Online Reporter
The Herald, 22 September 1994
THE young generation are becoming more conscious of the need for conservation of both the environment and energy as was shown by the high quality displays at this year’s Young Scientists Exhibition.
Most commendable was a water conservation research project on watering using porous clay pots mounted by Baines Primary School, Bulawayo.
The young team showed amazing maturity in their ability to take results and display them using graphs and good experimental techniques.
The crops which they grew during the experimental stages were on display. Using this method, they showed that they could serve as much as 70 percent of water compared to the conventional watering methods.
Other experiments included use of conduits and drip methods for watering of crops. In all cases, crops grown under these conservative methods, produced higher yields.
Three girls from St David’s Bonda High School, Mutare, had a self-sustaining bio-gas stove which stirred a lot of interest among scientists and delegates to the Zanu (PF) Congress.
Made out of two waste tins, a 5 litre container placed inside a 20 litre can, vegetable waste such as paper, wood chips, and saw dust, are enclosed in the space between the two tins and the top sealed with clay.
A small fire is lit inside and this would cause destructive distillation to occur. Combustible gases such as methane are produced in the process. The gas then acts as a source of fuel to keep the fire going. Once packed, the gas can keep the stove going for about two hours.
“I would like to take one such stove for my wife when congress is over,” said one delegate to the party congress who said such innovations should be commercialised for the benefit of rural people.
A smoke filter to reduce the emission of toxic gases into the atmosphere was also on display. Designed by a Sixth form student from Milton High, Bulawayo, the system collects smoke and passes it through water and then a series of sieves.
Lessons for today:
- The participation of girls and students from various schools shows that science is inclusive and can empower all demographics. Youth innovation, environmental awareness, and practical science education has taught young people to become more increasingly aware of the importance of conserving water, energy, and the environment.
- The projects showcased demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices, such as water-saving irrigation and bio-gas stoves.
- The bio-gas stove made from waste tins and organic material is a great example of resourcefulness and innovation using locally available materials. The innovations have real-world applications, especially in rural areas where access to resources is limited.
