AS part of National Science Week, there will be a science experience at the fountain court in the Pavilion Shopping Centre from Monday, 8 to Saturday, 13 August.
It is set to bring the fun side of science to pupils and the general public will show patrons how light works, how to plant a garden, eat healthily and offer up the opportunity to take part in a sink, splash or swim quiz.
National Science Week is an annual initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and is a countrywide celebration of science. The South African Agency for Science and Technological Advancement (SAASTA) will take science demonstrations to various shopping centres around the country in a bid to make science more accessible, understandable and enjoyable for young South Africans.
“All the research out there points to the huge importance of science, maths and technology, yet there is still immense misunderstanding of the value of these subjects, which sadly, is often transmitted from friends and family members to young learners,” said Erna Taljaard, national project coordinator for SAASTA. “For our country to be economically prosperous, all South Africans must treat these subjects with positivity and enthusiasm.”
Lizelle de Bruin of Wordwise Media, and the project manager for this Science Week initiative, said the most important quality of a scientist is an enquiring mind. “Science week is a wonderful opportunity to make the public, as well as young scientists, aware of what science, mathematics and technology can do. We recognise that the next generation of scientists is often stimulated into scientific discovery by an opportunity to see and ask questions and we aim to inspire those who might become the next Nobel Prize winner from Africa.”
Contact Lizelle de Bruin on 021 976 3366 or e-mail lizelle@wwmedia.co.za.