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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
OUT AND ABOUT
Gauteng learners share ideas for a greener future
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Elize de Jager, Curriculum Developer and Head: Life Science Centre at the NZG, and keynote speaker Vivian Malema, at the NZG’s 2nd Youth Symposium. |
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The winning presentation by Jeet Trivedi, Thillendrin Poovalingam and Mea Safuwaan, from Laudium Secondary School, showed how biotechnology can be used to conserve biodiversity. |
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Nabeelah Rasad and Khairoonisa Hoorzook took second prize for their presentation on the impact of climate change on biodiversity. |
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The National Zoological Gardens of South Africa (NZG) asked Gauteng’s youth to participate in the debate around the conservation of biodiversity – and they jumped at the opportunity to join in.
Around 300 high school learners, from all over Gauteng, gathered at the NZG recently for its 2nd Youth Symposium. The symposium, which was supported by funding from SAASTA and the Department of Science and Technology, formed part of National Science Week. The learners were invited to play their part in a collaborative effort to bring about change in the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of the environment.
Keynote speakers were Vivian Malema, Director of Biodiversity Education and Empowerment, the South African National Botanical Institute (SANBI) and Dr Clifford Nxomani, Director of the NZG.
The learners also had their say when they gave 10 separate presentations on subjects including:
- The impact of climate on biodiversity.
- The impact of habitat loss on biodiversity.
- Aquatic life under threat.
- The use of biotechnology to conserve biodiversity.
The winning presentation by Jeet Trivedi, Thillendrin Poovalingam and Mea Safuwaan, from Laudium Secondary School, discussed how biotechnology can be used to conserve biodiversity. The presentation was adjudged as being of an extremely high standard. It discussed strategies such as:
- Using genetic engineering to increase reproductivity of organisms and the resistance against diseases.
- Using genetic engineering to engineer organisms for the control of invasive species.
- Using genetic engineering to produce trees that can convert carbon dioxide more effectively.
- Reducing pollution on a micro-level through bioremediation.
They also discussed how biodiversity loss can be countered by making use of strategies such as:
- Cloning for biodiversity conservation.
- DNA barcoding to store genetic information.
- DNA banks and seed banks.
- Reviving lost species by using biotechnology procedures.
Fellow Laudium Secondary School learners Nabeelah Rasad and Khairoonisa Hoorzook took second prize for their excellent presentation on the impact of climate change on biodiversity. The third prize was snagged by Perseverance Khumalo, a Bona Lesedi High School student, who spoke passionately on the impact of habitat loss on biodiversity.
The winning learners walked away with computer software for themselves as well as laboratory equipment for their schools.
“It was thrilling to see young South Africans take such an enthusiastic interest in the conservation of our country’s unique biodiversity. They displayed keen knowledge of the herculean challenges we face in preserving our natural heritage, and offered innovative thinking on how to overcome them,” says Dr Nxomani.
“As our future leaders, and the ones who will ultimately inherit the responsibility for fixing our world’s environmental problems, they showed that they are up to the task. If these young people are anything to go by, we will be in very good hands.”