Science festival inspires pupils
The festival's aim is to get pupils excited and learning more about the world of science.
Sacred Heart College kicked off its bi-annual Science Festival on April 5 and ended on April 7.
The festival’s aim is to get pupils excited and learning more about the world of science. It also encourages pupils to learn how science can be used to change the world.
The event was opened by the world-renowned astronomer and mathematician from Wits University, Professor David Block.
Professor Block was elected at the age of 19 as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of London.
His first research paper on relativistic astrophysics was published in London by the Royal Astronomical Society. He was 20 years old at the time.
Professor Block is currently director of the Anglo American Cosmic Dust Laboratory at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
In 2006, Professor Block received the university’s highest research accolade, the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award.
“We encourage our pupils to be the best they can be and inviting a speaker such as Professor Block was perfect for our Science Festival. He achieved so much from a young age and that alone is an inspiration. Age can never prevent you from achieving your goals,” said Ms Lynn Walker, Sacred Heart College’s marketing co-ordinator.
Professor Block’s visit was to motivate the pupils using his work.
He encouraged pupils to focus on their goals and to work on them.
The three-day festival involved a number of educational activities and tours for the pupils.
They visited the Wits Origin Centre, Scie-Enza Science Centre at the University of Pretoria and Sci-Bono.
The festival was closed with a phenomenal chemistry demonstration by Mr Francois Germishuizen and was followed by workshops.
