College of Science, Engineering & Technology

Unisa Science Engagement Centre shines during National Science Week

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According to the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, the National Science Week (NSW) aims to exhibit, communicate and create an awareness of science. Celebrated between 29 July and 3 August annually, the NSW aims to promote the role and value of science and technology in people’s daily lives. The 2022 focus was on "Celebrating the role of basic sciences in the modern world". 

USEC Team together with members of Gauteng Education District

It is an initiative of the Department of Science and Innovation, a countrywide celebration of science connecting various stakeholders and role players conducting science-based activities during the week. However, the Unisa Science Engagement Centre (USEC) celebrated NSW differently this year. Traditionally over the years, USEC was based at the Unisa Science Campus and invited schools and the public to visit them as they showcased this particular campus.

This year, on the first day, USEC launched the NSW at Unisa, displaying exhibits that would be going mobile the next day. A large crowd visited the exhibition. USEC shared the Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability (iNanoWS), Waste to Energy, Robotics, Environmental Sciences and the Virtual GEAR competitions.

The IDEAS team showcasing their displays to Grade 10-12 learners of Mandisa Shiceka High School

On the second day, the centre visited two schools in Kagiso in the West Rand District, Mandisa Shiceka High School and Madiba Secondary School. USEC displayed many exciting robotics models and there were opportunities for learners to engage in several hands-on robotics activities. In addition, the iNanos team addressed current and emerging issues relating to water quality and scarcity. The team also provided career guidance and more information on the innovative open distance learning for science, engineering and technology programmes. A total of 120 learners were inspired to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology.

On the third and fourth days of the NSW, the centre addressed learners from several schools in Koffiefontein and Zastron. Over 160 learners participated in engagement sessions with Unisa. Learners were introduced to practical concepts and the causes of climate change, ways in which they can contribute to the environment at schools and in their communities, the importance of collecting bottle lids, the importance of eco-bricks, and the advantages of robots in the environment. They were also taught to programme a robot and were eager to learn. While it was a different NSW, the experience was rewarding for learners and the USEC team.


Click on the links below to watch:

Day 1: USEC opening and NSW launch

Day 2: Kagiso schools

Day 3: Koffifontien visit

Day 4: Zastron visit

* Compiled by Andzani Sibiya, Tumelo Nhlapo, Casper van Staden and Patricia Gouws, Unisa Science Engagement Centre, College of Science, Engineering and Technology

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Publish date: 2022-08-24 00:00:00.0

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