Still science crazy after all these years

IN 1986, Derek Fish and Alfred Tsipa, better known now as ‘Fish and Tsips’, were still studying physics at university when the Unizul Science Centre made a humble beginning in a disused lab on the university campus.

The initial centre comprised just 200 square metres of exhibit space and welcomed about 3 000 visitors a year – mostly school pupils.

Fish joined in 1988, and Tsips in 1994 and between them they have inspired over half a million pupils in the years since then.

The Centre has also been visited, among others, by three astronauts, three ambassadors and a Nobel Prize winner.

Now in its 30th year, Unizulu Science Centre in Alton boasts an impressive facility of over 2 000 square metres and sees about 30 000 pupils a year in the Centre and a similar number in outreach.

Fish and Tsips continue to make science exciting to visitors from all over the province and even further afield.

The Centre has garnered many awards, including winning the prestigious NSTF Science Award twice, and being a finalist three further times.

This dynamic duo have each been head of the Southern African Science Centre network and represented Africa on the world body.

This has only been possible with the committed support of the University of Zululand who have made the project their own and encouraged its growth off campus.

In addition Richards Bay industries have supported the Centre in cash and in kind, especially since its move there in 1997.

To elaborate on a year of celebration and exciting programmes, Unizulu Science Centre invites all secondary science teachers to a symposium at the Centre on Tuesday 2 February from 9am to 2pm, including lunch.

Please call 035 7973204 early to reserve a space, or to book a school visit during FREE February.