Sahijan cough syrup, ice cream made from bitter melon (karila) and pomegranate hair grower were some of the main attractions at the Region Four Department of Education’s Science, Technology and Mathematics Fair for Schools within Georgetown.
The two-day event which opened yesterday at the Queen’s College (QC) Auditorium saw schools from the nursery, primary and secondary level displaying their ideas which go with the event’s theme ‘Science, Mathematics and Techno-logy: Unlocking Potentials for Green Societies’.
The theme of the event was well demonstrated through the various projects of most schools and included items such as coconut fibre dolls, candle holders, the tulsi terminator, pomegranate martinis, environmental friendly waste disposal solutions and energy sources which were made from local produce.
Schools participating at the nursery level displayed an interesting mix of ‘green’ products in the Home Economics, Mathematics and Open categories. Turkeyen Nursery School, which took part in the open category, showcased a variety of ways plastic bottles can be recycled to create toothbrush holders, watering cans and hat stands among other fascinating products. Onastace Roberts and Jared Yassin from Stella Maris Nursery School were fearless as they spoke about the various uses of the mango fruit, while Agricola Nursery School showcased the faceoff/half game which is used to make mathematics learning fun.
A high level of creativity was also visible at the primary level. Pomegranate fiesta displayed by Graham’s Hall Primary featured a wide variety of ways in which the pomegranate can be used. Their project included foods such as pomegranate rice, jelly and cake.
Kavindra Horil, a pupil from the school highlighted the wonders of the pomegranate leaf which can be used for growing hair when crushed and the bark of the plant that is also use to treat malaria. The numo-scramble game from F E Pollard Primary School and the recycling of paper and plastics from North Georgetown Primary School were among other projects on display at the primary level.
The secondary level which included upper and lower secondary was predominantly dominated by QC students. Dee-Annie Cush and Sajeeda Khan demonstrated how sahijan flower mixed with honey can be used as a cough syrup and the root of the plant can be used to kill fungus diseases. Bitter melon ice cream and pizza were also the other creative ways in which the local produce karila can be utilized.
Meanwhile, Akash Jairam and Keval Getram developed the tulsi terminator; a pesticide which they say is an environmentally friendly product that can replace harmful pesticides. The product is made from castile soap, water and tulsi which form a solution that is sprayed on fruits. Jairam said he spent long nights working on the project which involved lots of research but paid off in the end.
Dolls made from coconut fibre, coconut purses and bangles were displayed by students of St Joseph High School, while art and craft from the Sophia Special School, and David Rose Secondary School’s recycling of electronic waste project, were some of the many innovative ideas on display at the fair. Some teachers at the fair said sufficient time was not given to prepare for the event, but they did their best to ensure that their schools participated.
Most of the students and pupils expressed excitement in doing their respective projects. The fair will continue today at the same venue.
