Durban pupils to attempt Guiness World Record for science

On 24 October, MAHLE Behr South Africa, together with NGO, The Center for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME), and over 1 000 Durban high school pupils will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the largest practical science lesson ever done.

MAHLE Behr SA has collaborated with CASME on a number of projects over the last three years, many of which endeavour to develop education in the critical areas of maths and science at schools in the rural and under-resourced areas.

MAHLE Behr SA communications manager, Jolene van Heerden, believes that attempting a world record will enhance the company’s support of furthering science education at the high school level.

“This will be a first for South Africa. Through attempting and achieving the World Record, MAHLE Behr and CASME will inspire, educate and spark the interest of science leaders for tomorrow.”

Currently, the largest practical science experiment record is held by the Royal Chemistry Society and the current record is for 1 383 students.

1 600 pupils, 60 teachers, 50 stewards and 50 volunteers will come together at the UKZN Sports Centre, Westville Campus where pupils will complete two different experiments. In an innovative attempt to save costs, the two experiments have been constructed using by-product materials donated by MAHLE Behr’s production processes. Each participating school will receive a set of equipment after the attempt.

To meet the very stringent Guinness World Record criteria and standards, the lesson must take place in a given timescale and pre-determined place. Steward statements must verify the exact number of people successfully completing the activity that is the subject of the record attempt, and video evidence of the entire record attempt, from start to finish, has to be produced to enable MAHLE Behr and CASME to confirm the measurement achieved, that the guidelines have been adhered to and verify the details provided by the independent witnesses.

In addition, all entrances and exits must be monitored on video and the counting process must be clearly visible in the video too.

“Photographic evidence of the attempt taking place, capturing the details provided by the independent witnesses, is also a condition,” Van Heerden added. “The photographic evidence must include an aerial photo of the crowd or a photo showing the entire group.”

The strict rules are imperative because they give credibility and weight to what is a ground-breaking effort. The actual record attempt will take place for one hour. During the adjudication process, learners will enjoy a fun science show and get the opportunity to visit career stalls to find out more about STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) careers and study opportunities.

“By bringing together young children, teachers, university staff and volunteers from the community around a fun, hands-on science learning event not only do we hope to put South African science education on the global map, but we also aim to generate excitement for science amongst participants. The learners who will be helping us break this world record are at a critical stage in their schooling and will soon be making subject choices that will in many ways determine their future opportunities.” said Henre Benson, operations manager for CASME.

“The South African Department of Labour has identified skills shortage as being particularly high in terms of technicians, artisans and skilled labourers. This will help to raise awareness of the importance of education and, training in the under-resourced areas of maths and science of learners at secondary level,” said Van Heerden.