National Science Week (NSW) 2009 takes place from 1 to 8 August in various centres across South Africa.
National Science Week (NSW) 2009 takes place from 1 to 8 August in various centres across South Africa.
This year Scifest Africa, SAIAB, the FOSST Discovery Centre, Bayworld and Straits Research, will be taking what they do best to the Cradock Town Hall to engage with learners in Grade 8 to Grade 12 and educators from the Graaff-Reinet and Cradock districts through science shows, workshops, tours, theatre and a careers day.
“Securing our future on this planet relies on tackling mind-boggling issues about impacts of global warming, climate change and the environment,” said Penny Haworth, Communications Manager at the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB).
“We are convinced that our involvement in NSW helps raise levels of awareness among young people who would ordinarily not be exposed to these issues without being part of this event.”
Sandile Dyantyi from Bayworld said that he feels “privileged to share with the Cradock and Graaff-Reinet communities the exciting, wonderful underwater world of sharks”. His workshop gives learners a better understanding of the magnificent creatures.
This science-focussed week is the result of many planning meetings and visits to Cradock to find suitable venues. Although there was confusion earlier in the year about the change of date for NSW, the event promises to be just as fun for the visitors.
“We rely on the help of the Department of Education to get all the information out to the schools on time. Without them, we would arrive to give our workshops with no learners around!” said Tina Moss from Scifest Africa who is drawing up a shopping list of things they need to give their popular umqombothi and amarhewu workshops.
According to the Department of Science and Technology (DST) website, “NSW is a countrywide celebration of science involving various role players conducting science-based activities during the week.” NSW is an initiative of DST and is carried out through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA).
Bookings for NSW events have already closed, but you can still be part of the action by visiting the Cradock Agricultural Show Grounds on 1 August for the NSW Careers Day.
