The joy of science, the power of art and the magic of astronomy took centre stage at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) at the weekend as learners and teachers marked the beginning of National Science Week.
The new Faculty of Education Building hosted scientists, academics and learners from a selection of local schools as they all came together to share their love of learning and the wonders of the cosmos
Programme Director Dr Gillian Arendse kept the learners engaged and the teachers amused with his banter, energy and enthusiasm.
His short segment on understanding waves and music was a masterclass in fun and thoughtful education. But there were also serious messages to be shared and understood as UWC elegantly showcased why high schoolers should consider this university as the springboard to a fulfilling career in science.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Professor Shaun Pather, shared his views on how astronomy can inspire all of us to explore the unknown and grapple with phenomena that we don’t quite understand.
“The discoveries of tomorrow start with the questions you ask today,” he told the learners, and emphasised how important scientific production is for the growth of South Africa.
His address was followed by the Dean of the Faculty Education, Professor Rajender Govender, who showcased how well UWC was working with other organisations like the Iziko Museum to ensure that science is a discipline that contributes to a better quality of life and the economy of the country.
The Director of the UWC Science Learning Centre, Dr Benita Nel, emphasised the importance of National Science Week and how astronomy is present in all our lives, in ways big and small, ranging from the songs we sing, the art we create and the technology we invent.
An important part of the event was an art competition where schools from all over Southern Africa submitted works around the theme of astronomy.
This year saw the highest number of entries ever recorded, with works from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Namibia, as well as from local young artists, particularly from Mitchells Plain (West End Primary School with 29 entries).
The keynote address on Saturday was delivered by Anton Binneman, the Acting Head of Communication at the NRF SARAO, who expertly blended the high science of astronomy with the magic of storytelling.
He got the audience excited about the upcoming IAU General Assembly, the most important gathering of astronomers in the world. It commences in Cape Town this week.
He also linked the study of the skies with our African ancestors, explaining how the Khoi and San were the earliest astronomers, and provided many amusing anecdotes that older generations used to make sense of the movements in the night sky, while also giving them the credit and respect they deserve.
“What we are doing through art and events like this is to say we have hundreds of stories about the sky. My challenge to all of you is that we need to tell these stories that existed for thousands of years. People stopped looking up and thinking about where we come from and how we fit in. We are people who look up at the sky,” he said.
The next pair of speakers, Prof Josef de Beer and Mr Hylton Arendse, showcased the various career options available to young people who are interested in science, and explained how lucky we were in Cape Town to have so many great museums that showcase the wonders of art, science and the universe, like the Natural Sciences Museum and the National Gallery.
Learners got a taste of what UWC could offer them at the Richard van der Ross Resource Centre, located in the education faculty building.
They were taken on a tour of the robotics programmes and the virtual reality equipment that UWC students use in their immersive technology programmes of study. Learners were able to fly drones, turn robots on and off and travel to other planets using virtual reality goggles.
Prizes were awarded for the best astronomy-themed artworks. Winners were drawn from a wide range of schools in the region such as the Muizenberg Junior School, Bridge School in Pringle Bay, Amajuba High School in Newcastle and schools in Botswana and Namibia.
The new Faculty of Education Building hosted scientists, academics and learners from a selection of local schools as they all came together to share their love of learning and the wonders of the cosmos
His short segment on understanding waves and music was a masterclass in fun and thoughtful education. But there were also serious messages to be shared and understood as UWC elegantly showcased why high schoolers should consider this university as the springboard to a fulfilling career in science.
Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Professor Shaun Pather, shared his views on how astronomy can inspire all of us to explore the unknown and grapple with phenomena that we don’t quite understand.
“The discoveries of tomorrow start with the questions you ask today,” he told the learners, and emphasised how important scientific production is for the growth of South Africa.
His address was followed by the Dean of the Faculty Education, Professor Rajender Govender, who showcased how well UWC was working with other organisations like the Iziko Museum to ensure that science is a discipline that contributes to a better quality of life and the economy of the country.
The Director of the UWC Science Learning Centre, Dr Benita Nel, emphasised the importance of National Science Week and how astronomy is present in all our lives, in ways big and small, ranging from the songs we sing, the art we create and the technology we invent.
An important part of the event was an art competition where schools from all over Southern Africa submitted works around the theme of astronomy.
This year saw the highest number of entries ever recorded, with works from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Namibia, as well as from local young artists, particularly from Mitchells Plain (West End Primary School with 29 entries).
He got the audience excited about the upcoming IAU General Assembly, the most important gathering of astronomers in the world. It commences in Cape Town this week.
He also linked the study of the skies with our African ancestors, explaining how the Khoi and San were the earliest astronomers, and provided many amusing anecdotes that older generations used to make sense of the movements in the night sky, while also giving them the credit and respect they deserve.
“What we are doing through art and events like this is to say we have hundreds of stories about the sky. My challenge to all of you is that we need to tell these stories that existed for thousands of years. People stopped looking up and thinking about where we come from and how we fit in. We are people who look up at the sky,” he said.
The next pair of speakers, Prof Josef de Beer and Mr Hylton Arendse, showcased the various career options available to young people who are interested in science, and explained how lucky we were in Cape Town to have so many great museums that showcase the wonders of art, science and the universe, like the Natural Sciences Museum and the National Gallery.
Learners got a taste of what UWC could offer them at the Richard van der Ross Resource Centre, located in the education faculty building.
They were taken on a tour of the robotics programmes and the virtual reality equipment that UWC students use in their immersive technology programmes of study. Learners were able to fly drones, turn robots on and off and travel to other planets using virtual reality goggles.
Prizes were awarded for the best astronomy-themed artworks. Winners were drawn from a wide range of schools in the region such as the Muizenberg Junior School, Bridge School in Pringle Bay, Amajuba High School in Newcastle and schools in Botswana and Namibia.
