SAEON workshop a drawcard for learners at Scifest

Staff from SAEON’s National Office visit the SAEON exhibition stand at SciFest. From left: Dr Amani Saidi, Sibongile Mokoena, Spokazi Manakele, Amantle Phefo and Silas Mashigo. Front, from left: Eva Mudau and Nozi Hambaze Click to enlarge Learners take temperature readings of cold water representing the Benguela Current and warm water representing the Agulhus Current (Picture: Nozi Hambaze) "We followed a hands-on approach in the workshop which gave learners the opportunity to observe, record, analyse and interpret data." - Nozi Hambaze, Education Outreach Officer, SAEON Elwandle Node

SAEON Elwandle Node’s workshop at Scifest Africa in Grahamstown attracted learners from as far afield as Johannesburg, Sutherland, East London, Mthatha, as well as two local schools, Graeme College and PJ Olivier High School.

Scifest Africa 2010 was attended by more than 79 000 visitors, and tickets for the workshop - entitled ‘Coastal influences on our climate’ — were quickly sold out.

As Elwandle’s Education Outreach Officer I thoroughly enjoyed facilitating the workshop and the direct contact with learners. We followed a hands-on approach which gave learners the opportunity to observe, record, analyse and interpret data.

Besides the workshops, SAEON Elwandle Node had a brand new exhibition stand at SciFest which was manned by SAEON’s Education Outreach Coordinator, Sibongile Mokoena and Elwandle Node research interns Luzuko Dali and Elodie Heyns.

SAEON exhibited with other biodiversity institutions such as the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB), the National Zoological Gardens (NZG) and Bayworld in support of International Year of Biodiversity.

Creating a new mindset about science

SciFest Africa is an annual event held in Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape in late March or early April. The Festival aims to break through popular misconceptions and create a new mindset about science, technology, engineering and mathematics by demonstrating that these disciplines underpin our everyday activities.

Visitors are able to interact with science in a colourful and non-threatening environment, while the Festival’s vast range of interactive events provides learners with a great opportunity to discover science outside the classroom.

Scifest Africa also allows South Africa and the world’s leading scientists the opportunity to share their work, make science accessible to and within the reach of ordinary people, give career guidance, and act as role models for our youth. Activities at Scifest include talkshops, lectures, workshops and exhibitions.

SAEON’s Education Outreach staff members are already putting plans in place for Scifest Africa 2011!