A Logan Park High School pupil says his projects for the Science and Technology Fair have got progressively "bigger and more complex'' over the six years he has entered the competition.
This year's entry marked Karl Brinsdon's sixth and last in the competition.
He received the Dodd-Walls Centre for Research Excellence Award for Physics Related Projects and an Aurora Award for Excellence in Energy Research for his project based around a guitar amplifier.
The year 13 pupil aimed to build a valve amplifier with a control to lower the internal high voltage as a way to decrease the overall power output and volume.
Karl has been playing guitar since he was about 5 years old, so wanted to incorporate something he enjoyed in his project.
Sourcing parts for the amplifier took the longest, as most of them came from the United States, Karl said.
"The most important part of it was the valves.''
While he did not want to think about how much the project cost him, "the end result is definitely worth it''.
"It's so cool to have something that I have made. It's unique as well.''
He enjoyed the fair because it was a "good excuse'' to challenge himself to create something new.
It gave people the opportunity to learn about something they were passionate about, which might not be a focus at school.
"It's always good fun.''
JESSICA.WILSON @thestar.co.nz
Results
Aurora Premier Award — Best in Fair: ‘‘Ambulance at the bottom of a cliff’’, Ollie Meikle, year 13 Kavanagh College.
Niwa’s Best Water and/or Atmospheric Award: ‘‘Air Pollution’’, Ivy Barrons, year 8 Portobello School.
University of Otago Centre for Sustainability Award co-winners: ‘‘Vitamin Green’’, Abi Gibson, year 7 Fairfield School; and ‘‘Active Packaging’’, Jordan Hannon, year 8 Dunedin North Intermediate.
NZ Marine Studies Centre Gifted and Talented Award: ‘‘Phone Projector’’, Joseph Knopp, year 8 John McGlashan.
Otago Science Teachers’ Association General Excellence Award: ‘‘Solar Spectra Spectacular’’, Millie Todd, year 8 Tahuna Normal Intermediate.
University of Otago Promotion of Science Committee Division of Science Award: ‘‘The Sediment Effect’’, Michael Ruske and Cameron Moffit, year 11 Otago Boys’ High School.
New Zealand Oil & Gas Most Promising Young Scientist (Senior) Award: ‘‘Antibacterial Properties of Manuka’’, Liam Hewson, year 13 King’s High School.
Otago Institute of Arts and Science General Excellence Award: ‘‘Our shaky isles ... not just the beginning’’, Sophie Sun, year 11 Logan Park High School.
DairyNZ Most Promising Young Scientist (Junior) Award: ‘‘Maori Tradition — New Medicine’’, Kate Coates, year 7 Taieri College.
