From the eye-laser beams of X-Men's cyclops to the ground-shaking sounds of Hulk, last January brimmed with marvellous science as young superhero fans were awarded prizes in the third edition of the Superheroes in Science project. The contest's aim is to promote Steam (the intersection of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) for seven to 13-year-old students to enable them to discover how and why things happen in the world around them through their love of superheroes and Star Wars. By carrying out experiments, creating visually appealing charts and models from upcycled materials, students can understand first-hand the scientific ideas that are such an important part of everyday life. Supported by Virtu Ferries, Toyland, Agenda Bookshop, Esplora Shop and the Esplora Interactive Science Centre, the latest edition brought together students from different schools to share their creative ideas which tie in to science curriculum topics. The following are the three winners who were awarded prizes in this year's edition.

Self-proclaimed Batman fan, Gabriel Gauci from St Catherine's High School placed first in the Juniors Group one with the project Batman's Wings. He explored the surprising ways the Caped Crusader's gear and array of gadgets actually connect to reality focusing on the Dark Knight's bat-like suit which is equipped with a bat-wing-like cape that resembles a bat's leathery pinions that enables the shadow detective to glide through Gotham City's rooftops. However, Gabriel explained that in order to glide, the Noir Avenger needs that extra force by running at speed before jumping from a high building. In the experiment Gabriel built a wooden frame to support a three-dimensional section of a bat wing which he created out of cardboard. The bat wing was shaped in a form that rises up when a jet of air is blown from underneath. Gabriel subsequently used a hairdryer to simulate the jet of air. The model experiment demonstrated how the bat-wing-like cape's scientific concept of wind energy found in comic books and in films also works in real life, because as he mentioned, a glider to fly utilises the same principle. In his presentation Gabriel concluded that just like Batman relies on science to gain advantage over his enemies, we must rely on science to discover everyday things.

Gianluca Abela from the Gudja Primary school placed first in the Juniors Group two with his Spider-Man and Radioactivity project. His interest in creating a science project on radioactivity stemmed from his favourite superhero Spider-man. In his report Gianluca said that unlike spidey's fantastic comics, where science student Peter Parker climbs walls like a web wonder as a direct result from being bitten by a radioactive spider, the sole source of radioactivity is not just from the sun but it comes in the guise of radiation that is released from an unstable atomic nucleus.

Just like the amazing Spider-man has a number of ways in which he projects his powers to full effect through web-shooting, swinging on spider-silk ropes, running along towering building's walls and slinging himself into the air. In real life radioactivity is triggered in various forms from powerful cosmic rays that reach the Earth from outer space to rocks, as well as soil. Gianluca added that all this real life, radioactive science may play well in a villain's plan to take a powerful hero down.

In his project the student charted the real life science as to how radioactivity was discovered by physicist Marie Curie and whereby radioactivity is used to great effect in x-ray machines by means of images that show the inside of an object, such as a traveller's baggage during airport security checks and the internal structure of the human body. Radioactivity has hit new heights as special x-ray telescopes pick up x-rays given off by objects in outer space, such as distant stars and how manufacturers use x-rays to find hidden flaws in products. Gianluca added that besides being beneficial, radioactivity has also effects that can be harmful to humans citing the historical case of the radium girls where female factory workers contracted radiation poisoning from painting watch dials with self-luminous paint.

The grave dangers of radioactivity lie in the manufacture of nuclear weapons and when nuclear power plants are enacted as their radioactive elements give out particles that when inhaled cause mass damage to the lungs, skin, bones and increase the risk of various illnesses.

Rain and Thunder was the winning project submitted by Damian Galea and Jaden Seguna where they placed first in the Senior Group one. Damian who attends St Aloysius College and Jaden from St Augustine joined forces and expressed their wish that they have always wanted to control the weather in a super powered manner. Hence, the dynamic duo connected their weather project with an original superhero and super villain which they created - Thunderwhite and the villainous Thunderblack who both use their special powers to control the forces of weather, summon storms, rain and all sorts of hurricanes and floods.

Through their very own imaginative super-charged characters, the student duo researched the water cycle, creating an information chart exploring as to how water is constantly on the move and how water moves between lakes, rivers, oceans as well as the soil and underground. In their presentation Damian and Jaden explained how in this ongoing cycle; water changes from liquid to vapour and solidifies as ice; otherwise known as the three states of matter. The students also conducted research and created a self-help guide as how to be safe in a thunderstorm. In their presentation they professed how in their daily lives they cannot control the weather but it can be predicted through forecasts, whereas in comic books the manipulation of thunder and rain is a special ability that many superheroes can control.

Each student project was unique in content and approach to the scientific aspect of their chosen subject matter. During the presentations the students showed great enthusiasm and answered clearly all the questions while being interviewed by science communicator Rebekah Attard Trevisan, currently reading for a M.Sc. in chemistry.

Year 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 students, with a keen interest in Science, are being invited to submit projects as part of the Superheroes in Science Project 2021. In this contest students can win prizes by connecting their knowledge of science, with the world of superheroes, super villains, Star Wars and Fortnite or create an original science powered hero. Each participant will receive a participation certificate. Submitted projects can be in the form of an experiment, a model or a visual presentation as in a superhero comic-styled information chart. Students can participate individually or as a team of a maximum of three students. Each individual or team can represent either their school, an NGO (such as scouts, girl guides) or independently. Participation is free and on a voluntary basis. Deadline for submission of online projects is 31 July.

Further information related to the 2021 project and guidelines for teachers and parents is available at http://superheroscience.info/