Marshmallow a science fair winner

ROBERT KITCHIN/Manawatu Standard

SMART CREW: Felix Brookie, Guido Dijkwell, Allan Bailey and Ruby August (not pictured) took out the top prizes at this weekend's Manawatu Science and Technology Fair.

Relevant offers

If you have ever wanted to calculate your household's carbon emissions or create a marshmallow that won't go soggy in your hot chocolate, then look no further than a few talented school students.

More than 200 exhibits from 23 schools were on display at the Manawatu Science and Technology Fair held at the weekend, with entrants from as far north as Taihape and as south as Levin.

One of the event's committee members, Katherine Bradley, said this year's exhibits were of a high standard.

"It was, overall, just a really good year. You get so inspired by seeing these kids explain their projects to people. They're just really enthusiastic about their projects," Mrs Bradley said.

The winner of the science section was Palmerston North Boys' High School's year nine pupil Allan Bailey. His concept was a marshmallow that would remain intact after boiling in hot chocolate for four minutes.

"I like food and I decided I wanted to make something to do with food. Something I could say I created," he said. "I think making a golden arches marshmallow would be good for McDonald's marketing for their hot chocolates."

The runner-up was Awatapu College year 10 student Guido Dijkwell for his "Who rules the roost?" project.

The winner of the technology section was Cornerstone Christian College's Felix Brookie.

The 11-year-old student designed a software programme to calculate householders' carbon emissions.

"I'm conscious of the fact that we drive everywhere and I wanted to know how much carbon emissions I was using," he said.

Felix said he didn't think he would win as there were lots of other great projects.

"I was surprised when my name got called out."

The runner-up for the section was Monrad Intermediate School's year 8 student Ruby August with her "Supa Pack Cova" project.

The winners received a cash prize of $500, and many other prizes were handed out at the awards ceremony at Queen Elizabeth College on Saturday night.

- © Fairfax NZ News