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Ndlovu Node science camp - Pushing the boundaries of knowledge
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By Joe Sibiya, Education Outreach Officer, SAEON Ndlovu Node
This year the SAEON Ndlovu Node science camp learners (the grade 10 class of 2011) continued the journey they began in September 2011 at Magoebaskloof towards becoming a scientist.
This year’s science camp was held at Tshulu camp on the banks of the Mutale River in Venda.
Eleven of the original fifteen learners from the previous year participated in the 2012 science camp. This is the second group of grade 11 learners to have attended both the grade 10 and grade 11 science camps.
The eleven learners from Phalaborwa were accompanied by three grade 11 learners from Fhetani Secondary School in Sanari village, Venda. Although the three learners had not participated in SAEON’s grade 10 science held at Magoebaskloof and lacked science camp experience, their active participation in the activities indicated that they were eager to learn and to share their ideas. The Tshulu Trust sponsored these learners’ participation in the camp.
The fourteen aspiring scientists were divided into three project groups to investigate and find solutions for the following questions:
- Can the vegetation at Tshulu camp support livestock?
- What is the water quality of the Mutale River?
- Is the soil at Ha-Makuya eroded and if it is, can further erosion be prevented? (Read the research project report here)
As this was the second science camp for most of the learners, the three groups lost no time in venturing out into the field for three days to conduct their scientific investigation under the watchful eye of mentors Thabo Mohlala (river health), Rob Taylor (vegetation) and Tracy Johnson (soil erosion). SAEON’s Dave and Sharon Thompson supervised the projects and gave lectures on scientific methods and career choices.
Scientific method
Like real scientists the groups unravelled the mysteries of the bush and dipped into the river to collect data in an attempt to answer the questions they set themselves as part of the scientific method. After three days of hard work, the young researchers entered the raw data on computers for analysis and as part of their computer training skills. On the final day each group had an opportunity to present their research findings.
It was a rewarding experience to note the progress the learners had made since their first science camp. Their scientific knowledge had deepened, and their attitude and love for science had shown marked development. This was evident in their work ethics during the field investigations, the manner in which they explained the scientific concepts in their group discussions as well as the way in which they presented their research findings.
Credit goes to the mentors (Dave, Sharon, Thabo, Rob and Tracy) for their patience and for their expertise in sharing their scientific skills with the learners.
What the learners had to say:
"What an exuberant day I had today although I got tired of all the travelling on the bumpy road, but it was all worthwhile. I enjoyed myself in such a way that I am so thankful to have actually come to this science camp. The camp taught us to appreciate one another."
"Today was an amazing day. I had lots of fun working in the field with Tracy (scientist). We did some soil tests and it was fascinating working in the field as a scientist."
"Well, this camp is really fun and very adventurous. It makes one feel like a scientist and that feels good. I feel like I have got brains and that I am intelligent. I can’t wait to finish school and study to be aquatic scientist."
"Today I learnt about the baobab tree and its uses, and a whole lot more about birds. Another exciting thing is that I got a worm farm/garden to make organic fertiliser."
"It’s amazing how nature reveals its inner beauty. I am sitting in the bush and seeing lots of beautiful birds with different characteristics but fell in love with Egyptian geese. It was amazing to note that some birds dig holes in the river banks and live there."
"Sitting down and hearing all the beautiful noises and steadiness of water is so fascinating and one got to appreciate nature and love it even more."
"Our task of the morning was to identify birds by their characteristics, the sound they make, colour, shape, etc. That was interesting and adventurous too. Surely my horizon of understanding biodiversity has been stretched."
"I am sitting on a rock next to the Mutale River enjoying the morning breeze, learning and looking around at the beauty that nature provides. This is the best free holiday adventure anyone can ever get. Seeing the impala lily made my day. The amazing race made me so tired, but I loved and enjoyed every part of it."
