Two Iimbovane learners recently walked away with a special award at the 2012 International Science Fair with their project on ants. The learners were awarded by the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) for the Best Project in the Environmental Studies Category (Senior).

Mischa Carsten and Lee Ann Cloete, two Grade 11 learners from the Diazville High School, submitted their project called “Ants our neighbours” after their participation in the Iimbovane Outreach Project in 2011. Inspired by their participation in the Iimbovane Outreach Project in 2011 and a visit to the Iimbovane ant laboratory, the two learners made ants the focus of their scientific investigation.

For the learners to quality for the International Science Fair, they first had to excel at the Stellenbosch regional event of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in August. In addition to the special award, the learners were also presented with a bronze medal for their efforts.

The International Science Fair took place from 4 to 6 October 2012 in Boksburg.

The International Science Fair (formerly known as the National Eskom Expo for Young Scientists) is a science fair where learners have a chance to show their projects about their own scientific investigations. At the expo, learners discuss their work with judges, educators and learners from other schools, with parents and with other interested people.