Southland school pupils have been working to answer some of life's important questions and presented their findings at the Southland Science and Technology Fair in Invercargill yesterday.
Hundreds of primary and secondary pupils exhibited their science and technology research projects to be scrutinised by a panel of judges.
Pupils selected a question to investigate and were tasked with controlling the variables while doing so, Southland Science and Technology Fair head judge Samantha York said
After more than 20 years judging the fair, Ms York had seen a lot of projects, but some still managed to surprise her, she said.
''Every so often you just go 'Wow, that idea is just so amazing. Why didn't we think of that?'''
Hauroko Valley Primary was a first-time entry at the fair, driving an hour from Western Southland to exhibit its projects.
Hauroko Valley Primary pupils Jendi Minty and Tayla Davey-Hubbard were pleased their school had joined the competition.
The pair tried to find the best way to preserve bread, and six mouldy sandwiches later, came to their conclusion.
''We had to put [the bread] in a container. We had to wrap them in beeswax wrap, Glad Wrap, baking paper, a Snap Lock bag and an [airtight container],'' Jendi said.
After observing the mould growth, the pair found a Snap Lock bag worked best, Tayla said.
A prizegiving will be held on Friday evening.
