Bridging the science/education divide

SAEON Vegetation Scientist Jasper Slingsby (right) explains to the group why cycads are unique. Members of the group are introduced to "Mandela’s Gold", a rare yellow form of the well-known crane flower, Strelitzia reginae. Dr Jasper Slingsby (left) explains why the water in the stream looks like "Coca-Cola". Thami Zono, a learner from Mary Waters High School in Grahamstown, gives a presentation on the research she conducted with aid from SAEON scientists. Palesa Moloi, a learner from Sophumelela High School in Cape Town, confidently addresses the audience at the symposium.

By Catherine Browne (Intern, SAEON Egagasini Node), Thomas Mtontsi (Education Outreach Officer, SAEON Egagasini Node) and Belinda Mokhanda (Intern, SAEON)

SAEON’s 8^th Network of Education Experts¹ meeting and Education Symposium held at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town, were hosted jointly by the Egagasini and Fynbos nodes.

The annual symposium brings together education experts, representatives from the various SAEON nodes as well as a number of students, past and present, involved in SAEON programmes throughout the country. It presents a great opportunity for bridging the gap between school-going learners, educators and scientists.

The day started with an informative walk through the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, led by Dr Nicky Allsopp and Dr Jasper Slingsby of the Fynbos Node. Everyone enjoyed the excursion in the crisp morning air during which they learnt more about the treasures of the Fynbos biome.

Sibongile Mokoena, SAEON’s Education Outreach Coordinator opened the proceedings with an overview of the SAEON science education outreach programme.

Node presentations

Then it was time for the nodes to present their research and education outreach projects and for the learners from the schools that SAEON is actively involved with to share their experiences -- what they had learnt during the programme and the opportunities that SAEON had made available for them.

Nozi Hambaze, Education Outreach Officer at SAEON’s Elwandle Node in Grahamstown, highlighted the node’s research focus and education outreach activities in her presentation. Nomathamsanqa (Thami) Zono from Mary Waters High School in Grahamstown gave a well prepared presentation on the scientific processes used by learners in the Elwandle Node programme to investigate different factors that affect types and abundance of vegetation.

"We concluded that grass could not grow properly in the valley thicket area because it is so densely populated with trees. Our hypothesis was correct, but more research needs to be done to determine the exact conditions," Thami said. She was applauded for an excellent presentation.

Joe Sibiya, Education Outreach Officer at SAEON’s Ndlovu Node and learner Kwena Mashale from Maphokwane High School in Phalaborwa were also well prepared for their joint presentation. Joe presented on the node’s location and its focus on the savannah biome, while Kwena’s presentation highlighted the scientific methods the learners used to determine the cause of soil erosion at Tshulu Camp. In their investigation they established that human activity contributed most to soil erosion.

"Being a scientist is not just about collecting data," Kwena said. "I’ve learned that scientists must ask relevant questions that benefit people and the environment."

SAEON’s Egagasini Node, led by Education Outreach Officer Thomas Mtontsi, showcased their research projects and experiences with their education programmes. Three learners shared their experiences aboard the SA Agulhas II when it sailed from Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. They observed scientists at work and learnt how data are collected on a research vessel.

This was followed by presentations given by Antonio Gambino and Tania Moyikwa, former learners on the SAEON programme and now both first year BSc students at the University of Cape Town. Antonio and Tania shared with the audience how the SAEON programme had exposed them to the world of environmental science. Meeting scientists, they said, and being able to collect data and conduct a research project were once-in-a-lifetime experiences for young learners.

The presentations showcased the learners’ experiences and the difference that SAEON is making in the lives of these aspiring young scientists. "The symposium serves as an incentive for the learners at each of the SAEON nodes to work hard and earn the privilege of being selected to represent their nodes at the symposium," commented Sibongile Mokoena, SAEON’s Education Outreach Coordinator.

"The learners selected to present at the 2012 symposium displayed the scientific skills and the knowledge they had acquired. Presenting in front of an audience is just one of the life skills these learners have acquired through their participation in the SAEON programmes."

Scientists speak

Yolandi Els, Coordinator of the SAEON Arid Lands Node in Kimberley took the "Scientists speak" slot. She gave an overview of the ecological significance of the arid lands biome. She also highlighted the monitoring projects undertaken by the Node and its participation in education awareness platforms like National Science Week and the COP17 Schools’ Awareness Initiative. She said it was important to integrate scientists into the education outreach programme to expose learners to the work of scientists and to motivate learners to pursue careers in the environmental sciences.

The proceedings were concluded with an informative and exciting tour of the Two Oceans Aquarium led by Thomas Mtontsi.

After the students and guests had departed, the SAEON team held a short debriefing/ feedback session, highlighting successes, room for improvement, as well as scope for future focus areas and changes with regard to both the symposium and the education programmes.

¹ Members of the Network of Education Experts have an advisory role; they discuss the progress and give input into the SAEON Science Education Outreach programme.