Science in Motion is the theme at Scifest Africa 2010 – bringing together the dynamics of movement with science and technology.
Starting on Wednesday, various exhibitions and talks are being held to demonstrate how intricate science is to sport, crime-fighting, wind turbines, car crashes and even cooking.
Science in Motion is the theme at Scifest Africa 2010 – bringing together the dynamics of movement with science and technology.
Starting on Wednesday, various exhibitions and talks are being held to demonstrate how intricate science is to sport, crime-fighting, wind turbines, car crashes and even cooking.
The Media Officer for Scifest, Cath Walters, was very happy with how the festival kicked off. “We’ve had 8 000 people in the door even before noon, and there are people of all ages.
The vibe is really great.” Walters also added that it is nice to see greater numbers of schools groups coming to Scifest.
The 1820 Settlers Monument was abuzz with schoolchildren, adults, Scifest helpers and guides and people manning the various exhibitions. One of these people was Vicky Van Kets, who is doing her Masters in cell biology at the University of Cape Town.
Her exhibition was on skin, the characteristics which make it important and how we can look after it. “Scifest is exciting, it’s actually my first time here. But I’m looking forward to engaging with the children, I want them to ask questions because that’s what we’re here for.”
Another interesting exhibition was by Chemcity, a division of Sasol, dealing with the manufacture of paint from scratch.
Nathan Maloney, who is from Johannesburg and has his own business called Palaxis Paints, is also excited about Scifest and cannot wait to see it unfold. “It’s been a little hectic so far, but I’m looking forward to some fun and being kept on my toes.”
Many of the schoolchildren felt that there was much more to see than last year, and some were amazed by what they saw on display. “It is so awesome!
And everyone is so friendly,” said Sinesipho Kwatsha from Victoria Girls’ High School. Two other VG Grade 11 pupils, Hannah Godlonton and Siyathemba Yeko, appreciated the different perspective that they gain from science away from the classroom setting.
Siyanda Mbonjeni from Gwelane Secondary School in Butterworth said he loves Scifest. “I got to see things which are virtually impossible to see come to life under a microscope.” Scifest Africa will run until 30 March at the 1820 Settlers Monument.
