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Student Ivan Ravlich’s project ‘The Effects of Roundup on Earthworms’ was one of 130 science fair entries from 15 Far North schools.

Kerikeri High School student Ivan Ravlich, left, winner of the 2007 Northland Regional Council’s ‘Excellence Award’ at the Top Energy Far North Science and Technology Fair, with retiring Kaikohe-based Regional Councillor Jim Peters

The science fair – which began in 1978 - was held over three days recently at The Centre in Kerikeri and is organised by Far North science teachers.

The Northland Regional Council prize contributes $1000 towards the cost of the winner’s university studies and must be used within three years.

Ivan, a Year 13 (seventh form) student and his school’s Head Boy, plans to use his award to study towards a university degree in chemical engineering at the University of Auckland.

His Regional Council award-winning work investigated the effect of the herbicide Roundup on earthworms in varying concentrations and spraying scenarios.

Ivan also won the New Zealand Society of Soil Science prize and the New Zealand Statistical Association award for Best Use of Statistics in a Science Project.

Retiring Kaikohe-based Northland Regional Councillor Jim Peters says students competing in the Far North science fair provide great hope for the future of science.

He says world-famous UK scientist Professor Lord Robert Winston – well-known for his ability to take science to the people in a range of internationally screened television documentaries – had in Auckland last week highlighted the need for scientists in future modern society.

Cr Peters says students, such as those at the Far North fair, who have commitment and ability to explore science, are part of the current wave of potential future scientists.