Nine new science learning centres to be opened in schools this week

THE University of the Western Cape’s Science Learning Centres for Africa (SLCA) programme, in partnership with the Garden Cities Archway Foundation and the Western Cape Education Department, will open nine new UWC science learning centres to support the teaching and learning of school science, from today until Friday.

The schools opening are as follows: October 18: Gordon Secondary, Strand, Strand Secondary, Strand, Rusthof Secondary, Strand, Rosendaal Secondary, Delft. October 19: Weston Secondary, Vredenburg, Factreton Primary, Factreton, Vuyani Primary, Gugulethu. October 20: Oker Primary, Albertinia, Erika Primary, Mossel Bay.

These nine schools will bring the total science learning centres (SLCs) constructed at schools since 2011 to 57.

The SLCs – equipped with smartboards, microscopes, and more – are constructed to give support and training to practising science educators, to get pupils involved in science activities, and to allow them and teachers to work and experiment in a safe environment.

The construction of the SLCs is an extension of the curriculum support provided by UWC-SLCA and serves as reward for committed science teachers, school management and pupils.

The achievement of pupils and teachers in national and international benchmark tests paints a bleak picture and one that highlights a national crisis.

We have to start with the basics in terms of supporting teachers to have the confidence to teach science with an advanced level of understanding, knowledge and skills.

Similarly, we have to be creative in providing pupils with opportunities that will draw their interest and willingness to learn.

Hence developing a culture of science teaching and learning will be a good start to improve NSC and other assessments – and having a confident and knowledgeable science teacher in a conducive environment provided by the UWC Science Learning Centres is a step in the right direction.

UWC-SLCA in partnership with Garden Cities Archway Foundation and the Western Cape Education Department started a process of reconstructing science labs called science learning centres at Western Cape schools. Each partner contributes one-third of the costs associated with the SLCs.

The University of the Western Cape’s Science Learning Centre for Africa has won a number of awards for its far-reaching support programmes to improve the teaching and learning of science and maths.

Many South African schools just aren’t equipped to help pupils develop skills in – and a love for – science.

That’s why UWC-SLCA, in conjunction with Garden Cities Archway Foundation, has built dozens of state-of-the-art science labs.

The science centres –equipped with smartboards, microscopes and more – are constructed to give support to practising science educators, to get pupils involved in science activities, and to allow pupils and teachers to work and experiment in a safe environment, are providing the opportunity for greatness for over 300 teachers and 80 000 pupils.

Teaching pupils is one way of raising the levels of science literacy in South Africa – but teaching teachers can be even more useful.

SLCA has conducted upgrading accredited short courses for further education and training and general education training science and mathematics educators in the Northern Cape and Eastern Cape, and supported educators and pupils in the Cape Winelands, West Coast, South, Central and Eden Valley education districts.

It is also provides ongoing CAPS curriculum training, with local schools regularly visiting UWCSLCA laboratories to conduct practical and experimental work.

There’s more to tossing a paper jet than just goofing off: it needs impressive amounts of scientific, mathematical and engineering knowledge.

Achieving good flight requires a jet of perfect size and shape, and a well-calculated throw that takes into account wind speed, direction, obstacles.

That’s why the SLCA hosts an annual Paper Jet Competition, giving teams of pupils the chance to compete in designing (and flight-testing) the best plane.

The SLCA also supports robotics, and hosts an annual science competition for science clubs in the Western Cape.

Visit the Science Learning Centre For Africa Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/slca. ac.za/) or e-mail slca@uwc.ac.za and find out how science, maths and education can make the world a better and more interesting place.

Hartley is director of the Science Learning Centre for Africa at the University of the Western Cape. He can be contacted at 021 959 2680 or e-mail him at shartley@uwc.ac.za