STUDENTS from schools across the island showed off their innovations in science and technology while competing for attractive prizes at the Scientific Research Council’s (SRC) National Science and Technology Fair 2016.

The fair was held recently at the Girl Guides Association headquarters under the theme ‘Youth-centred Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development’.

It attracted entries from 19 primary, secondary and tertiary-level institutions.

The fair allowed science students the opportunity to unveil inventions, innovations and scientific displays, which can be used to promote national development, as well as to improve their environment.

Seaview Primary in Kingston was the winner in the primary school category for its Mosquimed Repellent and Pain Reliever.

Manufactured from local ingredients, the product is environmentally friendly and is said to protect against insect bites and also helps to alleviate pain. It also received the prize for ”Most Potential for Commercialisation.

Mona Preparatory and Half-Way-Tree Primary in St Andrew placed second and third, respectively.

In the secondary school category, Holland High from Trelawny placed first, with Knockalva Agricultural School, Hanover taking second place and Titchfield High, Portland, third.

Holland High’s project demonstrated how tyres can be recycled or reused to create household and garden furniture, pet beds, speaker boxes and other functional items.

The Mico University College won the coveted first place in the tertiary category as well as the most innovative display, while Moneague College took the runner-up spot.

Mico’s project, which was also adjudged Most Innovative, demonstrated the application/improvement of existing technologies in water harvesting and containerised gardening to create a self-watering system for food production in urban areas.

Other category prizes were ‘Best Use of Green Technology’, which was won by Knockalva and Port Maria Primary, St Mary; and ‘Best Use of Indigenous Materials’, which saw Holland High and Beulah All-Age in Clarendon emerging victors.

Vere Technical in Clarendon was also a winner in the ‘Most Potential for Commercialisation’ category.

Winners took home tablets, smartphones, trophies, book vouchers, day passes to Mystic Mountain, medals and gift baskets.

Other schools that participated included Montego Bay High and Sunderland Primary, St James; Eltham High, St Catherine; Spalding High and Kilsyth Primary and Infant, Clarendon; Westwood High, Trelawny; and Steer Town Academy and Ferncourt High, St Ann.

Communications officer at the SRC, Michelle Morris, told JIS News that in addition to showcasing the inventions of the students, the fair also sought to increase public awareness about science and technology.

She said that prior to the event, workshops were held across the island, which guided teachers through the science fair project process, as well as provided practical knowledge and skills.

The event also included booth displays from the SRC, Jamaica National Small Business, National Irrigation Commission, Digicel, Carlong Publishers, Development Bank of Jamaica, Institute of Jamaica, and Jamaica 4-H Clubs.

The National Science and Technology Fair 2016 involved collaboration with the Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica, College of Agriculture, Science and Education, and HEART Trust/NTA-WorldSkills Jamaica.