Alwin Lim, 17 “There's Frost On My Car, But It's Not Freezing Cold”

http://alwinatrealisethedream.synthasite.com/contact.php

My project was selected for Realise the Dream by nomination through the NIWA Auckland Science and Technology Fair.

In my project, ‘There’s Frost On My Car But It’s Not Freezing Cold,’ I investigated the maximum air temperature for frost to form, after noting frost formation with the air temperature above freezing. It has implications for things such as kiwifruit growers and wine grape growers.

I designed my own experiment to record this phenomenon using aluminum plates. Over a three month period of staying up late to take readings, I found that frost could form at a maximum temperature of 6.5C, however short of my hypothesized 10 degrees. My project required lots of pre-experiment work to understand the theory and interesting trends in the data opened up further avenues for investigation.

I have done science fair projects since I was in intermediate and I have never regretted doing any of them. However they do require a lot of time and hard work, thus requiring good time management and work ethic. But again, these are more skills that are picked up doing each project. Science fair awards at the end of each year gave me a bit of incentive to continue doing projects year after year with the increased demand of exams at school.

Doing a project opens up opportunities for cash prizes and scholarships, but more valuable experiences international travel and experiences like Realise the Dream.