Local learners and teachers were able to learn more about chemistry through a collaboration between the Rhodes Chemistry department and Bristol ChemLabS. The United Kingdom based outfit visited Grahamstown schools to conduct a chemistry outreach programme.
Local learners and teachers were able to learn more about chemistry through a collaboration between the Rhodes Chemistry department and Bristol ChemLabS. The United Kingdom based outfit visited Grahamstown schools to conduct a chemistry outreach programme.
"The aim of the programme is to broaden the education of learners and to show them that science can be fun. Hopefully this will encourage more learners to consider science as a subject to matric, and even beyond," said Joyce Sewry of the Rhodes Chemistry department.
The programme is represented by two post-doctoral researchers from Bristol ChemLabS, Dr. Preeti Kaur and Dr Linda Sellou, who visited to conduct demonstration lectures and hands-on experiments.
Bristol ChemLabs have already developed an impressive reputation for their work in promoting chemistry throughout various communities. Recent outreach collaborations have involved institutions in Ireland, China, Australia, Slovenia, Hungary and Singapore.
"The Bristol ChemLabS outreach programme allows students to take part in many activities in which it collaborates with primary and secondary schools and other initiatives outside the United Kingdom," said Kaur.
Hands on
Part of the drive for the programme is to create an active interest in chemistry and to dispel the myth that science is dull, boring or dangerous. The programme visited secondary schools and primary schools. Some of the schools visited were the Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), Ntsika, TEM Mrwetyana and NV Cewu Primary and George Dickerson Primary school.
Learners from George Dickerson Primary visited the Rhodes Chemistry labs and received a short demonstration with some hands-on experiments. The learners experienced working in a ‘real’ laboratory where they conducted two experiments. Sellou said it was exciting to see the kids enjoying the demonstrations and experiments.
"Science and chemistry does not have to be boring," she added.
George Dickerson Primary school learner, Bananziwe Dondolo, said that she liked the demonstration and learnt a lot. Other learners, Natasha and Natalie Williams marvelled at making slime.
George Dickerson Primary grade 7 teachers, Gilbert Prince, said that children immersed the demonstrations and experiments and that first-hand experience for them is new due to the school’s lack of facilities and resources.
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