A group of five Form 3 students from St Augustine College in Pietà recently won first prize in the NSTF School Contest for Young Scientists held at St James Cavalier, Valletta.

The project, entitled "Applelicious! Science makes apples more delicious!" was presented by James Borg, Ambrose Galea, Sander Grima, Nicholas Galea and Luke Saliba, helped by their teacher, Dr Louise Grima.

A total of 13 projects were presented by the college for the contest, in which 11 schools took part. The students will be representing their college and the NSTF in the Ese06, a science contest open to European students, which will take place in July in Tarragona, Spain.

For this project students have developed a technique to prevent browning of apples, while retaining their taste and nutritional value.

This is not the first time St Augustine won this science contest. In 2004 the college placed first with the project "Air Pollution, what's the solution?" The students had been sent to France to participate in the Medexpo04.

Lasts they came first again when they competed with other Mediterranean countries and were sent to Santiago, Chile, to participate in the Esi05, a world renowned science contest. Three of the students who won this year - Sander Grima, Ambrose Galea and James Borg - were members of the original group who represented the college in France and Chile.

During these international contests students set up their projects in a convention hall and explained their research to peers, the general public and judges. Contests were held in the morning, so students could socially interact with their colleagues.

This is an enriching experience where many friendships are made. We wish these students well in their forthcoming contest and encourage other students to participate in such educational activities.

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