The KZN ScienCentre at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping will play host to the provincial launch (28 July) of the Department of Science and Technology’s upcoming National Science Week (NSW) initiative which runs from 30 July to 3 August.
Aiming to promote an awareness and appreciation of science in South African society, this annual celebration gives over 100 000 learners the opportunity to meaningfully engage with a large variety of scientific and technological exhibits, workshops, demonstrations and interactive activities.
Expecting to host 5 650 learners, 166 educators and 640 members of the public during this year’s NSW event, the KZN ScienCentre will once again attract the highest number of people in the province.
MEC of Education, Senzo Mchunu, will be one of the guest speakers kicking off the KZN component of National Science Week at the KZN ScienCentre, which will also see six Dinaledi schools from around the province visiting the centre to take part in interactive Electricity workshops and presentations. Here, learners will learn about the different types of energy sources that can be used to create electricity, as well as the types of electric circuits and how they are connected, also covering electrical safety and how to conserve electrical energy in their everyday lives.
During the week the KZN ScienCentre will host a number of learner workshops and role modelling presentations that will deal with the NSW 2012 theme of The Role of Science in Economic Development. Science and technology are pivotal to South Africa’s economic growth, social development and an improved quality of life for all. In line with this, the NSW programme designed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is intended to generate interest in science, technology, and engineering and (SET) careers among the youth, which since its inception in 2000 has instilled in South Africa’s youth an appreciation for the roles that science and technology play in the growth of skills and the subsequent creation of employment opportunities.
On 4 August the KZN ScienCentre will open its doors to the public free of charge, treating the 400 visitors to a free planetarium show, whilst another 240 visitors will get free entry to the KZN ScienCentre and a host of activities in the early childhood room.
Candice Potgieter, General Manager of the KZN ScienCentre, said that “we are very excited to once again be hosting National Science Week, as it makes a valuable contribution in that it really brings the abstract of science to life. Yet again KZN Science Centre has the highest number of learners in the province for the week, and this is only made possible thanks to the substantial support of the Department of Science and Technology, SAASTA/NRF, Department of Education (KZN), and our other sponsors.”
To access a comprehensive programme detailing all the National Science Week 2011 events in your area visit www.saasta.ac.za.
To become part of the KZN ScienCentre’s online community, join ‘KZN ScienCentre’ on Facebook, follow ‘@KZNScienCentre’ on Twitter, or visit the KZN ScienCentre at the Gateway Theatre Shopping website at www.sciencentre.co.za.