From our land to Ireland

IT must have been the gentle nature of Ireland that captured our hearts - warm and welcoming people and a spectacular environment.

Our small EHS family, comprised physics teacher

Mrs Helena

Joubert, SAASTA representative Mr Tsatsi and five learners - Andiswa Dunge, Irfaan Sabat, Sisanda Mahlobo, Shaun Zungu and myself – took advantage of every second of it.

We went for the science and stayed on for the beauty of the scenery.

Invaluable knowledge was gained and our minds stretched.

Our journey began on 28 June and we bid the emerald haven a fond farewell on 8 July.

We were granted the opportunity of interacting with various people from all over the world, making lifetime friends and contacts, including the director of NASA.

Science, nature, art and storytelling coalesced to form the GLOBE learning expedition of 2018.

We were encouraged to ‘develop a sense of place’ throughout the programme, which was enriched by local legends and myths.

Each of the data collection sites proved to be as scenic as it was scientifically stimulating.

From the Deenagh to MuckRoss Lake in the Killarney national park - where greenery stretched as far as the eye could see - right down to Ross Island, the home of Ross castle, each site held its own magic.

It was refreshing to realise that science is more than just numbers and facts, but also an opportunity for discovery that is both abstract and open for any interpretation.

The GLOBE programme is an international science and education initiative that provides students and the public worldwide with the opportunity of participating in data collection and scientific processes which contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the Earth system and global environment.

Empangeni High School Headgirl Thobeka Mlambo writes about her recent science trip to Ireland