 |
91% of readers strongly agree that social media platforms could play a key role in attracting younger generations of South Africans to SET fields of study. |
|
3% say they are not sure (too many learners still don’t have internet access). |
|
6% disagree (the time and money could be better spent on outreach projects). |
It’s like a real-life movie ... Scientists plan to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid - so they are prepared for the possibility they will have to stop one hurtling towards Earth. The news came as Nasa moved to calm fears that a comet is on a collision course with our planet. Read more
IN THE NEWS
Science stars "whizz" their way to london
 |
Vhutshilo Nekhwalivha of SAASTA (left) with the five Science Olympiad winners in London: Danielle Prinsloo, Phuti Chokoe, Martinette Rossouw, Shavan Sookdeo and Jason Saroni. |
|
The five top-performing learners in this year’s National Science Olympiad learnt, explored and discussed science with peers from 45 countries across the globe when they attended the 2011 London International Youth Science Forum.
The Forum, which took place from 27 July to 10 August this year, had a full and dynamic agenda with lectures from eminent speakers, visits to world-class research establishments and a full social programme.
Each year the Forum brings together over 300 students of the sciences, this time from 45 countries on five continents.
The class of 2011 worked together around the underlying theme of “The Science of the Seas". Keynote speakers opened the debate at the prestigious Royal College of Music. Many leading international scientists participated, including Professor Sir Roy Anderson, Chair of Infectious Disease Imperial College London; Dr Steve Myers, CERN's Director of Accelerators and Technology; and Professor John Ellis, King's College London, among others.
“Our learners made me proud of the way in which they engaged and participated in the debates, lectures and scientific visits,” says Vhutshilo Nekhwalivha of SAASTA, who accompanied the group. “They quickly made friends with participants from all over the globe - friendships I am sure that will last a lifetime.” The South Africans also displayed their talent at the International Cabaret Songs of Home evening; their sporting prowess in the LIYSF Olympics; and their considerable knowledge when presenting their student topics.
The industry visits proved especially popular. This included a trip to Jealott’s Hill, the largest agricultural research centre in Europe, where many of the world’s crop protection products were developed. A lecture that stood out among the many excellent ones was Dr Maesha Deheragoda’s interactive talk titled “The autopsy: myth, legend and reality”. Real case histories were used and members of the audience could play the role of a pathologist in determining the cause of death.
The National Science Olympiad winners who participated were:
- Shavan Sookdeo, a grade 12 learner from Star College, KwaZulu-Natal
(Best overall marks in Physical Science) - Martinette Rossouw, a grade 11 learner from Hoërskool Delmas, Mpumalanga
(Best overall marks in Life Science) - Danielle Prinsloo, Hoërskool Delmas, Mpumalanga
(Best marks in Physical Science in Grade 12) - Jason Saroni, African Leadership Academy, Gauteng
(Best marks in Life Science in Grade 11) - Phuti Chokoe, Shakoleng Secondary School, Limpopo
(Best marks from a disadvantage school in Physical Science)
Even weeks after their return, the learners were still bubbling with enthusiasm:
“This trip has motivated me to study hard, has broadened my interest in science and in following a career path in science and technology.”
- Phuti Chokoe
“SAASTA and Harmony Gold Mine have granted us something that nobody can ever take away. Oliver Wendell Holmes said that the human mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimension. The LIYSF has opened minds that are so often squeezed into boxes.”
- Martinette Rossouw
“I enjoyed the whole LIYSF. It was really interesting not only to learn about future science, sustainability and oceans, but also to get the chance to meet students from all around the world. Learning about their different cultures, languages and countries was a great privilege.”
- Danielle Prinsloo