“There are many talent shows, but this is a special one. We want to discover natural talents,” explains zoological director Linda Van Elsacker. “We are not looking for the singers of tomorrow, but scientists for the future. Young people who can look critically, observe patiently and be creative in thinking things up. We ask young people to set up their own research into nature and share the results with us. We as a jury choose from all entries based on content and creativity. The person who submits the most impressive research will receive the title of Zoo Science’s Youngest Scientist.”
This is the second edition of the competition. Three winners were selected from more than a hundred entries. The trio – children between 8 and 14 years old – had the opportunity to spend a day with a scientist from Zoo Science.
“It was super interesting,” responds Benjamin Voorspoels (13) from Wiekevorst (Heist-op-den-Berg). He was one of last year’s winners. “I heard about this competition through the school and I am happy that I took part. To start an investigation, I searched our garden for things that I wondered about. Finally I came to compost and found out which material tiger worms make the best compost from. There was some time between submitting your project and the awarding of the title. That was quite exciting, but I was very happy when Jonas came to school to tell me that I had won.”
Benjamin had a great day, traveling with scientist Willem-Jan in the De Zegge nature reserve in Geel. — © Joren De Weerdt
“The winners had really taken it seriously,” says Van Elsacker. “Last year’s competition was such a success that we are repeating it this year. There were many entries and the level was quite high. The entire philosophy of the competition is that we know that children are by definition fascinated by their environment, by nature and that they ask a lot of questions about it. We want to encourage them to go outside and into nature. This could be in their garden, a piece of greenery in the area or even on the balcony of their apartment. We hope that an experience will grow from this, a fascination that will make them wonder about the how and the why. That they come and tell us what caught their attention, what they find so special about it. This is how the little scientists wake up. Then we come to our five B’s: experience, describe, think, edit and decide. What interests you? Describe the problem, think of a solution and implement it. The conclusion tells what you have learned.”
© ZOO Science
As the winner of the competition, Benjamin was allowed to spend a day with scientist Willem-Jan Emsens in the De Zegge nature reserve in Geel. “That was super educational. He knew a lot about nature and also about compost, around which I had built my research. I am very happy that I took part in the competition and I definitely recommend it. I have now started a new research, I am now trying to plant cress on cardboard. Unfortunately my first test got too wet and is now rotting, but I’m not giving up. The fact that this year’s winners can present their research on Science Day sounds great. I would have really liked to do that too.”
Scientist Jonas Verspeek came to surprise Benjamin in class last year. — © ZOO Science
Linda Van Elsacker can confirm that this is one of the prizes for the young scientists. “We don’t just throw them to the lions. We will provide them with intensive guidance to present their research and results in a clear, but short and comprehensible manner for the press and the public. Furthermore, the winners can visit our science institute again and the researchers will take them behind the scenes. Together with ten friends, the winners will also be invited for a guided visit to one of our zoos.”
“Three tips for prospective scientists: choose a topic that interests you, two: take your time and three: make sure you have enough material available to carry out your experiment”
Benjamin Voorspoels (13)
Wiekevorst
Benjamin gives three more tips to candidate scientists. “First: choose a topic that interests you, two: take your time and three: make sure you have enough material available to carry out your experiment. Sometimes it doesn’t work the first time and then you can try again.” Take your time and don’t give up, it’s worth it. Linda Van Elsacker also agrees with this.
www.zooscience.be/jongstekennis
Last year’s three winners were also allowed to feed the chimpanzees via the roof during the tour. — © ZOO Science/Jonas Verhulst
Tags: edition Youngest Scientist Zoo Science seeks natural talent Antwerp
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