Science clubs have been launched at four previously disadvantaged high schools as part of a National Science Week initiative to nurture and develop potential young scientists.
Science clubs have been launched at four previously disadvantaged high schools as part of a National Science Week initiative to nurture and develop potential young scientists.
The Bright Sparks Development programme will run at Nathaniel Nyaluza, Samuel Ntsika, Nombulelo and Mary Water’s secondary schools. All launched clubs which will be led by the learners.
The programme is a South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB) project, which encourages pupils to take ownership of their learning. Although each club has received the same science kits, they are all taking on their own character and goals.
Nobenguni Makata, one of the three Bright Sparks at Nathaniel Nyaluza, says that their club “aims to motivate other learners to choose science”. Her science teacher, Frans Snyders said they will start with a knowledge-sharing workshop. This is where learners who are part of other already existing programmes such as the St Andrew’s College Leap programme and Rhodes University’s Khula project will be sharing their experiences with the club members.
Wandile Kathu is the only Bright Spark at Samuel Ntsika and will champion the club with his science teacher.
“Many learners have the stereotype that science is hard. I hope that this club can change that,” said Wandile, adding that their recently launched club has already agreed to meet every Wednesday and Friday.
It will comprise of learners from all grades and they will conduct experiments and solve maths problems.
“We have never done any science experiments or practicals in our class,” said Mihlalikazi Swartbooi, one of the three Bright Sparks at Mary Waters. The aim of her school’s science club is to co-ordinate group projects, conduct experiments and assist the lower grades with the aid of their teacher.
“I hope that the new science club will improve my science marks,” said Swaartbooi, who currently has around a 50% average.
More bright sparks
Simbongile Booi is one of the three Nombulelo Bright Sparks who will be leading the science club at his school. Each member will be encouraged to pay a R5 quarterly fee and the money will be used for science experiments and to buy the necessary chemicals.
“We don’t want to rely on handouts, this club is ours, not anyone else’s,” Booi said confidently. His club plans to meet every Thursday and some Saturdays.
SAIAB is very excited about the progress so far.
“The rationale behind the science clubs is to make learners take ownership of their learning and realise that science goes beyond the classroom,” said Penny Haworth, Stakeholder and Communications Manager at SAIAB.
They have donated science kits to each of the schools containing equipment that includes one model torso, microscope prepared slides, bioviewers and dissecting blades.
