Established more than 50 years ago, the highly successful Hawke’s Bay Science and Technology Fair continues to be a highlight of the school year. 

The annual competition attracts entries from high schools and intermediate schools through the region and last year around 200 students from Years 7-13 took part.

Most intermediate schools in Hawke’s Bay submit projects.  Senior projects, for Years 11-13 students, are submitted via video entry.

The fair also continues to be well supported by sponsors, and this year’s major backers include EIT and New Zealand Apples and Pears Incorporated.

EIT is to host the 2018 fair on campus on Thursday and Friday, 9-10 August.

Headed by chief judge June Clarke, a former deputy principal at Karamu High School, more than 40 judges – all volunteers and with scientific backgrounds – will appraise the entries.

The prize-giving will on Thursday, 16 August at EIT.

Organising the fair requires a great deal of organisation, led by its committee.   Napier Girls’ High School science teacher Ben Himme is the committee’s new chair.  

The fair’s events include the popular Science Quiz, now in its fifth year, which will be staged at Karamu High School.

For the SciPad Technology Challenge, this year being held on the EIT campus, students each receive a bag full of odd pieces, such as ping pong balls and straws.  They are then be asked to use these to create a physical structure, for example, a bridge.   

As for the above two events, titration is scheduled for Thursday at EIT.

EIT is also hosting animal first aid, lab and sport and recreation workshops for Years 9 and 10 students who may be attending the fair.