Maeng Min-kyu and Lee Su-in, sophomores at Chungnam Science High School, received the Presidential Award in the student division at the 72nd National Science Fair for their research on detecting minute vibration anomalies through the sounds produced when tapping on structures. The National Science Museum announced the major award winners, including the Presidential Award and the Prime Minister’s Award, on October 2.
The National Science Fair is a leading science research competition that began in 1949. This year, 3,479 entries were submitted from 17 cities and provinces nationwide, and 303 of them advanced to the national competition after regional competitions. A judging panel composed of 46 experts from industry, academia, and research institutes conducted a comprehensive evaluation based on the thoroughness of the research process, the creativity and originality of the topic, and the theoretical validity and practicality of the project.
The research by the “Bravo” team, which received the Presidential Award in the student category, is titled “Basic Research on Real-Time Resonance Response of Unknown Structures through Acoustic Analysis.” Noting that most structures are composed of different materials joined together, the team sought to develop a method for inspecting the stability of these joints. They confirmed that it is possible to detect the occurrence of “wobble”—an abnormal amplitude fluctuation—by using an analytical signal derived from the mathematical transformation of acoustic signals generated by vibrations when an impact is applied to a structure, combined with vibration displacement reconstructed via the Doppler effect. The study was recognized for demonstrating the potential to identify signs of structural abnormalities using only simple acoustic equipment and mathematical analysis. The students shared their thoughts, saying, “At first, we just thought it was an error, but as the wobble persisted even when we changed the conditions, our curiosity grew: ‘Why is this happening?’”
The Presidential Award for Teachers and the General Division was awarded to the “Korea Weapons Research Society” team, consisting of teachers Kang Dae-cheol from Hwasun Elementary School, Kim Seong-sik from Docho Elementary School, and Kim Hye-min from Bigum Elementary School. They developed a sensor-based simulator to compare the rotational kinetic energy of the pyeon-gon—a weapon from the Joseon Dynasty—and a standard staff, and confirmed the effectiveness of applying a convergent education program utilizing 3D simulations to elementary physics education. Given that students often struggle with formula-heavy physics, the project was praised for linking principles from traditional scientific culture to hands-on learning.
The Prime Minister’s Award in the Student Division was awarded to the “Zero Hwan-ta” team—composed of fifth-grade students Kim Yeon-woo, Kang Dong-woo, and Hwang Chan-hu from Cheonan Saesam Elementary School. While observing a stream, they noticed that other plants did not grow well around certain invasive species. Their research found that a mixture of extracts from common daisy and water plantain inhibited the germination of the invasive species Japanese honeysuckle by 57%. They also confirmed the growth-inhibiting effect by repeatedly spraying the mixture on Japanese honeysuckle growing in an actual stream.
In the Teacher and General Division, the Prime Minister’s Award went to the “Godong Students” team—comprising teachers Choi Kyung-ju, Jeon Hyun-woo, and Jin Seo-young from Shin-dae Elementary School. Noting that while clams died when tidal flat salinity dropped due to the monsoon and dam releases, the mud snail survived, the team used an automated behavior analysis program to uncover a survival strategy: as salinity stress increases, the snail reduces its activity and respiration to endure. Based on this finding, they also developed AI-integrated ecological inquiry learning materials.
In addition, 10 Grand Prize winners, 75 Special Prize winners, 99 Excellence Prize winners, and 115 Encouragement Prize winners were selected. Lee Eun-young, Director of the National Science Museum of Korea, said, “I hope the participants’ persistent inquiry and innovative attempts demonstrated in this competition will lead to even greater scientific achievements in the future.” The entries will be on display in the Special Exhibition Hall of the Future Technology Pavilion at the National Science Museum until October 10, and the awards ceremony will be held on November 3.
