Eskom Group Executive for Government and Regulatory Affairs, Nthato Minyuku, congratulated the young scientrists on their achievement and said: “through Eskom Expo for Young Scientists South Africa’s future innovators get to participate and compete in international science fairs while still learners at school level”. “Not only will this contribute to their personal development and global exposure, it also gives our youth an opportunity to raise the South African flag high in this prestigious international competition.”
Young scientists from all over the world will compete for the grand prizes. The awards ceremony will stream live at 14:15 on 12 June 2022 via Facebook. Click here to watch: https://bit.ly/3LGwPgi
Registration to take part in the 2022 Eskom Expo is open. Learners in grades 4 to 12, along with learners from TVET colleges that are in NC2 to NC4, can register their own research projects by clicking here: http://bit.ly/3dVnTGH. To access resources and easy-to-use templates, click here: https://bit.ly/3ctUuik.