The National Commercial Data Services (NCDS)-sponsored Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School Science Fair has been widely praised for its high level, variety and imaginative creations.
Education Officer, responsible for science, Winston Duncan, in summing up the exhibition, said it was evident that many of thestudents would eventually pursue professions such doctors, pharmacists, biologists, scientists, naturalists and technicians.
The various categories of projects were viewed by many persons at the closing ceremony on Friday, November 23, at the Rodney MacArthur Rey Auditorium. In the Environmental Science category, the projects included analysis of soils; carbon in the atmosphere; wetlands in Anguilla; water filtration and bio-diesel vs. biodiesel. Under Technical Science, there were projects showing solar-powered desalination; a solar hotdog cooker; a hovercraft; and a static electricity generator. The Physical Science category depicted a home-made lava lamp; a hydro-powered rocket; a smoke grenade; hot ice; a depiction of the earth’s rotation; evaporation; and bending water with static. The Life Science category included a depiction ofgravity and its effects on plant growth; the effects of music on plants; an experiment regarding whether garlic has antimicrobial properties; and the power of respiration. The Food Science category demonstrated turning milk into plastic; liquid in orange; swimming raisins; and iodine in salt. Under the Behavioural Science category were such projects as the ‘stroops’ effect and stress.
Chairperson of the award presentation ceremony, Ms. Alfa Akbar of NCDS, said it was a great honour that her organisation had sponsored the school’s science fair for the fourth successive year. She spoke in some detail on the modern advances of science which have greatly impacted the people of the world in various ways. She observed that the work done by the science students could also impact the lives of the people of Anguilla later on, referring to the awareness of the need for a full-scale solar energy plant in the future.
“By sponsoring this event, NCDS aims at fulfilling our motto as a good partner for progress,” she stated. “This is not only for the immediate joys that the science fair has brought to the participants but, most importantly, the progress that will come about through scientific work in the future. We look forward to the work of the students next year and the positive impact that it will have in the years to come.”
Chief Education Officer, Rhonda Connor, said that the main goal of the science and technology fair was not to tell students what to do, but how to think scientifically. “Through your participation in the experiments displayed, you would have developed the useful skills of problem-solving, organisational, critical and creative thinking, research and inquiry and communication in writing and oral presentations,” she told the students. “The science fair project brought them all together.
Your work, from excavating nitrates to demonstrating solar energy and producing bio-diesel, is a testament of your potential to take part in scientific research. Sometimes you may tackle tough problems, test new hypotheses, and then fail; try again and then succeed. It is with such pursuits that talents are discovered and passions are lit and the future scientists, engineers, inventors and entrepreneurs are born. There is no doubt that we expect great things from you.” Mrs. Connor offered special congratulations to the students who submitted the winning projects.
Mr. John Rickards of NCDS said it was rewarding to see the growth of the projects of the science fair. “National Commercial Data Services, a good partner for progress, is truly committed to the science fair,” he stated. “This is our major and perhaps our only sponsored event. As a company, we are really happy to be able to continue our sponsorship in this difficult financial time. We look forward to the continued growth of this fair so that…some of you at leastwill take an interest in science and decide to make a career in an aspect of science in the future.”
Mr. Rickards added: “On a scientific basis, there is no such thing as a large or a small country.We here in Anguillacan make an impact in the scientific and technological world as indeed NCDS is doing throughout the region, providing secured services to a number of institutions.” He hoped that, following their schooling, many of the students “would further their studies in science and qualify as professionals in several scientific fields.”
Several students from the various forms of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School were presented with awards for their work. Many persons who attended the ceremony were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the high standard of the science projects and the far-reaching ideas of the students.
