It is encouraging to see many young people and teenagers taking seriously their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), and also by taking opportunities of events such as Sci-Tech Fair to show case their practical skills and knowledge in STEM.

At the just ended Sci-Tech Fair, the Mfantsipim boys displayed a model of their project known as the Match Box Microphone.

The purpose of the Match Box Microphone was to show that graphite has the ability to convert sound energy to electrical energy. And also, to show that it is a semiconductor, which makes it suitable for the intended purpose of a microphone.

The model was built using am empty box or carton, shaped according to their purpose, with an inbuilt speaker which brings out the sound as you speak unto the match box which has the graphite connected with wires.

According to Ronald Donkoh, who explained the model to myshsrank.com, when a sound is sent to the graphite in the match box, there will be an internal vibration of the sound which will cause a current to generate in the circuit. And the live volt battery helps a flow of current in the circuit which will be outputted through the speaker, which brings out the sound made.

In addition, the young gem explain that the graphite serves as a diaphragm which controls the amount of sound that comes in and out of it. He concluded that this a basic principle on which microphones are made.

The team that worked on the model included: Ronald Donkoh, Peter Fynn Aggrey, and Harry K. Arthur all of Mfantsipim SHS.

Congratulations to the team from Mfantsipim SHS for the Match Box Microphone model.

What makes this exhibitions gratifying is not just in the inventions the students are coming up with, but their clear demonstration of the practical grasp of STEM knowledge.

The Sci – Tech Fair is the 2^nd Edition organised by Primetime, the organizers of the National Science & Maths Quiz with the 2018 NSMQ starting fervently with the first series of contest Monday June 11, 2018.