A grade 10 learner from Paul Roos Gymnasium recently represented South Africa (SA) at the student International Science Technology and Engineering Competition (ISTEC), in Bali, Indonesia.
This was according to Lyndon Manas, Western Cape provincial co-ordinator at Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
Matthew Crouch was invited to attend the Eskom Expo in Boksburg, last December, after he placed first at the Eskom Expo: Stellenbosch Region, said Manas. After presenting his research into the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on the delay and prevention of plum ripening and decaying, he was chosen to participate in ISTEC, in Bali from 10 to 14 May. This was according to a press statement released by Eskom Expo on 5 May.
Crouch found that plums exposed to UV light had smaller pathogen growing, and ripened less at room temperature, according to the press release.
“Paul Roos Gymnasium usually hosts its own science expo functions, which is where Matthew Crouch first showcased his research,” said Lyndon Manas, Western Cape provincial co-ordinator at Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika
The journey
Crouch received a medal after presenting his research for the first time in August 2022, at Paul Roos, said Manas.
“The science research by Crouch was originally marked by other science teachers at Paul Roos,” said Annami van Rooyen, science teacher at Paul Roos Gymnasium.
He was then selected to represent the Stellenbosch region at the national Eskom Expo competition, added Manas.
“During this competition he was identified as a candidate for international participation in May 2023 at ISTEC,” said Manas.
Paul Roos student, Matthew Crouch performed experiments on the plums to investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays on the delay and prevention of plum ripening and decaying. This was according to a press statement released by Eskom Expo on 5 May. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika
UV light
“I based my project around how to prevent food wastage,” said Crouch. However, the “first experiment on finding ways to not waste food did not go well”, he said.
“First you must sterilize the plums with a surface sterilizer of 70% ethanol. Second you wound them so you can inoculate them with the amount of pathogens you want in the fruit. Thirdly, you need to let them incubate for around 3 hours, then you can do your experiments or treatment,” explained Matthew Crouch, a student at Paul Roos Gymnasium who represented South Africa at the International Science Technology and Engineering Competition in May. PHOTO:Tapiwanashe Zaranyika
Crouch used spinach which dried out too quickly. He then switched to yellow plums because they did not ripen or and decay fast.
His research involved injecting plums with pathogens, exposing them to various temperatures and measuring the rate of ripening, said Crouch.
Matthew Crouch represented South Africa at the student International Science Technology and Engineering Competition, in Bali, Indonesia from 10-14 May, said Lyndon Manas, Western Cape provincial co-ordinator at Eskom Expo for Young Scientists. PHOTO: Supplied/Elke Crouch