Science Alive!

A researcher one day remarked that wonder and excitement be put back into science. In Khanya East we have attempted to create wonder by supporting educators with simulation software. This software, mainly free, is used to describe concepts are difficult and educators do not have the time or equipment to illustrate them. At a number of schools software was installed and training took place.

Chris Hani : Ms Mbombo, an experienced Physics teacher, started teaching at Chris Hani this year after both Physics teachers left the school for better career prospects. She was very excited to learn about the white board as well the Croc clips software. We quickly clicked around the software trying to put some simulations together to experience the program. Although she does not occupy the Science lab, it is her aim to use it as much as possible.

Harry Gwala : At the end of 2008 some staff members left the school and the remaining ones had to be reshuffled to accommodate both Maths and Physics. Two educators from Harry Gwala who teach Natural Science and Physics attended training in their 50 – PC lab. For the next hour or so we practiced putting together simulations on electricity, electrochemistry and light. Unfortunately the Mindset program did not work well, but we managed to do some fruitful training. Despite some hiccups we hope to be on track during the second quarter.

Manyano : The e-KAPA CD on Cape Town’s Lowlands, freeware such as Croc clips, Geogebra, Applets, Celestia, Solar Info and Master Maths were copied on the school’s laptop. Educators will now use this in conjunction with the interactive whiteboard to teach learners different maths and science concepts. Faeeza Farao has already had two training sessions on the whiteboard taking educators through their paces.

Can the educators at these schools get up and be counted as pioneers in their field of teaching?