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A laboratory has opened at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre aimed at boosting the
interest of young learners in science, maths, engineering and technology.
A GAUTRAIN Trac Fixed Laboratory has opened
at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown to encourage young Joburgers to learn
skills involving mathematics, science and technology.
A fun, interesting way of learning science
A partnership between the Technology Research
and Activity Centre SA (Trac SA) and the Gautrain Management Agency, the laboratory
was opened on 16 November.
"The ultimate goal of [Trac SA] is to
improve results in physical science and encourage learners to enter into
careers in science, engineering and technology [SET]," Debbey Cromhout, the
national executive director of TRAC, said in a
press statement.
Trac is a private non-profit initiative
that has been taking science to high school learners since 1994.
The lab consists of tables for groups
of between four and six students, computers and all relevant equipment for
experiments and projects to be carried out. One of the
walls is lined with career choices in the relevant fields and students can get
acquainted with what is expected of them.
Through the partnership with Trac SA, infrastructure
has been built, improving the quality of education and ensuring that learners in
urban areas where there is a great need for it, achieve high results.
The Gautrain Management Agency recognised the
importance of subjects such as science, mathematics and technology, which formed
the basis of a sound economy, and developing a pool of talent for the future.
The major focus of the lab was on developing skills and providing resources for
SET subjects and mathematics, noted Cromhout.
Jack van der Merwe, the chief executive of
Gautrain, said the agency formed a partnership with Trac SA to create a love
for science and technology. The basis for helping to set up the lab was the
need for children to show an interest in and be exposed to what science and
technology had to offer.
Promoting human development through education
One of the learners expecting to benefit
from the lab is 16-year-old Khuthadzo Lingudu from Basa Tutorial Institute in
Joubert Park. "There is a shortage of scientists in South Africa and by coming
to the lab I have been exposed to the different career choices that I can make
when I complete school," Lingudu said.
Using education to promote human
development among the youth was essential, said Bheki Nkosi, the Gauteng MEC
for roads and transport. It was vital to equip young people with knowledge and
encourage them to use maths and science, which would improve the quality of
education and prompt them to go into these fields.
This would break poverty in the country as
skills were the backbone of strong economies, Nkosi said.
"In 2007, 124 000 learners and 2 831
teachers were trained by Trac SA. During 2008, 173 000 learners were exposed to
hands-on experiences in Trac laboratories all over South Africa," added
Cromhout.
Trac SA has received the NSTF Award from
the South African Foundation for Science and Technology, for contributions in
science, technology and innovation for urban and rural schools.
There are two laboratories manned by
experienced science educators, who are helping learners and educators reach new
levels. Through the guidance offered, it is hoped that learners will be
inspired to choose careers within the field of SET.
Cromhout said that for the Gautrain
Management Agency, education was one of the most fundamental tools for social
and economic transformation since South Africa's growth relied on skills in the
areas of mathematics and science, yet the pass rates for these subjects remained
dismal.
In February 2008, Trac SA launched its
Gauteng South regional laboratory in Observatory, Johannesburg. One of the learners, Beauty Mataung, following
a practical session, noted that: "It is a more fun, interesting way of
learning, and the information learned is more deep-seated in my brain. I'm less
likely to forget it."
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