Local woman makes science fun through story-telling
A Modjadjiskloof woman is inspiring young children to become little scientists though play and story-telling.
Chantél du Toit provides “out of the box” science classes to children from different backgrounds from as far as Tzaneen, Lesitele, Louis Trichardt, Levubu, Nkowankowa and Hoedspruit.
She has been operating her programme, Little Lab Coats, since 2017 and although she is based in Modjadjiskloof, she presents classes in the surrounding areas.
She told Herald that teaching is in a story format that “begins in the mountains”.
“Nestled between high mountains and even a volcano, you will find a beautiful valley where Molly and Marius mice live. They are known as excellent Little Lab Coat scientists that have fantastic adventures where they use scientific principles to solve problems.”
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She said the programme was developed by scientists with young children that felt the need for science classes that explained scientific principles to children in such a way that they learned something (that they can remember) while they were having fun.
“Every lesson starts with a short story about Molly and Marius that sets the scene. We explain the problem or question that arises with a short demonstration and then the little scientists investigate further by doing an experiment or project themselves. The principle that is being investigated is linked to a story and a colouring sheet making it easy to remember new concepts.”
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She said the benefits of joining their classes is that they work with safe, real-life scientific apparatus, they learn that science is easy, comprehensible and they approach science with excitement and feel like real scientists among other benefits.
She added that their school visits offer the whole group or class an opportunity to explore science with Molly and Marius.
“Themes can be based on the curriculum taught in class, as this assists with the learning on a practical basis. A class like this take 30 minutes to complete for about 25 children at a time,” she said.
For more information visit www. witjassies.co.za
