Wonders of the sea and issues that affect it were highlighted at this year’s Science Fair at Queen Elizabeth II High School in Peel.

With the theme focusing on ’Oceans’, a total of 34 teams from year nine (ages 13 and 14) worked hard at their projects which delved into topics of spear-fishing, tsunamis, volcanoes and hydrothermal vents, hydroelectricity, sharks and water purification.

After two weeks of research and designing, they presented their efforts during the school’s fifth annual event.

Many students felt it was important to emphasise the topical issue of ocean pollution with a number of groups drawing on the concern and showing the impact it has on wildlife.

One group created a visual piece of a seabird that had died as a result of ingesting the harmful material, while another showed a shark filled with plastic waste.

Some gave recommendations of how to make a positive difference.

Ben Barnett was given the People’s Award, voted by visitors of the fair, with his project that looked at how plastic ’is choking our oceans’. His project’s tag line was ’Our World, Our Responsibility’.

Three awards were given on the day: The Headteacher’s Award; the People’s Choice and the Engineering Award. The projects were externally judged by employees from businesses Swagelok and Strix.

The event was well-attended by parents and members of the community.