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Science camp gets young scientists exploring, discovering and learning
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Over the years, the SAEON Ndlovu Node’s science camps have proved to be a valuable tool in adding to participants’ scientific knowledge and skills, sparking their interest in science and encouraging them to consider a career in science.
This year, 14 grade 10 learners participated in the science camp, which was held at Magoebaskloof Adventures and Canopies.
SAEON scientist Dr Dave Thompson presented a lecture on being a scientist, inspiring learners to use the scientific method while conducting their scientific research projects at the three study sites/habitats (plantation, forest and grassland) within the Haenertsburg research site. By using the scientific method, learners develop skills in observation, thinking and project design.
Informed life decisions
The scientific method forms the cornerstone of the science camp activities. As the learners themselves proclaimed: The science camp broadens our scientific knowledge which we would never learn at our schools and enables us to apply the theory behind the information gained. This pool of information enables us to make informed life decisions.
The learners were divided into three teams according to the three habitats. The teams set out to collect data (under the supervision of their mentors, Dr Gareth Hempson, Sylvie Kremer-Kӧhne, Regina Lebeya, Dr Dave Thompson, Faith Selepe and Joe Sibiya) to answer their set research question. Learners found collecting data (site sampling) at the research sites challenging but fascinating.
A member of the Forest Team described this adventure as follows: We went down and up in the mountains; we had a long walk into and out of the forest; it was tiresome but amazing, and I enjoyed every bit of it. After collecting our data, I felt so smart; and smarter than my peers because they don't know what I know now.
Data analysis
Team spirit was put to the test during data analysis and the designing of the posters for their presentations the next day. Learners with strong voices tended to dominate the proceedings.
On the third and final day of the camp the budding scientists presented their research findings. The teams demonstrated insight into and understanding of scientific methods by applying these procedures in their research projects.
The Grassland Team had expected to find more grass (and grass exclusively) than forbs as it was the grasslands they were investigating. However, their results showed that there were more forbs than grass, which led to them to reject their hypothesis (expectation).
The Plantation Team found that their habitat had more litter compared with grass, forbs and bare ground. The Forest Team's research results indicated a mix of grass and forbs, and a combination of tall and short trees in this habitat.
Career focus
Learners also discovered more about themselves, overcame their personal fears and wanted to know more about their dream careers.
As one of the learners remarked: Being at the camp helped me to face my fear of insects, I made new friends, I learned something new about myself (that I actually love nature/flowers). It encouraged me to explore more in science, especially in my future career as an aquatic scientist.
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