How many drops of water fit on a 10c coin? Is there really a difference between Marmite and Vegemite? Can sea shells be cleaned up with vinegar, or is salt and vinegar better? These were the questions our Junior Science team answered to secure 3rd place at the Wellington Junior Science Tournament.
Competing against 12 other schools, Onslow College scored 104 points, narrowly missing first place (QMC) by a margin of just 8 points.
The “Science Fight” Format
The WJST is unique because it combines scientific method with debating skills. Students don’t just display a poster; they enter a “Science Fight.”
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Reporters have 10 minutes to prove their theory.
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Opponents have 6 minutes to pick holes in that theory, critique the methodology, and debate the findings.
Students, Cleo Baker, Blake Baker, and Anita Goonan (all year 10) have been preparing for this high-pressure environment since mid-October, sacrificing lunchtimes to perfect their experiments and presentations. Their hard work paid off with a fantastic result.
The team was supported by coach Lincey Jiang (Year 11), a former tournament competitor, and Kaiako Sean Tholen, alongside the many teachers and students who helped with the preferences investigation.
Well done to everyone involved!