SAEON science camps: A practical experience more valuable than textbooks

By Joe Sibiya, Education Outreach Officer, SAEON Ndlovu Node Tweet

This year, from 30 September to 3 October, fifteen learners participated in the SAEON Ndlovu Node’s grade 11 science camp held at Timbavati Environmental Bush School... under wet and cold weather conditions.

The theme selected for this year’s science camp was the value of biodiversity, with the overall objective of strengthening the learners’ scientific thinking through developing and completing their own science project, and evaluating their personal skills and goals in light of future career choices.

Learners were divided into two groups with the aim of conducting small-scale comparative research projects on veld condition and soil quality in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve (protected area) and around Timbavati village (communal land). On the final day each group presented the results of their research projects.

It has become customary for learners to share their thoughts on their three-year SAEON science camp experiences. “I’ve read/listened to many heartfelt sentiments through the years,” says Joe Sibiya, education outreach officer at the node, “but this year’s feedback was different – the stirring messages resonated with those of the initial (2006) science camp learners, encouraging everyone involved to want to continue and do more.”

The Grass Muffins after collecting data in the field

Science Camp Reflections – by Nyeleti Natasha Mkhabela (Kingfisher Private School)

Friday, 30 September
The excitement of the night before was nothing compared to the excitement I think we all felt when we finally met at the SAEON offices this morning. After a longish drive we finally made it to Timbavati Environmental Bush School. It was not quite what I expected. The place is amazing. After taking a whole lot of pictures it was finally time to get down to business.

We had a quick recap of what a scientist is and does. This put us into work mode. We went out to do the first thing a scientist does - observe (the easy part); the first step into another chapter of science.

We then went back to the camp to make sense of what we had observed and to ask questions. Working in teams proved to be a little hard for the Grass Muffins (Vegetation/Grass group). We had so many different characters in the group. It was close to impossible to get an answer. But we managed, luckily.

Later that night we played a career expedition game, which was fun and enlightening. It made us think further than our noses in terms of our career choices. Challenge: To find something that we use that isn't from or inspired by nature.

The Grass Muffins identifying plants using a spoke meter on a 50m transect The Soils group determining organic matter or humus in sandy soil in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve

Saturday, 1 October
We left early that morning for the Timbavati Communal Lands where we immediately started recording our data. It was fun working with the equipment.

One of our questions was on grass species. Honestly speaking, I didn't think that there would be so many species in that spot. At first sight, all the grass looks the same. But I guess that's what it means to be a scientist: actually looking and understanding, not just a quick peek.

Recording the grasses didn't take as long as expected, but that was a good thing. Considering that Grass Muffins took forever to come to a conclusion, we got to work whilst waiting for the Soils group to finish. Today's group work went much better. Having got used to each other, we were better team mates altogether.

Today's game (jenga) was not all about fun either. We had to think of moves and countermoves.

The Grass Muffins determining grass biomass using a disc pasture meter Read Kingfisher Private School learner Nyeleti Mkhabela's "Science Camp Reflections" in this article

Sunday, 2 October
Today's tasks would be happening within the camp. We would be recording data in the Timbavati Protected Area. It was exciting being in the middle of all the 'action'.

Some people were more excited than others on seeing giraffes. It was not what we expected to find, but then there was nothing we could do about it. It was almost impossible finding a spot with grass. That's when the impact of the drought really hit us like a wave (ironically comparing waves to drought).

Nonetheless, we collected our data. Our findings were far from what we expected, but then you can't always get what you want. Again we didn't take as long as expected. The girls, being brave, decided to WALK back instead of riding back. I must admit that all horrible possibilities crossed my mind during the walk, but that's what made it so much fun.

Back at the hall, our workplace, we started properly recording and analysing our data. After our final discussions we started to work on our poster. Making the poster was fun. We sang 80s songs and spoke about the weirdest things.

It was a night filled with emotions, from joy to rage to pity; working in groups is never easy. The singing and talking was a minor setback, but we managed to finish with now only three people working on the poster and the rest in bed.

Cheerful members of the Grass group analysing collected data (L) and using guidebooks to identify collected or recorded grass under the watchful eye of their mentor, Thobile Dlamini (with hat)

Monday, 3 October
The day has come! Waking up was extra hard, considering the wet and cold weather and late night.

We watched a video about the wild in other parts of Africa, a true learning experience. It was satisfying to know that it is not just the people of South Africa working on saving the natural environment of our dear continent. Many people are involved in conservation projects. It makes one want to do more than is already being done.

After adding the final touches to our poster, we rehearsed our presentation. Of course, when the real presentation came, we all went mute. All the confidence drained. A few minutes into the presentation, most of the Grass Muffins were back in their element. For me, it was better not seeing people’s faces, so I took my glasses off.

We were impressed by what we had put together and so was everyone else, I believe. The other group also had an impressive presentation. It was nice to hear about what they've been doing and learn from them. The majority of what was said was completely new to me but it's always good to learn.

After the remarks Dave (Dr Dave Thompson, Biodiversity Scientist at SAEON’s Ndlovu Node) made on our projects, he gave us a lesson on how there is a lot of thought put into every action taken in the environment.

Answer to challenge: ... nothing. That is how important nature is, even to us.

Sadly, it was time to leave. The saddest part of it all was not having to give back our name tags – the science camps were all over now. No more exploring for us. This was the last day of our amazing adventure with SAEON.

I speak for everyone when I say that we are grateful for the opportunity you have given us. Being part of this programme was an amazing experience. It opened our eyes. You've done for us more than you think or notice you have. Thank you SAEON, for everything.

Kgadi Malesa explains the Soil group’s research findings on the impact of soil erosion in the Timbavati area “Thank you for giving me this opportunity to discover who I truly am.” - Melissa Morgan shares her science camp experiences with the group

Contributions or excerpts from other team members

Melissa Morgan (Sebalamakgolo High School)
Three years together and now we have to separate. It is so sad to break up this bond we all built together. Memories were made and I will cherish them for as long as I live. It is indeed a life-changing experience. I disliked Agriculture, but, being in the field collecting all the data made me realise that it is an interesting subject. I was antisocial but now I am like an extrovert.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to discover who I truly am and what I want to achieve in life. SAEON has produced a valuable product in me. This campaign you have started will help many people and will be remembered for a long time for its good work.

Kgadi Malesa (Maphokwane High School)
There are a lot of things that I didn't know about the soil. But now I learnt that soil is capable of supporting plant life and is vital to life on earth. It also influences the distribution of plant species and provides a habitat for a wide range of organisms.

Hope Nkuna (Majeje High School)
The study of the effects of grazing and soil content in both the Timbavati Protected Area and Communal Area taught us on how we should behave towards nature and how nature behaves towards humans; we were challenged.

Kwano Mathebula (Frans Du Toit High School)
The Africa DVD (documentary) has opened my eyes to new truths about the world I had yet to realise or contemplate. I’ve never looked at poaching from this angle before; the possibility of ecosystem collapse because of the extinction of one species is quite terrifying to hear. But seeing that it is not too late to change that gave me hope for the future.