The science competition, called Growsmart Scientist, consists of teams of three learners from the participating Growsmart schools. They cannot compete in any other Growsmart competition during that year, nor may they have competed in any previous Growsmart competitions.
The objective of the competition is for teams to identify a problem and present their scientific solution. Each of the teams will submit a unique science project.
Each school may select three learners from the pool of learners in Grades 4, 5 and 6. Only one team per school allowed and they must be supervised by a mentor.
To prepare for the competition, each team will receive:
1. A journal for scribbling, writing down ideas, notes, reasoning and planning the project.
2. A project display board.
Mentors can guide, help and get involved. They can assist with gathering materials, supervise the project/experiment and even help build the display board and/or model. But they can’t help during the judging process. Teams will be judged on their display board and/or model, as well as their oral presentation. The oral presentation must be limited to 10 minutes at the most – five minutes for speaking about the project and the rest for the judges to ask questions. All decisions made by the judges are final.
All projects will be judged according to criteria set by the WCED, based on the CAPS policy document for the Intermediate Phase.
Each participant receives a personalised Growsmart certificate, signed by both the Western Cape Education Department and Growthpoint Properties.
Learners submit a wish list at the start of the competition and if they win, we will ensure that selected wishes are fulfilled up to R10 000 each. These often include the payment of school fees, new uniforms, computers, printers, books etc. They also receive trophies, medals, and certificates.
The winning team mentor receives a shopping spree at one of the shopping centres owned by Growthpoint Properties, to the value of R8 000.
Learners submit a wish list at the start of the competition and if they win, we will ensure that selected wishes are fulfilled up to R4 000 each. These often include the payment of school fees, new uniforms, computers, printers, books etc. They also receive trophies, medals, and certificates.
The top projects will be displayed during the final at The Lookout, V&A Waterfront.
The team may continue with only two members, but not less than two. You may have a substitute learner who can take the place of someone who has dropped out, but then the substitute becomes a permanent team member. The learner who dropped out can no longer participate and will not be eligible for any prizes. You may not replace a team member simply because you think they are not doing well enough. The Growsmart organisers will have to give approval for the replacement of a team member and their decision will be based on the circumstances.
TIt is the team’s job to identify a problem and then think about possible solutions. Once you have an idea in mind for a problem that you would like to solve, it’s time to start brainstorming. Create a mind-map with your problem and your possible solution (your invention). Use scientific methodology to help your team
come up with the ultimate solution to the problem that they have identified.
Things can be mounted onto the board, but remember that the board has to be able to stand up by itself. Teams may choose to build a model to complement their display board.
