An avocado time machine? What are young people thinking up in the realm of science and technology?

The Bay of Plenty Science Fair will showcase 80 young bright spark ideas. Photo / File

A prize pool of $5000 is at stake for 80 young budding scientists at this year's regional science and technology fair.

More than 80 students from eight Bay of Plenty schools have entered this year's annual National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (Niwa) Regional BOP Science and Technology Fair.

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These are some of the submissions which will be on display for the public from tomorrow, being judged on thoroughness, technical skills and presentation.

There are two main categories, science and technology.

Submissions in the science category will need to show an evaluation of the experimental design and the data presented.

These can be shown in observational drawings, wall charts, web pages, and PowerPoint presentations.

Development is the key concept in the technology category and can be presented as computer programming or a website which would include an appropriate database.

A team of judges will crown the winners of the fair who are competing for a prize pool of $5000.

They will be looking for originality in projects or an original approach to a problem.

Judging will take place tomorrow from 8.30am to 1pm and the prizegiving will take place at 1pm the following day.

Members of the public will be able to get a glimpse of the scientific ideas at viewing sessions tomorrow and Friday at the Harvest Centre, Rotorua.

Niwa freshwater ecologist and science fair co-ordinator Tracey Burton said the fairs were an important way for students to think about and engage with science.

"For many young students, science fairs are the first time they will design and carry out their own scientific investigations," she said.

She hoped the experience would inspire them to pursue careers in the fields.

Niwa had provided major sponsorship for the fair, and others around the country, as part of a long-term commitment to enhancing science and technology for young Kiwis.

It was also sponsored by Kiwanis Club of Te Awamutu.

Niwa was also a sponsor of the Auckland City, South & East Auckland, Waikato, Canterbury, Westland and Wellington science and technology fairs.

Details of the event

When

: Thursday, August 15: 1pm - 5pm. Friday, August 16: 9am - 2pm.

Where:

The Harvest Centre, Rotorua