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Umjikelezo We-Science

Umjikelezo We-Science is a joint project between CASME Science2Go, Durban Natural Science Museum (Go Wild), KZN Science Centre, STEC@UKZN and the UNIZULU Science Centre.

The word Umjikelezo means circle in IsiZulu and draws on a cultural practice of church groups taking their message on the road to communities. In this spirit the project is taking the message of Science to rural KwaZulu-Natal.

The project is modeled after Dr Graham Walker’s Science Circus Africa which is a pioneering science outreach project running in Southern Africa. In the pilot programme we are aiming to engage and promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to rural communities throughout KwaZulu-Natal using interactive exhibitions and dynamic science shows. We want to make STEM inspiring, amazing and accessible for students, teachers and the community who, usually due to their location and financial background, are not exposed to Science Centres and museums.

Traditionally Science Centres and Museums have provided an “in-reach” service although lately the importance and necessity of “out-reach” has been increasingly acknowledged.

The KwaZulu-Natal province is home to the largest number of science centres, museums and other STEM public facilities in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal is therefore uniquely placed to host this first of its kind major collaboration, of this magnitude, between local science centres, non-profit organisations and museums.

Umjikilezo weScience provides an opportunity for up to 6000 learners from rural areas across the province to experience the excitement of Science and learn more about careers in STEM fields.

 

The target beneficiaries are learners and educators from rural schools in the identified districts.
The project aims to reach approximately 1000 learner at each site totalling 8000 learners over the 8 day programme.
The programme targets learners from Grades 8 to 10 to encourage an interest in Science and Mathematics and improve learner enrolment in Physical Sciences and Mathematics in the FET Band at high schools.
The programme culminates with a public engagement event with the potential to attract a further 300 to 500 members of the public.  The purpose of this public engagement event is to improve public understanding and scientific literacy.

 

Programme Highlights
The 3 hour daily roadshow programme will include:

  • 1 hour science show

A Science Shows is a great tool to transfer scientific knowledge and therefore promote science literacy in a fun and interactive way.

  • 30 minute talk by host centre

The talk aims to promote the centre and programmes on offer at the host centre

  • 45 minute career talk

By giving them a career talk we make the learners aware of the universities entrance requirements which state that you need mathematics and either physics, agriculture or life sciences as subjects in order to study any science subject and that you require math and physics to study engineering. The career talk gives the learners a great overview on the various careers in the field of science, agriculture, mathematics and engineering and allows us to promote STEM careers

  • 45 minutes of science busking

The great strength of science busking is its ability to engage people in science on a small scale and interpersonal level. Learners get hands on experience with science experiments and animals that they might only know from pictures.

The Pilot

Our pilot project kicks off from 5 to 7 September with schools on the outskirts of the greater Ethekwini Municipality. Hopefully soon we will be able to take the show on the road to the rest of KZN. If you would be keen to support us and help us get there please do get in touch.