Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Leading Stories >> 1-15 May 2005
Boyden Science Centre pivotal in coordination presentation
Because of the essentiality of economic and technological progress for a developing country like South Africa, national government introduced the annual National Science Week to create awareness of the value of science. This awareness is targeted especially at the youth, the education community and those involved in human resources, community and business development. The project is being initiated by the Dept. of Science and Technology and managed by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement.
To be held this year from 13 – 20 May, National Science Week offers abundant opportunities for everybody down to grassroots level interested in the application of science to get involved, either by inputs or education.
For the local region, a proposal by the Boyden Science Centre was selected to coordinate a packed week of activities. This proposal entails for the first time collaboration between the University of the Free State (UFS), the National Museum and the Free State National Botanical Garden in Bloemfontein. There will also be innovative contributions from the Research Institute for Education Planning at the School of Education, the Boyden Science Centre and various departments in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences of the UFS. The Air Force base at Bloemspruit and the Mangaung Fire Brigade Museum will also host Science Week activities.
To this end, the purpose is to create awareness of the important role that science plays in people's lives; to encourage the youth to study and improve their performance in mathematics and science; and to attract more of our youth into science, engineering and technology (SET) careers.
According to Dr. Matie Hoffman from the UFS Department of Physics, the project for this part of the country will reach thousands of learners and members of the general public through exhibits, public lectures, radio interviews and educational programmes at the various venues. A new addition in this year's Science Week is the involvement of the Free State National Botanical Garden.
The launch of the week's activities will take place on 13 May 2006 with a special event at the Botanical Garden, to which various dignitaries are being invited. The Science Week project also include some pre-science-week activities.
According to Mr. Peter Gavhi, curator of the FS National Botanical Garden, they will not only present educational activities for school groups but will also make provision for the general public with open days on 17 and 20 May.
Accoding to Mr. Tebogo Mohlakane, Head of Education at the National Museum in Bloemfontein, the excellent permanent exhibits at the museum will be supplemented with a variety of educational activities for pre-primary learners as well as for foundation and intermediate phase learners, presented in English, Afrikaans and Sesotho.
The TRAC Laboratory from the University of the Free State's School of Education is to make a key contribution to the week's activities. According to Mr. Cobus van Breda from the UFS Research Institute of Education Planning (RIEP), the TRAC programme has at its heart the TRAC PAC, a self-contained computerized laboratory using electronic sensors and software which is supported by specially developed worksheets.
Another exciting concept that will make a contribution to the Science Week, is RIEPS's Family Maths and Science Project. According to Ms. Lorraine Botha this project helps learners and families discover that maths and science are treasures that all can share. It involves doing activities and playing games, working and talking with others. It is hands-on-learning using everyday experiences and materials and discovering that science is everywhere.
A few school groups will have the opportunity to visit the Air Force's Siyandisa project which promotes careers in aviation. These learners will also get the opportunity to see the Rooivalk helicopter.
The Mangaung Fire Brigade Museum in Ehrlich Park will also make a contribution to the week's activities by catering for younger learners.
The Boyden Science Centre will present astronomical orientated activities aimed at grade 10-12 physical science learners. Learners will have the opportunity to observe the sun and other celestial objects.
The Science Week will conclude on 20 May with an open day at the FS Botanical Garden, a science awareness day at the Boyden Science Centre and a science awareness day at the National Museum - all promising to be absorbingly interesting.
Eerste Vrystaatse robotiese teleskoop by Boyden Sterrewag
Die eerste robotiese teleskoop ooit in die Vrystaat kan besigtig word by die Boyden Sterrewag by Maselspoort. Lede van die publiek sal gedurende Nasionale Wetenskapweek 2006 twee geleenthede kry om die nuwe robotiese teleskoop van die University College Dublin in aksie te sien. Op 7 Mei 2006 is daar by die Sterrewag 'n spesiale aanbieding oor “Images of Science” deur die węreldbekende astrofotograaf, David Malin, terwyl op 20 May 'n ope aand by die Sterrewag gehou word. Besprekings om dit by te woon is noodsaaklik – meer inligting by 051 – 401 2322.
Science and environment together
With Science Week 2006 in the Free State, science and the environment are to be brought together in an unique way when for the first time the FS National Botanical garden will be involved. The main emphasis will be on educational activities for primary and secondary schools covering subjects such as food chains and food webs, plant adaptations, vegetation types and water relationships in plants.
Free State launch open invitation
The official launch of National Science Week 2006 scheduled on Saturday, 13 May 2006 at the Free State Botanical Garden is to be attended by dignitaries from various walks of life, but an invitation is also being extended to business leaders to attend. The launch event will include a tour of the Garden, a talk on SANBI and bio-diversity as well as a cocktail.
To book for the event, contact Thea Barnard at 051 – 436 3530.
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