One of the messages of SciFest Africa 2016 is that kids are never too young to begin learning about – and learning to love – science. That's why this year's festival has a number of events tailored for small children in the form of Scikids.
One of the messages of SciFest Africa 2016 is that kids are never too young to begin learning about – and learning to love – science. That's why this year's festival has a number of events tailored for small children in the form of Scikids.
Scikids is where pre-schoolers and Foundation Phase learners are introduced to science through play. Sessions take place throughout the festival (check the programme for details) at the City Hall in High Street.
Activity zones allow children to roleplay as scientists in order to gain a better understanding of concepts, topics and processes of thinking in scientific disciplines, while providing an experiential base and motivation for further activity learning.
There's also a chance to discover our universe and learn about the basic principles of astronomy in Journey to the Stars. This inflatable planetarium from SAASTA is a perfect way for children to learn about the universe, galaxy and solar system and you can find it at City Hall and at the Albany Science Museum.
The Kids’ Dig encourages children to grab safety gear and tools, start digging to unearth historical artefacts and fossils and discover they can help tell the story of the geological, paleontological and archaeological past of Grahamstown.
The Global Cardboard Challenge is an annual event that invites the world to build anything awesome out of cardboard and recycled materials. The challenge aims to instill creative thinking and foster a community of creative makers, introduce social entrepreneurship at a young age and use storytelling to celebrate exceptional children and inspire communities.
In the Denel Paper Aeroplane Competition, kids can learn more about the aviation industry – from aircraft design and maintenance to careers in aviation – and make their own paper aeroplanes, of course.
Then there's the Science Picnic in the Park on Saturday, 5 March from 10am – 1pm. Scifest Africa 2016 contributors will be on hand for a day of interactive, playful and fun science activities in Grahamstown’s Botanical Gardens – including arts and crafts, a discovery trail, games, live entertainment, science demonstrations and workshops.
Finally, attend the daily 'Sunset Shows' to see what's coming up on the programme and join our top science show presenters to find out more about what's going on.
For further information go to www.scifest.org.za and www.tickethut.co.za. Bookings are open on 0860 002 004 or www.tickethut.co.za.
