Taiwan Science Fair

Success for Marlborough student

Kali Stratford, aged 15 and a student from Marlborough Girls College has won 1st place in the Physics section at the Taiwan Science Fair.

Kali participated at the 2002 Genesis Energy National Science Fair and won the Institution of Professional Engineers (IPENZ) award for her project “The Net Result” an investigation into the effect of net height on the speed and length of table tennis rallies. Winning the IPENZ award enabled Kali to attend the Taiwan Science Fair in Febuary 2003.

Kali spent 8 days in Taiwan and enjoyed the experience immensely. Some of her comments from her report she sent to the Royal Society follow.

“Apart from the incredible architecture and culture of Taiwan, it was meeting and getting to know the other international students which was one of my highlights. I learnt so much about their countries and different lifestyles. Staying with my host family was so interesting and their apartment was very upmarket. They were so welcoming.”

“Some of the places we went to included a two hour trip to Chiu Fien (North of Taipei) where we went on a geological tour, the Taipei Astronomical Museum (which was so cool, one of highlights with all the hand-on things, IMAX theatre and space ride), the National Palace Museum (another amazing place), and also to the Taipei First Girls’ Senior High School, complete with the running track!”

“Thanks so much to the Royal Society and IPENZ and Asia 2000for all you have done. As you know, I have had the trip of a lifetime and it was a complete bonus to win an award!”

The Royal Society also received a letter from Kali’s parents and some of the comments follow:

“Kali has been involved in eight local Science and Technology Fairs and been fortunate in attending the last two Genesis Energy National Science & Technology Fairs. All participants were treated to an amazing array of activities which were brilliantly organised. After this Fair Kali commented that it was the best thing she has ever been involved in an her aim was to one day attend another National Fair. Little did she know it was to be the following year!”

“For Kali to win an award over in Taiwan was obviously a proud moment for us as parents but we were so pleased not only for her but for both her sponsors IPENZ, Asia 2000 and the Royal Society for all the hard work that had been done for organising the trip. This has really been the most amazing experience for her.”

Congratulations to Kali for her wonderful achievements. The Royal Society is delighted that her experiences at both the Genesis Energy National Science and Technology Fair and the Taiwan Science Fair have broadened her knowledge of other cultures and provided her with memories and friends that will remain with her.