Penreach Science Week checks all the boxes
Young, aspiring scientists were challenged and empowered, participating in the array of educational activities the exhibitors had to offer.
Under the theme ‘Transforming Lives Through Evidence-based Science’, this remarkable event at the Penreach Shalamuka STEAM Centre brought science to life for an audience of close to 40 000.
The week-long event, which ran from July 31 to August 5, provided a platform for pupils, early childhood development (ECD) learners, teachers, ECD practitioners and the general public to engage with interactive and educational activities. It also reached a global audience through social media.
The focus point of this year’s National Science Week was the empowerment of individuals through evidence-based science. Penreach recognises that science is not only a realm of knowledge, but a powerful tool to effect positive change in society. The theme underscored the importance of informed decision-making and the impact of science in our everyday lives.
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The event is aimed at fostering a love for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), not only among learners of all ages, but also the broader public. It provides a unique opportunity for attendees, who most of the time do not have access to proper resources, to immerse themselves in hands-on experiences, sparking curiosity and promoting a deeper understanding of various scientific disciplines.
With more than 15 exhibitors stationed at the centre, visitors had the chance to participate in a diverse range of activities and engage with experts across various fields, fostering a sense of curiosity and a deeper understanding of science and technology. Some of these exhibitors included the South African Weather Service, South African Air Force, Volkswagen, South African National Biodiversity Institute, the Agricultural Research Council and many more.
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People were able to explore and interact with a dynamic in-house line-up of activities, including coding and robotics, science shows, STEAM as well as indigenous games.
To ensure no one was left behind, Penreach successfully engaged the wider public too, by rolling out a dynamic array of activities in neighbouring communities such as KaBokweni and Lekazi, through its mobile science labs, also known as Penreach BayLabs. This allowed residents to witness the wonders of science on their doorstep. The initiative garnered an overwhelmingly positive response, as individuals of all ages eagerly participated.
“We are thrilled to have created an immersive environment in which evidence-based science takes centre stage, inspiring young minds and fostering a culture of inquiry and discovery. National Science Week encapsulates our commitment to education that transcends the classroom and empowers individuals to make informed decisions that shape our world,” said Given Mashabane, Penreach’s senior STEAM programme manager.
