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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). |
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OUT AND ABOUT
Science club excitement spreads to Gauteng
A brand new science club was launched at Ivory Park High School in Thembisa in August. Sivuyile Manxoyi, who is fast becoming known as “Mr Science Club” among his colleagues, facilitated the workshop and 459 mathematics and science learners attended.
“Science clubs can help change learners’ attitude towards science and technology and can assist in engaging communities in science,” says Manxoyi, who is the manager of the Southern African Large Telescope Cooperative Benefits Programme.
“Everyone can contribute towards the establishment of these clubs by introducing the idea to learners and teachers, adopting a club, or even supporting existing clubs in the form of presentations, talks, fun and exciting practical demonstrations, or other appropriate material.”
The learners from Ivory Park High School elected a task team to draw up a constitution, develop a programme, and elect an executive for their new science club. They even set up a blog to keep in touch with club activities on a more social level. Manxoyi encouraged learners to contribute to the science club newsletter, The Impulse, and to register on the science club website, www.scienceclub.org.za.
Shadrack Mkansi, manager of SAASTA’s Science Awareness Unit, together with his staff, assisted Manxoyi at the event. This launch was funded by, and formed part of, the DST’s Science Club programme, which is implemented by the Science Awareness Unit of SAASTA.