23 Aug 2023

Dunedin pupils impress judges at science fair

From Nine To Noon, 9:35 am on 23 August 2023

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Two students at a school science fair in Dunedin have stunned the judges with their projects. Taking out the top prize at the Aurora Energy Otago Science and Technology Fair was Megha Senthilkumar, a year 11 student at St Hilda's Collegiate. She had designed and carried out a nationwide study on how sleep affects adolescent pupils. Her project was so impressive, the judges wanted to recommend her for a Prime Minister's prize, but she's too young to be eligible.

Meanwhile Adam Ludgate, a year 9 pupil John McGlashan College discovered two planetary nebulas, winning the most promising year 9-13 scientist award. His project was so advanced, the judges needed help from an astrophysicist to assess his project.

Kathryn speaks to the students about their projects.