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42% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the development of a 3D touch screen is a great idea and an exciting development for science. |
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17% are indifferent. |
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40% think it’s a waste of money and a gimmick. |
It is estimated that South Africa’s new Science & Technology Train, which is currently under development, will reach 14 000 learners each year.
Transnet Rail Engineering at Koedoespoort will complete the train’s renovations.
Teach them while
they’re young
“As a society we cannot afford to postpone investing in children until they have become adults, nor can we wait until they reach school-going age – a time when it may be too late to intervene. The best evidence supports the policy prescription: invest in the very young and improve basic learning and socialisation skills,” says education guru James Heckman.
The Unizul Science Centre in Richards Bay has taken Heckman’s advice to heart. They have received a R4 million grant from BHP Billiton, which they are using to fund an early childhood development (ECD) centre in addition to the present science centre.
Work is already in progress on this latest extension. The 600m-square facility, which will house a children's science museum aimed at pre-primary school visitors, will be the first of its kind in Africa.
“The new building is being added to the north side of our two existing buildings and is an exact copy of the Unizul Centre’s 2004 extension, on the outside,” says Derek Fish, manager of the centre. “But inside, it will be filled with fascinating exhibits from all over the world. Already exhibits have been donated from the London Science Museum, Technopolis in Belgium, Wedgits USA and computers from IBM, which are just waiting to be placed in their new home. And there's much more to come!”
Fish believes that science awareness should start at a young age. But the question is how young?
“Growing evidence suggests that the most effective return on investment in education is in the beginning of the ECD or pre-school phase,” he comments. He believes this is true for science centres too. “We are often too late in trying to get teenagers excited about science and mathematics, when at that age many of them are illiterate and innumerate, and unlikely to have the skills to make the most of what we offer. We should also focus on pre-schoolers who always want to do hands-on science.”
Experiences from visits to children’s museums and ECD development programmes abroad has shown Fish the value of starting engagement with science at a young age.
The new facility will open on Friday, 9 September, with a glittering event that will no doubt cast a shadow on the Rugby World Cup’s Opening Ceremony, which is happening on the same day! The centre’s opening will follow the 6th Science Centre World Congress, held for the first time in South Africa, and will be attended by colleagues and friends of the Unizul Science Centre, from around the world.
The opening event will also celebrate the 25th birthday of the Unizul Science Centre.