Young scientists gear up

Manawatu's next generation of scientists is gearing up for this year's Science and Technology Fair later this month.

Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School prepared for the fair with an exhibit of student experiments last week.

Student Polly Hoskins, 13, carried out research on the iron content in breakfast cereal, and found that some food makers' nutritional claims might have to be taken with a grain of salt.

Her project, "Keep your Eye on the Iron" was carried out with a magnet and a magnifying glass after Polly realised the significance of iron in maintaining health and nutrition.

"Iron is important, because if you don't have any, you can get anaemia, where red blood cells run low on oxygen.

"I tested cereals over two days, and the elemental iron turned into metal filings which I could measure with a magnifying glass," Polly said.

The porridge and muesli she tested showed little to no trace of elemental iron.

Polly said the results surprised her.

Hana Tamatea, 13, tested the strength of three kinds of flax, and was also surprised by her findings.

Her "Hammer Time" project took two weeks to complete and made use of her weaving skills and a trusty household hammer.

"I'd get a hammer and hit the woven flax on the concrete. Then I'd leave it for a while, repeat the process, and could see what difference had been made," Hana said.

Brown flax proved strongest, followed by variegated flax, which she thought would've been the most durable.

Flax is widely used throughout New Zealand, and the findings could prove important for craftspeople interested in flax-weaving.

School principal David Jopson said the school had a strong focus on mathematics, English, and Science, with all year 7 and year 8 students preparing science fair projects.

This focus was acknowledged in June by the Education Review Office, which named the school among an elite group of 12 others achieving excellence in science education. "We have a strong mentor from beyond the school in Bill McIntyre from Massey University," deputy principal and science curriculum leader Judy Stableford said.

Scientists from institutions such as Massey, AgResearch and other crown research institutes had helped make Manawatu a leading science community, Ms Stableford said.

The Education Review Office looked at planning, assessments, gifted education, and good practice in subject areas before recognising schools.

Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School was now being treated as a case study for other schools hoping to excel.

Mr Jopson said he would pay close attention to the science and technology fair, where he was hoping to send about 80 students.

The Manawatu Science and Technology Fair is to be exhibited at Te Manawa, from August 27 to 30.

- © Fairfax NZ News