The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is a world-class science centre that supports maths, science and technology education and which offers innovative, dynamic learning experiences that contribute to building South Africa’s science, engineering and technology capacity.
The country’s flagship science centre, Sci-Bono houses a collection of over 300 interactive mathematics, science and technology exhibits including a world first: the Science of Soccer. Initiated by the Gauteng Department of Education and the private sector in 2004, Sci-Bono aims at improving teaching and learning in mathematics, science and technology in Gauteng schools.
The centre also seeks to promote and improve public awareness of and engagement with science and technology and to provide quality career education. Sci-Bono offers a wide range of programmes and events for earners, teachers and the general public, at its facilities in Newtown, Johannesburg and through a variety of outreach initiatives at schools, exhibitions and community centres.
In keeping with Sci-Bono’s commitment to engage schools across the province in innovative science education, the centre participates annually in the Sasol Techno X and has a range of exciting activities lined up for the 2011 exhibition. The Kitchen Chemistry interactive demonstrations give learners an opportunity to explore chemical reactions common to every household.
Did you know that chemistry is responsible for the browning of a loaf of bread?
As the loaf is heated, the carbon atoms in the bread react with the amino acids from the protein in a process called the Maillard reaction (named after Louis-Camille Maillard who discovered this process in both bread and meat). If this oxidation reaction is allowed to take place for too long, the bread will eventually turn black.
By linking science to everyday experiences, Sci-Bono hopes to inspire learners to become more inquisitive about the world around them while sharing knowledge about the impact that science has on their daily lives. Explosive science shows designed to exhilarate audiences take place daily.
Showcasing the fun in science, the performances include chemistry demonstrations with massive amounts of energy being released and absorbed by various chemical reactions. Audiences will see how ordinary custard powder can be turned into huge balls of flame and discover how the hairspray your granny uses can be used to fuel a cannon.
The science shows and kitchen chemistry demonstrations will be complimented by a collection of mobile exhibits that allow learners to explore and compare the properties of various everyday materials. The hands-on exhibits demonstrate concepts such as viscosity and thermal and electrical conductance and provide learners with a practical understanding of why we use oil in vehicle engines and why honey pours slower than milk.
A key component of Sci-Bono’s work is the profiling of exciting career opportunities in the fields of Mathematics, Science and Technology. The BHP Billiton Career Centre @ Sci-Bono is Gauteng’s only full service career centre offering vocational support and career guidance to learners across the province.
A team from the career centre will staff a mobile career stand at Sasol Techno X allowing learners to interact with the www.sebenza.net career website, and access information with regard to a wide range of future careers, study skills, bursary information and avenues for further studies.
Grade 9 learners will be given support with regard to how to choose their subjects for Grade 10, while Grade 10-12 learners can find out more about post-school study options.
Winner of the 2009/2010 National Science and Technology Forum award for innovative science communication to a mass audience and the 2011 Johannesburg Development Agency Halala Awards for Jozi’s top recreation destination, the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is open to schools and the public seven days a week.
This article originally appeared in the Mail & Guardian newspaper as an advertorial supplement