The best-of-the-best science projects emerging from the three regional editions of the Jamaica Public Service Science and Technology Expo will face off in the grand finals at the National Arena this Thursday and Friday.
The expo, which will be held in collaboration with the Scientific Research Council and the Association of Science Teachers of Jamaica, will see top winners competing for cash and prizes of more than $5.5 million. Admission is free.
Among the teams from western Jamaica will be Trelawny's Westwood High with its solar hairdryer, and GT Emachine; Moneague college with vermiculture soil; and Green Pond High from St James with a three-in-one fertiliser, insecticide and fruit ripener.
'Tinking toe' energy drink
Central Jamaica will showcase the likes of Garvey Maceo with black sand for domestic water heating and insecticide from mango and breadfruit leaves; Kilsyth Primary with its 'tinking toe' energy drink; and Brown's Town High with a multiplicity of products ranging from guinea corn - including popcorn, high-protein animal feed, corn oil and ethanol.
The Kingston, or eastern leg, chalks up top contenders like Jose Marti Technical with coco-based plastic; Charlemont High with electricity generation from magnets; Penwood High with cosmetic and domestic products from orange skin; and Calvary Preparatory with their self-sufficient poultry operation which handles its own water supply.
Other schools from the Kingston region which will be contending for top honours include many-time winners Excelsior High, Caribbean Maritime Institute, and the University of Technology (independent entry), among several other groups.
Complete list of schools in nationals