Lee-Ann Wins 1st Prize at National Event

At the Arid Lands Node Science Expo, one learner stood head and shoulders above the rest. Lee-Ann Moshe, a Grade 11 learner from Vuyolwethu High School, wowed the judges with her insightful project as well as her presentation skills. She was selected to represent the node at SAEON’s annual Science Engagement Symposium in Phalaborwa. At the symposium, learners from each node participated in various motivational and learning activities, including a game drive in Kruger National Park.

Learners also had to present their research - and the competition was tough. Lee-Ann's project titled "Adapt or die: How plants respond to drought conditions in arid areas" focused on ways in which plants respond to climate change. She used different treatments to test this and found that plants will survive with a constant supply of water and are able to recover if they are given water after a long period of drought. Lee-Ann stood out once again and won the prize fore best presentation. The Arid Lands Node team is extremely proud of her.

However, Lee-Ann remained humble: "I would like to thank everyone at the Arid Lands Node for helping me with my project and for motivating me. I would like to thank SAEON for giving me this amazing experience to travel to another province and to meet other learners and scientists. This was an enriching experience, I learnt a lot. Words are not enough to say how grateful I am and how much I appreciate what SAEON has done for me. Thank You!!!"

For more on this story read the SAEON E-Newsletter article here: http://www.saeon.ac.za/enewsletter/archives/2018/october2018/doc12