Mooifontein Primary learners shine at STEM science fair

Laerskool Mooifontein Primary recently hosted a science Fair, giving curious young minds a platform to explore and showcase their creativity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The event held on the school grounds drew an enthusiastic audience of parents and teachers who came to support learners from grades four to six as they presented projects ranging from volcano models to environmental experiments and even homemade robots.

Organised by natural science teacher Felicia Nkomonde, the programme aimed to spark curiosity and encourage learners to explore the science that exists in everyday life.

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“We wanted our learners to see that science is all around them,” said Nkomonde.

“From what they encounter at home to what they see at school, it’s all science. This fair gave them a chance to discover and present that.”

Nkomonde said more than 50 learners participated, with several asking to join at the last minute.

“That just shows how excited they were,” she added.

“I can’t describe how happy I am to see the event come together just as I hoped. As a teacher, I even learnt new things through my learners today.”

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The judging process involved a panel of assessors walking from project to project, listening to presentations and awarding marks based on a rubric that evaluated the aim, hypothesis, method, and conclusion.

“This programme helps learners better understand scientific phenomena. It’s grooming them to be future scientists,” said Nkomonde.

Each participant received a certificate as a token of appreciation and acknowledgement of their effort and learning.

For many learners, the fair was more than just an academic exercise; it was personal.

Alainah Brown, who created a working volcano model, said, “I’ve always wanted to see a volcano in real life. I love how lava moves and burns things. This experiment helped me understand that better.”

She beamed with pride after her volcano successfully erupted on her second try.

“My mom helped me add extra baking powder. I was praying it would work, and it did.”

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Amogelang Mogomotsi said she felt proud of her hard work.

“I want to thank my parents for never giving up on me and my teacher for teaching me everything I know about science.”
Tladile Nkhumane said, “I knew I could do great things if I put my mind to it.”

Chloe Rapetsoa joined the programme to overcome her shyness.

“I was nervous, especially when the judges started asking questions. But now I feel relieved and proud.”

Botlhale Magasha enjoyed her experiment involving caramel without using syrup.

“I just wanted to try something fun and see how it would look and taste.”

Garth Stoter, fascinated by astronomy, based his project on the solar system.

Thandolutlhe Ndaba, passionate about science since childhood, encouraged her peers to believe in themselves.

“Science is my favourite subject. It teaches me something new every time.”

Onete Moabelo focused on environmental health.

“I wanted people to learn more about what’s happening to our land and how it affects our health.”

Judge Thandinkosi Gumede praised the learners’ efforts.

“Many of the projects had parental guidance, but what really mattered was how learners responded to questions and explained their projects. That showed us how well they understood the science.”