Nexus Learners Lead the Way: Grand Champions at Science Castle Asia 2024
Last October, three teams of Nexus learners showcased their scientific talents at the Science Castle Asia 2024, competing against over 195 teams from nine countries. Nexus was the only international school from Singapore to participate, proudly representing our community on the global stage.
Each team conducted thorough research on their chosen topics, applying the scientific method and working closely with expert mentors. They presented their findings through detailed posters to a panel of 10 judges, including professors, lecturers, and industry experts in STEM.
Through this event, our learners showcased exceptional skills, teamwork, and dedication. Their hard work led to outstanding success, earning them prestigious awards, including the Grand Champion title and the Gold and Silver Awards for Best Poster Presentation.
Our Grand Champions also won a paid trip to Japan, where they participated in a study tour and presented their project at Science Castle Osaka. We catch up with them later in the blog.
The event provided a unique opportunity for our learners to display their research, gain exposure to industry experts, and learn from scientists worldwide. As Dr. Gary, our Deputy Head of Science, reflected,
“I took a bus full of 10 learners to Malaysia and returned with a bus full of champions.”
Meet the Teams and Their Winning Projects
Hydroponics and Magnetic Fields
Freddie, Arabella, Chris, Srikrishna, and Sien Award: Silver Award for Best Poster Presentation
Our youngest team explored how magnetic fields affect hydroponic plant growth, aiming to develop a system that could address food security challenges, especially in areas with limited land for traditional farming. They worked with their mentor Craig, Head of Farming at Grobrix, who shared his expertise in hydroponic systems. The judges praised their project for its innovative approach and potential real-world applications in sustainable farming.
Sien shared, “I’ve always loved science. It’s usually about learning alone and memorising formulas, but in this competition, we worked as a team to apply our knowledge in real-life scenarios and create a practical idea for the future.”
Freddie explained, “We were the youngest participants, with many projects at the university level, so we had to step up. Presenting our findings at a high academic level taught us that recognising flaws in our research wasn’t a setback, but an opportunity to improve.”
Machine Learning Detection of Pulsar Waves Felix, Vedant, Anton, and Tai Award: Gold Award for Best Poster Presentation
Our first IBDP team presented a project using machine learning to detect pulsar waves, aiming to contribute to astrophysics by processing large datasets to identify cosmic patterns. They tested various algorithms to improve accuracy and data predictions, with guidance from Ms. Hemangi, our Head of Computer Science, who shared her expertise in coding and Python to train machine learning models.
Felix commented, “Working with team members from different disciplines pushed us to combine our coding and physics knowledge in new ways. Presenting to international experts boosted our confidence and deepened our passion for science.”
He added, “We had to merge our knowledge to create a clear pitch and present it in 10 minutes. This experience has improved our presentation skills and inspired us to take part in future scientific conferences.”
Our Little Rocket: Plastic Remoulding and Environmental Impact Team Members: Ryan, Minh and Amos Award: Grand Champion of Science Castle Asia 2024
Our second IBDP team addressed the global issue of plastic waste by focusing on innovative methods for repurposing and remoulding plastic. Their approach aimed to reduce environmental impact and provide practical, sustainable solutions.
Out of 195 teams, they were one of only 13 selected to present their project before an audience of over 2,000 people, including 10 expert judges. Competing against the defending champions, they rose to the challenge and won the Grand Champion Award, earning a trip to Japan to do a study tour and present at Science Castle Osaka.
The judges praised their adaptability, engaging presentation, and energetic rapport, which set them apart from their peers.
Ryan shared, “Participating in Science Castle allowed us to see the work of other STEM students, teaching us new perspectives and ways to apply STEM to solve problems.”
The achievements of our learners are a testament to their hard work and the dedicated mentorship they receive at Nexus. Under the guidance of Dr. Gary and the Science Department, each learner was supported throughout their research journey. In addition to leading our learners at Science Castle, Dr. Gary was the only representative from a Singapore international school invited to speak at the Great Teacher Summit, where he presented on “Building Resilient STEM Ecosystems in School” to educators and organisers across Asia.
Dr. Di Salvo, one of our Science teachers, shared, “I’d like to congratulate Dr. Gary and our talented learners for their remarkable achievements. Their dedication reflects the excellence we aim for at Nexus International School. This success sets a great precedent for future projects and reinforces our commitment to fostering a rich learning environment.”
The success of these learners highlights the collaborative environment at Nexus, one that encourages taking risks, embracing challenges, and pursuing passions.
Reflections from the Winning Trip to Japan
Ryan, a member of the Grand Champion team, shared his thoughts on their unforgettable trip to Japan:
“The four-day trip to Japan was an unforgettable experience, packed with valuable learning opportunities.
On day two, we visited the Leave a Nest office in Osaka and Rohto Pharmaceutical, where we were able to explore their state-of-the-art research facilities.
Day three was even more exciting, as we attended the opening ceremony for Science Castle Osaka before presenting at two separate panels. The first panel shared our experience at Science Castle, alongside the other winning teams, while the second panel focused on plastic and the environment. Here, we had the chance to present alongside experts in the field, learning a great deal in the process.
The highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the chance to interact with other young STEM researchers from different countries. It was inspiring to connect with Japanese researchers and deepen our relationships with fellow winners from the Philippines and Malaysia.
One key takeaway from the experience was how much the surrounding environment and culture can influence research. Attending both Science Castle Asia and Science Castle Osaka exposed us to a variety of innovative approaches and perspectives, something we may not have encountered in Singapore.”
For those who want to participate, Ryan has this advice:
“Stay organised and proactive with your research. Having a clear goal to work towards is crucial for success. Additionally, choosing a topic that is both challenging and interesting, while still understandable, will help ensure you stay motivated and passionate about your work.”
Looking Ahead
The journey for our young scientists doesn’t end here. All three teams are now in the process of finalising research papers based on their projects, which will be submitted to the International Journal of High School Research (IJHSR) for publication. This accomplishment will further solidify their impact on the scientific community and inspire future Nexus learners to reach even greater heights.
We are incredibly proud of each of our Nexus teams for making us proud and for their commitment to a brighter, sustainable tomorrow.
