KZ: Hi Anna! Congratulations on winning Equal 1st in the Inventions and Innovations category! How did you find out about the STANSW Young Scientist Awards?

A: I first found out about STANSW Young Scientist Awards from my older sister, when she first participated in high school. I am also interested in science. I had many ideas for my own project, so I discussed this with my science teacher, and she encouraged me to submit a project which is why I entered for the first time last year.                                

KZ: How long did it take to complete your entry to the competition, from idea to finished submission? 

A: It took me about two and a half months to complete. My original idea developed over several weeks until I had a clear picture after which I went on to do all the building and experimenting.

KZ: What was the hardest part of making the three different drone frames?

A: The wires were tiny so it was hard to work with them but I used tweezers that helped keep them in position.

KZ: Did you learn anything new or surprising while working on this project?

A: I was surprised by the fact that flying drones is very energy consuming. It drained the batteries very fast!

KZ: How did you feel when your project was chosen as one of the winners?

A: I was sent an email saying I was invited to the awards ceremony which meant I was receiving some sort of award or place. Then I found out on the night my project was chosen as one of the winners. The fact that I was chosen as a winner (first place) made me very happy and thrilled as this was my first time submitting a project and I was really proud of my project and all the effort I put into it. The award comes with some prize money, a certificate and your name in a booklet.

KZ: What advice would you give to another child who wants to enter but doesn’t know where to start?

A: Find something that you find interesting or you're curious about as curiosity is the start of many science experiments. If there is a topic you enjoy, research more about it and then find a subject you could experiment with. All ideas grow so think of an idea then expand on it over several days and add on to it and in the end you will have an amazing product. Remember that science needs patience and don’t give up straight away.

Want to read more of our Heroes interview with Anna? Grab the June 2023 ‘Swing Into The Extreme’ issue of K-Zone, out now!