Judging began yesterday at the latest Otago Science and Technology Fair and the 288 displays created by school pupils will open to the public at Otago Museum tomorrow morning.
Organisers said 318 pupils were participating, from years 7 to 13 and from 28 schools, including at Palmerston, Wanaka and Clinton.
Chief judge Dr Esther Haines was impressed by the quality of the offerings.
And Sandra Copeland, who has helped organise the event for more than 25 years, said the enthusiasm of pupils had remained high.
''They're just excited, they have a lot of enjoyment, enthusiasm, vitality,'' Mrs Copeland said.
Magnus Campbell, a year 8 pupil, has developed a table console which enables people to play electronic arcade games from the past, including Pac-Man.
Participants were focusing more on sustainability, and trying to protect the environment, Mrs Copeland said.
''Young people are much more aware of what's going on in the world around them and are very conscious of the need to do things in a sustainable way,'' she said.
The exhibits will remain on display at the museum's 1877 Gallery until Sunday afternoon.
