‘Science on wheels” is what some have dubbed the yellow MTN minibus that visits schools in and around Cape Town to promote a culture of science and technology among learners and teachers.
This is part of the Interactive Science Foundation, a non-profit organisation popularly known as MTN Sciencentre, an initiative to make available its state-of-the-art “edutainment” science facility to local school groups, national tour groups and the general public.
The centre attracts more than 245 000 visitors annually and, through its outreach programme in partnership with the Western Cape education department, it visits schools across the province and attends national science fairs and expos.
More than 20 000 learners, including those from disadvantaged communities, visit the science centre each year and learners in remote rural and peri-urban areas who cannot afford to get to the centre are included through the outreach programme.
The centre seeks to deepen and promote the culture of science and technology by using various innovative and interactive methods of teaching and learning. It also aims to excite youth and the general public about the significance of science as well as offering educational support to learners and educators across the country.
The focus is mainly on curriculum-based programmes and workshops that target learners from grades R to 12. The centre encourages a hands-on approach to help teachers stimulate active learner participation in the classroom during science lessons.
Teachers hold regular workshops on a range of curriculum-related topics. This year a forum was established to serve as a platform for teachers to discuss and share new ideas and methodologies on how to tackle difficult science concepts.
During the holidays, programmes are designed to bring excitement to the general public and popular science talks are organised throughout the year under the theme “Science Out Loud”.
In its exploration of innovative ways to bring the latest science developments closer to the public, this July the centre will hold a hands-on exhibition on nanotechnology.
Although the centre strives to make science accessible to as many people as it can, funding remains its biggest challenge. The centre needs a steady injection of funds to help cover the costs of needy learners and teachers attending workshops and enrichment programmes.
Some of the teaching methods include:
- Interactive displays and guided tours;
Demonstrations and training sessions;
Science shows and theatre;
Participation in science fairs and expos.
Science-related subjects covered are mathematics, physical science, biology, environmental and geographical science, astronomy, telecommunications, space science, indigenous knowledge systems, engineering, technology, electronics, biotechnology and health science.
For more information go to www.mtnsciencentre.org.za