Cape Town – To highlight National Science week and expose pupils to the role science plays in our daily lives, Advancing Knowledge NPC and ArcelorMittal Science Centre hosted a series of science events.
The science roadshow took place at 11 schools on the West Coast this week and covered parts of the science curriculum at school and the link between curriculum content and everyday application of science concepts, principles and theories.
The event also demonstrated the importance of basic sciences in real-world careers and their contribution to making life easier and comfortable.
Among the schools that were part of the roadshow was St Augustine's Primary School in Paternoster.
Principal Celestine Barends said pupils were somewhat sceptical about the roadshow and were unsure about what to expect.
“Throughout the presentation, pupils had the opportunity to participate and be actively involved. The element of surprise was the highlight of the day.
“You could see the astonishment in the eyes of our pupils when the presenters used magic as a method of explanation for some experiments. They were explained in a way that was understandable to even pupils who experience learning difficulties,” she said.
She added that pupils were left with memories of the event filled with fun, excitement and love for anything science-related.
The event included science-related activities to highlight how you could use everyday objects such as bottles, cans, solids, sticks and boxes to teach and learn about science.
Science experiments and balancing acts were among those activities that involved active participation from pupils and teachers.
Director of Advancing Knowledge NPC Shaheed Hartley said National Science Week events were essential for pupils
“Through the interactive and hands-on activities, pupils learn through creative and fun ways to understand and gain scientific knowledge and the relationship between the curriculum science and their everyday activities at home and in their environment,” he said.
Education MEC David Maynier said they fully support National Science Week.
“The importance of Science in our everyday life cannot be underestimated. It is enhancing the way in which we work and play, contributing to so many exciting and innovative opportunities, from space or marine exploration, to artificial intelligence and life-saving medical procedures,” he said.