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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. |
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3% say they are not sure (too many learners still don’t have internet access). |
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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
Learners take a walk on the “wild side”
Learners from 19 schools in and around Pretoria took up the challenge to use microscopes, classify animals and answer questions on conservation, sustainable living, the World Wide Web and more, in the “Urban Wildlife” life science competition.
The National Zoological Gardens (NZG) chose the perfect day (Youth Day on 16 June) and an even better year (the International Year of the Youth) to host the “Urban Wildlife” competition for grade 10 learners.
“As this was the first time we’ve run this competition, we limited the number of entries,” explains Armstrong Mashakeni, Senior Life Science Educator at the NZG. “The response, however, was surprising, with 57 learners from 19 schools taking part.”
This unique competition engaged learners in activities at the Zoo, the Reptile Park and the Aquarium, and provided practical insights into aspects of the life science curriculum.
Hands-on activities included operating a microscope to identify micro-organisms, and using specific procedures to identify animals. The team of learners who obtained the highest points in these different activities won the competition for their school.
First prize went to Hoërskool Elandspoort, with Laudium Secondary School and Soshanguve High School winning second and third prizes respectively.
Judging by the participants’ enthusiasm, the competition not only helped learners to understand life science concepts while competing against their peers, but it has also boosted their interest in life science.