Annual Report for 2005

2005 SCIENCE ESSAY COMPETITION Entry forms for the 2005 Science Essay Competition were posted to about 500 schools across the country. As anticipated, there was a greatly increased participation in the competition in 2005. On the closing date for entries in April, a total of 448 essays were received, 290 from 87 secondary schools, and 158 essays from 36 primary schools. The latter increase was particularly pleasing. Professor Luigi Nassimbeni FRSSAf, nominated convener of the Essay Competition, arranged for markers in UCT’s Chemistry Department namely: Emeritus Professor Peter Linder, Dr Eugene Sickle, Dr Bette Davidowitz, Dr Hong Su, Ms Kirsten Corin, Ms Tanya le Roex and Ms Gaelle Ramon. The Society is indebted to all for their valued contribution. The results were announced in August. The Society is very grateful to the Claude Leon Foundation for generously providing cash prizes and covering administration costs for the essay competition. Thanks are also due to the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO), iThemba Labs, MTN Sciencentre, South African Astronomical Observatory and South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), for being prepared to host essay winners at their facilities, wherever the school’s physical proximity permitted. In 2005, thirteen winning scholars were selected on the basis of merit, three for each essay topic (plus one special award) and were able to partake of their prizes, including visits to National Facilities, during the last part of the year. Runnersup were given certificates and where possible, prizes/certificates were presented by the Society’s Councillors. It is felt that the competition is a very worthwhile project for encouraging interest in science amongst the youth.