Boys’ School Dominates NIWA Science Fair Awards

The NIWA Science Fair prizegiving turned into a resounding triumph for the Boys’ School, as they dominated the competition across multiple categories, with six students securing top positions across 7 categories. These remarkable achievements are a testament to the dedication and scientific understanding of the students and incredible teaching and mentoring.

The Boys’ School students won five categories, demonstrating their creativity and ingenuity through their projects across various interests.

Asher Tenenbaum and Ethan van der Poll claimed the top spot in the Technology category with their project, Chess Reimagined. Their innovative approach to blending a classic game with modern AI technology earned them the first place and The University of Auckland’s Dean of Science Creativity Prize. Oliver White’s project Shutbot, secured second place in the same category with the design and creation of a wearable robot device that was programmed to alert him when he spoke too loud. His ingenuity didn’t go unnoticed, as he also received the LearnWell ESA Publications Prize.

Sean Doherty emerged victorious in the Human Behaviour category with his project titled Terminator. His exploration of ChatGPT and the impact it will have on the future of classrooms, teaching and learning was intriguing and enlightening. In addition to winning  first place, he walked away with The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Science Award.

Another First Place prize went to Theo Spillane in the Planet Earth and Beyond category, with his project Lowering Land, a project inspired by the devastating flood damage that he earlier this year He investigated which materials were the best  for the rebuilding of eroded landscapes. In addition, this also the prestigious GeoScience Society of New Zealand Award.

Harold MacCulloch secured the top position in the Planet Earth and Beyond category with his project Magnetic Microplastic Magic. His innovative method of using ferrofluids to remove microplastics from water sources impressed judges, and he also received the Delta Education Prize for using STEAM.

Eason Liu shone in the Food Technology category, clinching first place with his project, The Freshness Formula. His research into preserving and prolonging the shelf-life of foods using his own formula made from natural antibacterials was highly creative and earned him The University of Auckland’s Faculty of Science Award and the Microbiological Society Mike Baxter Prize. Additionally, Alexander Keys achieved second place in the Food Technology category with his project It Ain’t Easy Being Cheesy, earning the NZIFST Award for Food Technology.

Liam Jarvis emerged victorious in the Physical World category with his project Turning Turtle, earning him first place and The University of Auckland’s Dean of Science Creativity Prize. He investigated the varying stability of boats through oscillations and horizontal load as different amounts of weight were placed at selected positions on the keel.

The Boys’ School also received several highly commended awards across various categories, demonstrating their depth of talent and dedication to scientific inquiry.

These young scientists have showcased their intellectual curiosity and innovative thinking and made the Boys’ School exceptionally proud. Their achievements at the NIWA Science Fair testify to their hard work, perseverance, and passion for science, setting a high bar for future cohorts of budding scientists.

A complete list of prizewinners is below: