Science is cool

TWENTY primary schools from Cleremont, KwaDabeka and Molweni, and another 20 schools from within the eThekwini Municipality will have the opportunity to show off their skills in science and stand a chance to win some great prizes at the Science2Go Science Olympiad on Friday, 11 November.

MAHLE Behr SA has collaborated with CASME (Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education) 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. Their “Science2Go” mobile laboratory reaches out to poorly resourced, rural public schools to help them perform curriculum – based hands-on experiments for students.

Jolene van Heerden, communications manager for MAHLE Behr South Africa said: “Our “Science2Go” programme is an innovative way to reach a larger number of students from our local area with high-quality science education. We believe that the portable science lab will inspire, educate and spark the interest of science leaders for tomorrow.”

The Science2Go Olympiad is the culmination of the year-long programme of science activities. Grade 7 learners from participating schools have already written the first round theory test. In the second round, the top achievers from the 40 schools will face off in a theory quiz and practical experiments.

Speaking about the Olympiad, Director of CASME, Henre Benson said: “ The Olympiad is a great way to motivate and inspire young scientists, but for CASME it also provides a way to measure the project’s impact.”

The Centre has been helping teachers achieve quality mathematics and science teaching for over 30 years through training, support and resources.

Contact Jolene van Heerden on 031 719 7718 or Jolene.vanheerden@za.mahle.com.