SCIENCESTARS Special Edition | October/November 2015
WOMEN TRANSFORMING SCIENCE
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Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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CONTENTS CONTENTS
FEATURES
8
history of women in science
2 2 2
2
wANGARI MAATHAI greenbelt movement
4
how to beat stress with science
8
LIPSTICK WITH A TWIST
REGULARS
6 2 3 3 3 3 3
editor's note
9
careers
0
INSTITUTIONS
3 QUIZ
4
PUZZLE
5
ANSWERS
6
SCIENCE NEWS
FOREWORD
the
FOREWORD The role of STEM in SA State Owned Companies within the portfolio of the Department of Public Enterprises have placed a strong emphasis on the role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This is evident in the vast number of initiatives undertaken under the
Oyama Matomela who is a young female from the Eastern Cape
ambit of Corporate Social Investment. Initiatives aimed at promot-
who went through South African Express Cadet Programme hav-
ing STEM subjects in schools include Maths and Science Outreach
ing acquired STEM subjects.
Projects, educator development programmes, Maths and Science
Furthermore, State Owned Companies within the portfolio of the
expos and career expos to name a few. The key need in promoting
Department of Public Enterprises have invested over two thou-
STEM subjects is to garner a pool of maths and science matricu-
sand million rands on STEM promotion in the education stream
lants who qualify to enter into the pool of critical and scarce
through their Corporate Social investment (CSI) initiatives. In
skills in the country.
addition, through the Department CSI Forum, a Flagship proj-
Thus learners need motivation, resources and mentorship in order
ect to promote technology based learning using satellite with
to excel in these fields. The initiatives carried out by the State
Stellenbosch University; the Telematics System has been initi-
Owned Companies with regards to Maths and Science have been
ated. The Telematics System has to date; been installed in eight
carried out on a national platform, with a majority of these initia-
schools based in the Eastern Cape, Limpopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal
tives undertaken in provinces such as Limpopo, Northern Cape
and North West. The installation of the Telematics System also
and Mpumalanga to benefit rural schools and those previously
benefits learners from neighbouring schools as they participate
disadvantaged. In light of the above, initiatives aimed at promot-
in revision classes held on Saturdays. While it is true that the
ing STEM are strongly encouraged for girl learners who have been
country still has a lot of work to do in promoting youth; particu-
disadvantaged given the perception that careers in Science and
larly young women participation in STEM fields together with
Technology are reserved for the boy child.
State Own Companies as a driving force. The government contin-
South African Express sponsors the South African Women in
ues to emphasise the need for young women to perform well in
Aviation annual girls’ camp and the Taungana STEM career fair as
Maths and Science subjects and to partake in programmes that
flagship programmes that focus on development of young women
can develop a strong pool of leaders who are capable of leading
in STEM. Both programmes aim to expose girl children to the
the country in the future.
endless possibilities of Aviation and Engineering. Numerous testimonials of great stories of bright young women excelling within respective SOCs have emerged. One such case is the story of Ms
Lynne Brown Minister of Public Enterprises
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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ED’S NOTE
team Science Stars
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
editor@sciencestars.co.za
Graphic Designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz
Project Manager • Renata Williams
Women in control
Women in South Africa make up half of the national workforce, earn more college and graduate degrees than men and represent a strong economic force in the world. However the gender divide in science still grows by the day. According to some estimates Science is one area where women have a very low representation. The issues that prevent more women from being involved in Science related fields are several. Among these are cultural aspects, young girls being pushed towards other professions from an early age, gender bias and the uneven allocation of resources in households. Africa, has a critical shortage of trained technological people. In 1980 North America had 2679 scientists and engineers involved in research and development per million population; Latin America had 251; Africa had only 49. In 1993, the USA had 7600 people per million involved in R & D, Japan had 7300., no figures are available for Africa. It is important to increase the number of women in the Science related fields. The new catchphrase has been, ‘educate a woman and you educate a generation’. This is because women have a very essential and great influence, they set the standards for the future generation and easily impart their wisdom to them. As we present our Women in Science issue we hope you will enjoy it and be inspired to take up STEM subjects so our country can have a stronger future. Always remember that women are the greatest resource any country and society can have. Encourage each other, take up STEM subjects, work hard and the rest will follow. Enjoy this edition of Science Stars Magazine. Impossible is nothing!
Evans Nyasha Manyonga Managing Editor
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Managing Editor • Evans Manyonga
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Contributing writers • Oswald Kucherera • Derek Fish • Antoinette Oostuizen Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Public Relations • Sihle Qekeleshe
• Bongeka Mnotoza
Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za Copyright 2015 Roswika Media. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or any means, electronically or mechanically, without prior permission. Science Stars is published by Roswika Media
10th Floor, The Pinnacle 2 Burg Street Cape Town, 8000 021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za
FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM A DECADE OF EMPOWERMENT From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young work seekers, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential. Over the last decade, Shanduka Foundation has created opportunities for educational development, career growth and entrepreneurial advancement. •
Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and individuals to adopt disadvantaged schools with the aim of improving the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools.
•
Shanduka Black Umbrellas nurtures qualifying 100% black-owned businesses by providing meaningful access to markets, networks and finance through its small enterprise incubators and online enterprise and supplier development portal.
•
The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises vacation work in companies in the Shanduka Group.
•
The Shanduka internship programme provides experiential training for selected learners and job seekers within Shanduka Group and across its partner network.
Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans. To find out more about the work of the foundation and its programmes, visit
www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation
COVER STORY
HISTORY OF
Women have made significant impact when it comes to science. Marie Curie usually dominates when we look at women in science, well maybe it’s
WOMEN IN SCIENCE
because she discovered two elements. Marie Curie was not the first female
How it all began
over the years. Below is their history in chronological order.
scientist; many other wonderful and dedicated women have pursued science
Maria Sibylla Merian: an entomologist, scientific illustrator Maria grew up in Germany with an interest in painting and insects. She was taught by her stepfather how to paint. Maria painted pictures of birds and insects, and later wrote books
Hypatia the Mathematician, Astronomer Hypatia was a Roman woman who, unlike most women that lived in her time, received a good education. Hypatia studied Mathematics, Astronomy and Natural Science. She was appointed as the head of the University of Alexandria. She taught Mathematics and philosophy. Hypatia wrote many books about
about insects. Her illustrations were so realistic and accurate, many scientists used her paintings. When she was 52 years old, she came to South Africa with her daughter to study insects and plants and drew them as they developed. Maria’s drawings were then made into a popular book. Some of the plants and insects she saw and painted in Africa have never been seen before in Europe so they were named after her.
Mathematics, and even invented several scientific instruments.
370-415
1647-1717
1098-1179
1818-1889
Hildegard of Bingen: the first woman scientist whose writings still exist
Maria Mitchell: Astronomer, discovered comet in 1847
Hildegard grew up in a wealthy German family and
Maria grew up in the United States. She lived in a time when
she received an education in a convent. These were
there were few universities that allowed women to pursue
some of the only places women could receive formal
their studies. Her family was too poor to take her to one of
education during the Dark Ages. She studied Latin,
these universities. Maria taught herself a lot because she
Religion, and Music. Hildegard also wrote natural
worked as a librarian and read a lot of books. She became so
history books as well as medical books, and was the
talented in Mathematics that she helped her father, who was
first woman to write about the need to boil drinking
an astronomer; measure the locations of stars. On 1 October,
water to sanitis e it. She is the first woman whose
1847, she noticed a strange white spot when looking through
scientific writings still exist today.
a telescope and that is how she discovered a comet no one else had seen before. She became famous, and travelled, meeting other scientists. Maria was the first person who photographed the sun’s surface, and encouraged other women to pursue higher education.
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Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
COVER STORY
Lise Meitner: Research Scientist, Physics and Nuclear Science Lise grew up in Austria, and always dreamed of being a scientist. During her time, a few women were allowed to go to university. Even though this was difficult; she became the first woman to graduate with a doctoral degree in Physics from the University of Vienna. She then relocated to Berlin, Germany so that she could be near more scientists, and studied atoms with Dr Otto Hahn. They studied together for 30 years, and they discovered a new element; protactinium. Dr Lise Meitner told other scientists about her discovery of “nuclear fusion”. This discovery was used in weapons, but also for more useful purposes, such as power and medicine.
Gertrude Belle Elion: Research Scientist in Chemistry Gertrude was inspired to study Chemistry after her grandfather died of cancer. She wanted to help do research about the disease. She loved research work and her job so much that she did not want to give it up. She wrote more than 280 papers on her discoveries about drugs, and discovered or developed drugs that help fight Leukemia, Herpes, Malaria, AIDS, and aid organ transplants. There are more than 45 patents for drugs that Gertrude developed.
1918-1999
1878-1968
1902-1992 Barbara McClintock: Research Scientist, Genetics Barbara was devoted to Science her whole life. She went to college and became a research scientist that studied genetics. She researched on different forms and colours of plants, and discovered that in different colours of corn, genes “jumped” places. Barbara made an effort to explain her findings to other scientists, but since her ideas were so different, many people did not believe her. When better microscopes were developed, thirty years later, other scientists finally saw what she had been trying to explain. In 1983, when Dr McClintock was in her 80s, she was finally recognised for her research and received the Nobel Prize.
2014 Joanne Manaster: Science teacher As a full-time educator, Joanne shares her passion for Science through teaching, and encourages young men and women to not be discouraged in pursuing science because of stereotypes. Fun fact: Before her successful career as a scientist, Joanne was an international model. Science and Technology are often considered to be the specialty for men. However, the contribution of women to the progress of these areas should not be overlooked. These women deserve all the recognition the world has to give them.
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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DPE
ENGAGING THE YOUTH FOR A BETTER TOMORROW Minister Lynne Brown visits the youth
O
Written by : Sihle Qekeleshe
n 29 June, the Minster of Public
lot of important information when it came
Enterprises, Lynne Brown visited
to career choices and made it clear that
Mbekweni, a township in Paarl. The
choosing a career may not be easy, without
minister engaged with the youth and also
enough research, and if motivated by the
had an exhibition.
wrong reasons. They advised that students should do something they love and are
At the exhibition, the youth were exposed
passionate about and the money will be
to various ways they can use to shape their
a reward for their work. Students and the
careers. The Minister encouraged the unem- general public were left feeling motivated ployed youth and students to keep working,
and well informed, they knew where to go
pursuing their careers and dreams, Minister
to get jobs and how to apply for them.
Brown also promised the youth that they would get assistance from State-Owned Enterprises as well as the Department of Public Enterprises. The event was a success and people were happy that this kind of opportunity was bought to them. There were career development experts at the event who helped the youth with choosing the right career paths. There were also supplier forums where Transnet and ESKOM’s supplier development units also shared information on how they intend on helping the youth even further. The career development experts shared a
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Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
THE WOMEN IN SCIENCE AWARDS
Women reaping fruits of their labour
T
he Women in Science Awards (WISA) was founded in 2003 as a way to ensure women in science feel recog-
nised and are rewarded for their outstanding work. In this field there is still an ongoing gender imbalance that needs to be addressed. The Women in Science Awards is a special event that celebrates the achievements of all women in science. The event is a huge contributor in the field, because it motivates young women to pursue careers in Science. The awards change between Life Sciences in one year and Physical and Engineering Sciences in the next year. This year’s awards were in the Life Sciences. The Social Sciences and Humanities awards are presented each year.
Minister Naledi Pandor and Dr. Roseanne Diab alongside award winners, Dr. Gina Ziervogel, Prof. Maureen Coetzee and Dr. NicDlene Barkhuizen The event rewarded twenty four of South Africa’s best women scientists with awards and other prizes at a gala dinner hosted by the Department of Science and Technology. Professors Lindiwe Zungu and Maureen Coetzee were awarded with the highest honour of the evening after receiving the Distinguished Women Scientists – Humanities and Social Sciences and Distinguished Women Scientists – Life Sciences; awards in that order. This year’s theme was “Science for a sustainable future”. The theme touched base at the contribution that has been made by
First lady Madam Bongi Ngema-Zuma, Prof Lindiwe Zungu (Department of Health Studies: College of Human Sciences, Unisa), and Naledi Pandor (Minister: Department of Science and Technology)
women researchers towards the achievement of some of the UN’s Millennium Development Goals. The finalists ranged from students up to established professors
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Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
DST
Sciences) award. Prof. Trindade is currently the Director of the Institute for Microbial Biotechnology and Metagenomics she is also an internationally recognised researcher in the Department of Biotechnology at the University of Western Cape (UWC). She is in a research department that is leading the country in the area of mining microbial genomes for novel biotechnologically relevant enzymes and products. Professor Lindiwe Zungu – Received the Distinguished Woman Researcher (Humanities and Sciences) award Prof. Zungu is a full Professor of Health Studies at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Prof. Zungu’s research has contributed to workers’ health and safety for the redesign in science awareness campaigns that are
of safety clothing for women in mining.
led by the department. Their participation
The national standard for the mining sector
in these awareness campaigns will serve
accepted her guidelines and uses them.
as a way of being role models for other women, in particular, young girls.
Dr Gina Ziervogel - Received the
President Jacob Zuma congratulated the
Distinguished Woman Researcher
winners and noted that the nation is very
(Humanities and Sciences award) Dr
excited that women in science are perform-
Ziervogel’s work has contributed to
ing so well and are being recognised for
Millennium Development Goals. She has
the work.
found environmental concerns within the broader development pattern. Her research
Prof. Maria Trindade and Minister Naledi Pandor
Amongst the twenty four women that were honoured at the event are:
work has focused on adaptation to the
Professor Maureen Coetzee – She was
is a senior lecturer in the Department of
impacts of climate change. Dr Ziervogel
awarded the Distinguished Woman Scientist Environmental and Geographical Science who had been nominated in these four
(Life Sciences) award. Prof. Coetzee was
and a research fellow in the African
categories: Distinguished Women Scientists,
recognised for her outstanding work in the
Climate and Development Initiative at the
Distinguished Young Women Scientists,
field of medical entomology. Her research
University of Cape Town (UCT).
Fellowships; for doctoral and masters
includes insecticide resistance in the major
students and the TATA Africa Scholarships
African malaria vector mosquitoes among
The women that received the awards
for Women in Science, Engineering and
other things.
on that prestigious night received those awards because of their remarkable contri-
Technology; Doctoral and Masters. According to Minister Naledi Pandor the
Professor Marla Trindade – Received the
bution towards the science and technology
award winners will be invited to participate
Distinguished Woman Scientist (Life
field.
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
13
3581/E
Empowering women for roads.
SANRAL is committed to creating a path of growth and development for women in engineering and in business to ensure long-term sustainability of critical skills in our economy and our country. We salute all those female trailblazers and achievers who dared to join us on the road less travelled.
CSIR
BRAVE VENTURE INTO
NEW SCIENTIFIC FIELD
T
A young HIV researcher
he best career moves often require a
technology for the targeted delivery of anti-
Biotechnology at the Tshwane University
brave jump into the unknown, tack-
retroviral drugs.
of Technology and started an in-service
ling completely new subject matter
training job at the CSIR’s Aptamer labora-
despite your fears and the scepticism of
“I always wanted to become a medical
tory in 2011. Aptamers are artificial nucleic
those around you.
doctor and felt devastated when I was not
acid molecules that have antibody-like
admitted to a medical school. Later, when
properties and CSIR scientists use them to
Young CSIR molecular biologist Thuli
shadowing our local general practitioner
test ways to block HIV infection, to diag-
Khanyile thrives on exactly this. Thuli, who
in Durban, I learned that there is a host of
nose tuberculosis and to research targeted
joined the CSIR in 2011 as an in-service
people behind the scenes that determine
delivery of drugs to specific cells. Thuli was
trainee in a Bio-science laboratory admits
how medicine is practiced. The doctor told
given an internship seven months later
that she knew little of advanced laser tech-
me that medical practitioners rely heavily
and she then completed her Bachelor of
nology when she decided to move to the
on researchers that study the behaviour of
Technology degree in biotechnology, based
CSIR’s laser laboratories a year-and-a-half
disease-causing organisms, what causes
on her CSIR research project, with distinc-
later in an effort to further her skills in
symptoms and what may stop them. I found
tion.
HIV research. Her long hours of hard work
this a lot more interesting and specifically
and perseverance paid off when she gradu-
wanted to work in a research environment
“After the internship year I wanted to do
ated with an MSc in medicine from the
one day.”
something different and switched to the
University of the Witwatersrand in June this year, focusing on new research using laser
field of biophotonics, an emerging area of Thuli completed a National Diploma in
scientific research that uses light and other
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
15
CSIR
forms of radiant energy to understand the
Thuli has now enrolled for a PhD in HIV
inner workings of cells and tissues in living
vaccine development.
organisms. Because of the CSIR’s multidisciplinarity, I was able to do that within the
“I think my upbringing played a major role
same organisation,” she says.
in my decision to push forward in my career. I come from a household where academic
“The move was daunting as I had no phys-
pursuits are supported and we were taught
ics background, but the fact that I had so
to overcome our fears. My mother, a teacher,
much to learn – and even the fact that that
has a Master’s degree in social justice in
there were those who doubted whether I’d
education, which she worked on when I was
cope in that environment – actually moti-
in high school and she has also decided
vated me.”
to enrol for a PhD in the coming year, so I am facing some healthy competition,” Thuli
Thuli enrolled for her MSc, specialising in
laughs.
molecular medicine and haematology. “My father is a pillar in the community “When one takes antiretroviral drugs, your
where he serves as a police officer. He
viral load may drop to undetectable levels,
always says: ‘Go get it. If you fail, try some-
but the HIV still hides in the body’s reser-
thing else and if it still does not work out,
voir sites where the drugs can’t reach, such
you know you tried your best, but don’t
as the macrophages, central nervous sys-
rob yourself of an experience due to fear.’
tem, the lymph nodes and the lungs. When
Having a role-model who is so supportive
you stop treatment, the viral load normally
of the women in his life meant that I had
spikes again,” she explains.
no reason to hesitate venturing into a still rather male-dominated field of laser tech-
“We are trying to develop ways to target
nology,” she explains.
reservoir sites where the virus hides in its latent state using laser technology as a
“Apart from supporting my academic
drug delivery tool. The idea is to deliver the career, my parents also taught me about drug in therapeutic doses to the reservoir
the importance of Ubuntu. I am passionate
sites without exposing cells that don’t need about the concept and the role it plays in treatment to the drugs.”
our everyday lives. For this reason I give public lectures about Ubuntu in my free
“At this stage the tests are done in vitro and time as an ambassador for the iARi non-
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the work entails making a hole in the outer
profit organisation. It is a very philosophi-
membrane of a cell which is immersed in
cal topic as opposed to the science I work
media that contains the drugs. The drugs
with. I mean, you can’t do an experiment
can enter the cell through diffusion and
and determine the percentage of Ubuntu a
the pore then closes through a self-healing
person displays. It is about how you interact
process. This work could pave the way for
with other people and understanding how
future endoscopic procedures to target HIV
it impacts on others.”
reservoir sites,” she argues.
By Antoinette Oosthuizen
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
NSW
A WORLD OF
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY National Science week
National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). This event is a nationwide celebration of Science connecting various stakeholders and role players who conduct science-based activities during the week. National Science Week runs in all nine provinces of South Africa. Every year a different theme is adopted and utilised. There are also different activities offered in line with the theme to the target audiences. The theme of this year’s National Science Week was “The international year of light and light based technologies”.
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
17
NSW
The National Science week took place in a number of places around South Africa. Here are some of the places that hosted the event.
University of Fort Hare (FOSST – DC Institutes, Departments and, Centre’s of excellence) – Eastern Cape The university had a site visitation: These visitations were meant to enhance learners’ and teachers’ understanding for concepts such as optics, light, energy and photosynthesis.
Hermanus Astronomy Centre – Western Cape On 4 August, 2015 the centre had two activities namely, educating learners on how solar panels work and their vital role in keeping the International Space Station functioning well. There was also a spellbinding DVD by astronaut Sunita Williams, showing the interesting and challenging life on the ISS.
Maths Science and Leadership Academy (Kimberly) – Northern Cape On 3 August, 2015 MSLA had a workshop with Grade 6 learners and teachers.
National Museum, Bloemfontein – Free State August 5, 2015 had these exciting activities amongst other activities: Mobile Museum – where a customised vehicle loaded with materials that represent various research departments in the Museum, presentations and exhibitions focus on various careers that are available at the National Museum.
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Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
NSW
University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, Westville – Kwa Zulu-Natal August 3, 2015 the University had planned a Learner programme with two scientific talks and either a visit to the lab or hands on activity, career talk and a Science Quiz.
Ditsong National Museum – Gauteng: On 6 August, 2015 the Ditsong National Museum of History had a ‘Make your own fossil’ activity where learners learned how to make museum quality fossil casts which can be used for education and for research.
Giyani Science Centre – Limpopo On 6 August, 2015 there was an activity on Role Modelling using professionals from SETI fields and Science experiments to excite and encourage learners about science.
Kwandebele Science Combined School, Siyabuswa – Mpumalanga Had experiments, demonstrations, quiz competitions and prize
Worldwise Media – North West
giving on 5 August, 2015.
The centre had a Sink, splash and swim quiz on Maths and Science for the public at the Mooirivier Mall (Potchefstroom) on August 3-7, 2015.
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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WANGARI MATHAAI
THE GREEN BELT MOVEMENT
Beyond Mount Kenya
C
Written by Oswald Kucherera
an our destiny be determined by
the priority to receive an education and
the unfortunate circumstances
Wangari was not to escape this. She
of our beginnings? Definitely the
attended the school only later when her
answer to this question is a resounding NO. concerned brother, Nderitu intervened and This has been proven in many instances
questioned why Wangari was not receiving
and the story of Wangari Maathai is just
an education like the other children. Her
but one of such stories. It is the story
mother consulted their uncle who respond-
of the first African woman and the first
ed positively by giving the green light for
Environmentalist to win the Nobel Peace
Wangari to join her peers to receive an edu-
Prize in 2004.
cation, the key for the door to success.
Maathai planted more than forty million
Wangari started her schooling at Ihithe
trees with the Green Belt Movement, the
Primary School and moved to St. Cecilia’s
organisation she founded. She served in
Intermediate Primary School when she
government as an assistant minister for the was in standard four. She had only a few environment. In 1971 she completed her
belongings with her, which included only
PhD on the development and understand-
two dresses, of which one was made from
ing of female and male sexual organs at
the material left over from the trousers
The Green Belt Movement trained rural women to plant trees and educated them about the importance of conserving forests
the University College of Nairobi (University made for her elder brother, Nderitu. She East and Central Africa to receive the doc-
was without shoes and only got to taste the St Scholastica College in Atchison, Kansas comfort of shoes four years later when the and graduated with a Bachelor of Science
toral degree. She authored four books, The
local shoemaker was assigned by her par-
degree in 1964. She continued with her
Green Belt Movement, Unbowed; a memoir,
ents to make a pair for her.
Masters degree majoring in biology at the
of Nairobi), becoming the first woman in
University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania.
The Challenge for Africa and Replenishing the Earth.
An industrious Wangari passed her final
While at Pittsburgh she did a six months
examinations with excellent marks, com-
course in leadership, focusing on helping
Wangari Maathai was born in 1940 in Nyeri ing first in her class. She joined the Loreto
women in rural areas facing the problems
village, nestled in the central highlands of
Girls’ High School, the only Catholic High
of poverty and unemployment. This was
Kenya. She was the first daughter but the
School for African girls at that time. It was
to become her brainchild, The Green Belt
third in a family of six children. Both her
while she was here when she was men-
Movement, a decade later.
parents were subsistence farmers, growing
tored by one of her nuns’ teacher, Mother
crops to feed their family. But this was the
Teresia who cultivated in her an interest in
When Wangari returned to the newly
epoch of the arrival of the white settlers
Sciences, always inviting her during break
independent Kenya, she struggled to find
and their father was forced to join many
times to clean petri dishes and test tubes.
herself a job. Those sitting in positions of power played the ethnicity card, and this,
a man who moved to work on the newly established white commercial farms. During this time, boys were being given 22
At Loreto she worked very hard and won
together with her gender, was a barrier
herself the African Scholarship to study in
that had to be overcome. Many jobs were
the United States. She got a spot at Mount
unavailable because she was a woman.
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
WANGARI MATHAAI
and forests such as the cases of the Karura Forest and Uhuru Park, when the government tried to build multi-storey buildings on these public spaces. Wangari Maathai mobilised the masses to march against the construction of these buildings and put the construction to a halt in both cases. With the financial support from various funders, the Green Belt Movement was able to start many nurseries across the country employing a lot of women and men who worked as nursery attendants. It spread to other countries such as Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda and Mozambique. This led She only succeeded in landing herself a
case the most affected were women and
job at the University of Nairobi through the children. The only sound solution Wangari
to the formation of the Pan-African Green Belt Network.
assistance of Professor Reinhold Hofmann.
Maathai thought of to solve all these prob-
She became his assistant to help in micro-
lems was to grow trees. Trees protect the
Environment being one of the Sustainable
anatomy or histology in the Department of
soil from the rain and wind, the causes of
Development Goals, as identified by the
Veterinary Anatomy. She suffered gender
soil erosion and decomposing tree leaves
youth on the list of the global goals
discrimination at the University of Nairobi
and branches help to improve the fertility
adopted at the event staged this September
receiving less salary and denied benefits
of the soil. Trees also help with the rehabil-
in New York, global leaders across the
male colleagues of equal standing were
itation and restoration of catchment areas.
world coming together to address these
reaping. Together with her friend and only
The Green Belt Movement trained rural
critical issues including climate change,
female colleague, Vertistine Mbaya, she
women to plant trees and educated them
today’s youth need to step up, embark on
launched the campaign to fight for their
about the importance of conserving forests.
an aggressive project of planting trees
rights in which they came up victorious.
and save the environment. This will help
While serving on the board of the National
other countries to avoid the cases such as
Council of Women of Kenya (NCWK) she came face to face with the challenges faced by the rural women in Kenya, the environmental degradation of Kenya, East Africa
At Loreto she worked very hard and won the African Scholarship to study in the United States
and Africa at large. The challenges women
that of the Lake Chad, Aral Sea and Iran’s Great Salt Lake, Lake Urmia that is drying up as reported in the story covered by the journalist, Richard Stone. Wangari Maathai challenged us, the youth of today, when she
faced consisted of shortage of enough
said anybody can dig a hole, put a tree in
nutritious food, firewood and clean water
It encouraged women to grow indigenous
it, water it and nurture it. There you have
to cook or drink. The shortage of clean
tree seedlings and offered them incentives
it, go out there and plant a tree or trees,
water was caused by rampant soil erosion
to ensure that they nurtured the trees they
inspire your peers and contribute to this
and siltation of rivers. And the shift from
planted. A slogan ‘One person, one tree’
great cause Wangari Maathai and the Green
growing food crops to cash crops nega-
was coined to encourage tree planting. The
Belt Movement paved way for us all to fol-
tively influenced a balanced diet and in this Green Belt Movement protected the parks
low.
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
23
SCIENCE IN ACTION
BEAT STRESS
WITH SCIENCE Be stress-free
Yoga and tai chi
D
o you ever feel like you could just unwind after a demand-
Yoga and tai chi focuses on posture, posi-
ing week but find it difficult to do so? Well it is all because
tive thoughts and breathing. It leads to
stress triggers your body’s fight or flight mode, your adrena-
line starts pumping, your heart beats faster, and your blood pres-
reduction in everyday stress levels, anxiety and muscle tension as well as an improvement in mood and energy.
sure rises. Check out these different ways to de-stress.
Listen to music Music is soul for heart as it can calm you
Magnetic therapy
down and put you in a better frame of mind. When feeling stressed, play calming
Ideally magnectic therapy is suited for the
music while you work, it will help reduce
treatment of many physical conditions and health maintenance. This modality is of
your stress.
great value because the person may continue treatment on her/his own over a long
Meditate
period of time if necessary.
10 min/ 15 min breathing meditation can help you overcome stress and help find inner peace and balance. Meditation helps
Chew gum
us understand our minds as we learn to
Studies suggest the act of chewing gum
transform our minds from negative to posi-
can reduce cortisol levels, helping to alle-
tive, from unhappy to happy.
viate stress, chewing gum also increases bllod flow and alertness.
Deep Breaths Deep breathing counters the effects of stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure. Take a 5-minute break and focus on your breathing.
Be Grateful Keep a gratitude journal or several (one by your bed, one in your purse, and one at
Decompress
work) to help you remember all the things
Place a warm heat wrap around your neck
that are good in your life; ‘being grateful
and shoulders for 10 minutes. Close your
for your blessings cancels out negative
eyes and relax your face, neck, upper chest,
Sleep well
and back muscles. Remove the wrap, and
Getting a good night’s sleep can
These will help keep everything balanced
use a tennis ball or foam roller to massage
help you fight stress the next day.
and keep you stress free.
away tension.
Sleep for at least 7 hours.
24
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
thoughts and worries’.
It’s what we build
3112
We all dream of a better future. For ourselves, our families and our country. SANRAL, as part of the National Development Plan, is improving and expanding vital road infrastructure. In the process we are creating jobs, transferring skills and developing opportunities for all South Africans. We are proud to be a part of the National Development Plan, because we know that roads are more than just roads, they pave the way to a better future.
More than just roads
DST
FULL INCLUSION OF BLACK WOMEN IN STEM Three-day conference standing of the challenges that are faced by black women in STEM fields. The need to increase the participation of women in Africa and America was reiterated by Dr Sonya Smith, principal investigator for Howard University ADVANCE-IT transformation project and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the university. Dr Smith also spoke about systemic issue that needed to be undertaken in order to increase the employment, retention and promotion of women academics in STEM. The conference was a partnership between the DST in South Africa and Howard University in the United States of America, issues of diversity and gender equity in
Dr Beverley Damonse
D
STEM were discussed.
r Beverley Damonse acting CEO of
and developing economies and in this plan,
the National Research Foundation
women play a significant role towards this
(NRF), attended a conference aimed
initiative.
at full inclusion of black women in science and technology. The three-day conference
Half of South Africa’s population consists
was held in Johannesburg on 27 October,
of women, and these women are talented;
2015.
using them in the STEM field would be of great advantage. Dr Damonse also found
According to Dr Beverley Damonse there
that less women are involved in leader-
are a lot of black women that are being
ship roles in STEM, which means gender
excluded in the STEM fields in South
inequality is a daunting issue that the NRF
Africa and the United States of America.
is working on.
This exclusion impedes development and innovation in the field. STEM is providing
Dr Phethiwe Matutu, Chief Director of
solutions and ways to improve efficien-
Human Development at the Department of
cies to avoid exclusion of black women;
Science and Technology (DST) said that the
the solutions are provided in emerging
conference would aid people with under-
26
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
BEAUTY IN SCIENCE
LIP STICK
with a twist
Red lipstick includes insects and most long-lasting types of red lipstick have a chemical compound called eosin, the compound slightly changes colour when it is applied to the lips
65% Castor Oil – Waxes and oils give the lipstick structure
15% Beeswax, 10% Other waxes
5% Dyes, pigments and perfumes – Pigments and dyes provide colour
5% Lanolin, 10% Other waxes
R20 340 is average amount woman that spends on lipstick in her lifetime, in South Africa
The world’s most expensive lipstick is Guerlain’s KissKiss Gold and Diamonds Lipstick
28
Lipstick is allegedly the most shoplifted item
Lipstick sales usually increase during recessions, because women use lipstick to boost their selfesteem by buying makeup products
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
$
CAREERS FEATURE
FASCINATING CAREERS IN STEM A lifetime journey Written by : Sihle Qekeleshe
Y
ou have reached a point in your life where you have to choose a career for yourself, one that may stick with
2
Environmental Science;
job security and money, as well as having a
Is a branch of biology that examines
wide variety of options in the field.
the effect of human beings on the environ-
you for the rest of your life, provided you
ment, as well as the relationships between
How do I get there you may ask, we have
do not confuse a career with a job.
the environment and the organisms living
that covered. To pave your way into the
within it. As an Environmental Scientist one
career path you have always wanted you
A career is a lifetime journey of build-
can work for huge companies like ESKOM.
need to do the following things;
ing and using your skills and knowledge,
Environmental Scientists get paid an aver-
• Do some research on institutions and
explore new experiences and integrating
age of R212, 008 per year.
other aspects of your life into your work. Here are the most commonly chosen STEM careers.
internship programmes • Job shadowing
3
Pharmaceutical Scientist; Develop new drugs, they spend most of
• Find a passion for engineering using other resources besides your textbook
their time doing research in a laboratory.
• You need to have chosen the Mathematics
Chemical Engineering;
Pharmaceutical Scientists discover, develop,
and Physical Science stream in high school
Chemical engineering is applied
test, and manufacture new medication.
• Also visit science centres around your
Chemistry. It is the branch of Engineering
They investigate how these compounds
area.
concerned with the design, construction,
interact with the human body to ultimately
and operation of machines and plants that
determine if they can become new drugs.
Look at our institutions page to get infor-
perform chemical reactions to solve practi-
Pharmaceutical Scientists get paid an aver-
mation on which universities one can con-
cal problems or make useful products. The
age of R353, 970 per year.
tact to get career counselling and informa-
1
fun part about being a Chemical Engineer
tion about courses you may want to study.
is that they create, explore, innovate and
Working with science and technology will
create products that we use in our daily
open a lot of doors for you; you will have
lives. A Chemical Engineer’s get paid an
the power to make a difference in the
average of R272, 704 per year.
world, working with talented people, have
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
29
INSTITUTIONS
EXPLORE WITH THE BEST INSTITUTIONS Making the right choices
C
hoosing a career can be very hard
Stellenbosch
cation on Science, Technology and Maths,
and confusing, especially when you
Stellenbosch University is the third uni-
introduces the career choices in this area,
do not have the right resources to
versity; it is one of 23 tertiary institu-
parties, workshops, teambuilding events and
help with deciding on one career that you
tions in South Africa and is located in the
much more.
will love forever. We have three of the best
heart of the Cape Winelands. The town of
Contact: 041 585 8884 or
universities and centres that one can con-
Stellenbosch is 50 km from Cape Town.
email: donkin@nmbt.co.za
tact or visit to get the necessary informa-
Stellenbosch University is a multi-disciplin-
tion.
ary institution with a wine land backdrop
Sci-Bono
specialises in the study of AgriScience.
The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, is one of
University of Cape Town
Southern Africa’s largest science centre, it
UCT has an exciting and diverse community. There are also centres one can visit to
is affiliated to the Gauteng Department of
It has a culture where each person is able
broaden their knowledge on the career they Education to support Maths, Science and
to contribute their unique blend of knowl-
may want to choose;
edge and way of thinking. UCT staff and
Technology education and to help build South Africa’s STEM capacity.
students come from different parts of the
The Cape Town Science Centre
Contact: 011 639 8400 or
world. The university has also built rela-
The Cape Town Science Centre has approxi-
email info@sci-bono.co.za
tionships with leading African and interna-
mately 250 interactive exhibits and mind-
tional institutions that further develop the
boggling puzzles, the Centre is a world of
academic, social and cultural diversity of
discovery under one roof. The CTSC offers
their campus.
science shows, curriculum-based workshops, holiday programmes, science camps and
University of Witwatersrand The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg South Africa, often dubbed as
experiential driven programmes. Contact: 021 300 3200 or email: info@ctsc.org.za
Wits University. Wits is also known for its sciences, accountancy, law, governance,
The Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre
and the humanities, amongst others. It has
The Nelson Mandela Bay Science &
five faculties and about half of all enrol-
Technology Centre gives students an oppor-
ments are in the Science, Engineering and
tunity to experience the art of science and
Technology fields.
technology. The Centre offers informal edu-
work in deep level mining, science, health
30
Science Stars Magazine Nanotechnology Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Find these places interesting? Contact them here: University of Cape Town Career counselling: Tel: 021 650 6646 email: lisa.little@uct. ac.za University of Witwatersrand Career counselling: Tel: 011 717 9140/ 32 Email: info.ccdu@wits.ac.za Stellenbosch University: Tel: 021 808 4704/ 4709 Email: maties@sun.ac.za
NEED MOTNO EYUDY AFTERST DO YOU
? L O O H SC your career elp you make
Let us h
lity...
dreams a rea
The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) provides loans and bursaries to eligible students for studies at public universities and Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges in South Africa. NSFAS OFFERS BURSARIES: Bursaries are offered to eligible students in need who are studying in various scarce skills areas such as teaching and social work. Eligible students are those whose academic results enable them to enter university. As of 2011, the South African government has also increased bursary funds to help students enrolled in certain NATED programmes (N1-N6 in engineering and N4-N6 in all other fields) as well as the National Certificate (Vocational) at public FET Colleges. If you qualify for funding according to a financial means test, this bursary could cover the costs of your tuition, food and accommodation.
STUDENT LOANS GIVE HOPE: NSFAS loans are also available for qualifying university students for their first undergraduate degree or diploma. If you do well academically, a portion of the loan may also be converted into a bursary. Funding is limited and not all students who apply will receive an award.
FOR MORE INFORMATION visit the financial aid office on campus, contact NSFAS on 021 763 3232 or SMS your question to 32261 Standard SMS rates apply. Email info@nsfas.org.za or visit
www.nsfas.org.za
NSFAS is a registered credit provider in terms of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 (NCRCP 2655)
INVENTIONS
TOP INVENTIONS BY FEMALES
Here are the top inventions by female scientists, get to know the women who invented them.
The brains behind it all
1 Circular Saw by Tabitha Babbitt in 1810
2
Tabitha Babbitt lived in a Shaker community in Massachusetts and worked as a weaver, but in 1810, she then came up with a way to lighten the load of her col-
Chocolate Chip cookies by Ruth Wakefield in 1930
leagues. She observed men while cutting wood with a pit
Ruth Wakefield bought an old toll house outside of Boston
saw, which is a two-handled saw that required two men to
with her husband and converted the toll house into an inn
pull it back and forth. To her, that was a waste of energy,
with a restaurant. One day in 1930, Ruth was baking a batch
she attached a circular blade to her spinning wheel so
of Butter Drop Do cookies for her guests. The recipe required
that every movement of the saw produced results.
melted chocolate, but she had run out of baker’s chocolate. She took a Nestle chocolate bar, crumbled it into pieces and
3
threw it into her batter, the chocolate pieces didn’t melt during
Liquid paper by Bette Nesmith Graham in the 1950s
baking and that is how the chocolate chip cookie was born.
Bette Nesmith Graham was not a very good typist. Secretaries often found themselves retyping entire pages because of one
4
tiny mistake they had made. She watched workers painting a holiday display on a bank window. She noticed how the painters simply added another layer of paint to cover the mistakes and she thought she could apply that idea to her owner typing errors. Using her blender, she mixed up water-based tempera paint with dye that matched her company’s stationary.
5 Dishwasher by Josephine Cochrane in 1886 Josephine Cochrane was frustrated over her servants breaking her heirloom china after fancy dinners. She focused and built a machine that would wash it properly. The machine relied on using strong water pressure, which was aimed at a wire rack of dishes, and she received a patent for the device in 1886. 32
Coloured Flare System by Martha Coston in 1857 Martha Coston found her late husband’s plans for a flare system that ships could use as way to communicate at night. She tested it, but it failed. She spent the next 10 years trying to perfect the design. She took her children to see a fireworks display and that is when she got the idea of applying some pyrotechnic technology to her flare system. The flare system
6
finally worked, and the U.S. Navy bought the rights.
Windshield wiper by Mary Anderson in the 20th century
Mary Anderson visited New York City for the first time and during her trip, she took a tram through the city. She saw that after a few minutes the driver had to stop the tram to wipe the snow off the front window. She developed a squeegee on a spindle that was attached to a handle on the inside of the vehicle. When the driver needed to clean the front glass, they would simply pull the handle and the squeegee
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
wiped the rain from the windshield.
QUIZ
QUIZ What is the big craze about Women In science? Take our quiz and find out.
1 2
Which year was the Women in Science Awards founded? A. 2010
Women in Science Awards?
B. 2000
A. 10
C. 2003
B. 15
D. 2005
C. 24 D. 30
What was the theme for the 2015 Women in Science Awards? A. Women in Excellence
A. 13 August 2015 B. 01 August 2015
C. Women for change
C. 25 August 2015
D. None of the above
D. 15 August 2015 You need to be a South African Citizen to enter the Women in
A. Physical Science, Social Science, Life Science
Science Awards? True/False
B. Bio-Science, Social Science, Humanities
She is a full Professor of Health Studies at the University of South Africa and earned the accolade of this year’s most
D. Life Science, Humanities and Social Science
5
8 9
In which of the following categories were the awards held?
C. Medical Science, Physical Science, Life Science
4
7
The Women in Science Awards were presented on which day?
B. Science for a sustainable future
3
6
How many female scientist were nominated for the 2015
distinguished female researcher in the humanities and social
What does the acronym MDG stand for?
sciences…
A. Medical Development Goals
A. Professor Maureen Coetzee
B. Mission Driven Goals
B. Professor Lebo Tshagela
C. Millennium Development Goals
C. Professor Lindiwe Zungu
D. Medium Development Goals
D. None of the above
The objectives for the Women in Science Awards is to… A. Celebrate Women’s Day B. Network with prominent female scientist C. Award international scientist for outstanding work D. Recognise and award excellence by women scientists and researchers
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
33
PUZZLE Â
Sudoku Puzzle
SUDOKU
Women in Science Issue
3 6
4
1
6
8
9
2
2
4
8
3 6
4
6
1
7 7
7
5
1
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
DOWN 1. In what organelle of a plant cell does photosynthesic occur? 2. From what biological polymer is paper primarily composed? 3. _________ is the SI base unit that uses the intensity of a light source? 4. What is the name of the rock that makes up most of the ocean floor and volcanic islands? 5. How many canine teeth does a typical human adult have? 6. What is the environmental factor most directly involved in phototropism?
1 2
ACROSS
3
1. What is the name for the biochemical process
1
that converts grape juice into wine or soy beans into soy sauce?
2
2. What organelle functions to isolate a human
3
4
cells chromosomes from the cytoplams?
4
3. What terrestrial planet rotates in an opposite 6
direction to the planet earth? 4. What is the mathematical term for coplannar
5
lines that never intersect?
5
5. What is the primary oxygen carrying protein 6
found in red blood cells? 6. What is the general name for the rising and falling of the sea levels in response to the force exerted by the sun and mooon?
34
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
ANSWERS
ANSWERS Nanotechnology Issue
WORD SEARCH
SCIENCESTARS
Â
Issue 10 | August/September 2015
THE EVOLUTION OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
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Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
35
SCIENCE NEWS
SCIENCE NEWS The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Nkosazana Dlamani- Zuma empowered women in the World Forestry Congress (WFC), which took place in Durban‘s Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre. Nkosazana Zuma said women should be represented in leading positions in the industry.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in partnership with the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) are jointly persuading the goal of advancement of Science in developing countries through the establishment of the NRF-TWAS Postdoctoral Fellowship funding instrument. The Early and Mid-Career Researcher EMCR Forum is the national voice of Australia’s emerging scientists, these are representing researchers who are up to 15 years post-PhD, whom are irrespective of their professional appointment. They are looking to recruit new members who can bring enthusiasm and new ideas to the executive.
The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, announced that government is investing in the modernisation of research and development infrastructure in the quest to develop new knowledge.
Students have reportedly developed a nail polish, “Undercover Colour,” that can detect the presence of drugs linked to date rape. This nail polish formula works to detect the presence of drugs commonly used to facilitate date rape.
Scientists have found that current school and university start times are damaging the learning and health of students. The latest sleep research conclude that students’ start times should be 8:30 or later at age 10; 10:00 or later at 16; and 11:00 or later at 18. Implementing these start times should improve their health and learning.
DST
TAKING SCIENCE TO
THE RURAL AREAS The Giyani career science centre
Limpopo MEC for Education, Ishmael Kgetjepe, said that South Africa is working on becoming “one of the strongest science research communities in the world, pioneering the latest technologies�. While Minister Pandor was in Giyani, she visited the Hi Hanyile Essential Oils project; the project is a bioscience initiative that is funded by the Department of Science and Technology. In this project Scientists and traditional healers have come together to study the indigenous plants, leading to the development of mosquito repellent candles
O
and more effective commercially similar
n 26 September, 2015 the Minister
study further. The Minister highlighted the
of Science and Technology, Naledi
importance pf encouraging young people
Pandor, was speaking at a handover
products.
being exposed to a wide variety of options
The project is said to have shown how sci-
of a career science centre in Giyani. The
to choose from and that they are helped
ence, technology and innovation can come
handover was part of an imbizo organ-
to choose wisely so that they can choose a
together and be used for economic growth
ised by the Department of Science and
career they can stay in.
and development.
Technology, it was an initiative to raise awareness of the role of science in our daily lives. The Minister said that young people in rural areas need to be made aware of the excitement, importance and the potential careers in science and also to urge young people to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. She proceeded to say that the young people in rural areas need to be nurtured in order to feed the next generation of scientists, researcher and engineers. The Centre will be used as a source of knowledge for young people who want to
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
37
MARIE CURIE
friend’s offer to give her a wedding dress,
Only a couple of months later, Marie died,
Manya (now Marie Curie) famously said:
just a few months before her daughter,
“I have no dress except the one I wear every
Irene, also won the Nobel prize. The damag-
day. If you are going to be kind enough to
ing effects of ionizing radiation were then
give me one, please let it be practical and
not yet known, and much of her work had
dark so that I can put it on afterwards to go
been carried out in a shed without any
to the laboratory.”
safety measures. Even her workbooks and cookbooks are still inaccessible – kept in
In 1903, the Royal Swedish Academy of
lead-lined safes as they are still too radio-
Sciences awarded Pierre and Marie Curie,
active to touch.
and Henri Becquerel, the Nobel Prize in Physics, for the discovery of radiation. On
On the periodic table of the elements, there
receiving the Nobel Prize, Marie and Pierre
are three elements named by or for her:
Curie suddenly became very famous. The
• Polonium, her first discovery, named after
Sorbonne gave Pierre a professorship and
her native country Poland (not polony)
permitted him to establish his own labora-
• Radium, which she separated from pitch-
tory, in which Marie became director of
blende
research.
• Curium – named in 1944 in her honour
arie Curie stands out as by far
Tragically, on April 19, 1906, Pierre was
Marie Curie was recently voted the great-
the greatest woman scientist
killed in a street accident:- struck by a
est woman scientist of all time, winning
of all time – and some may say
horse-drawn vehicle he fell under its
just over a quarter of the poll and almost
greater than all the men too – after all she
wheels, fracturing his skull. Marie’s famous
twice as much as her nearest rival Rosalind
won TWO Nobel prizes – one for Physics
reply was: “Life is not easy for any of us. But
Franklin (14.2 per cent), the English bio-
and one for Chemistry! Little Manya
what of that? We must have perseverance and
physicist who helped discover the structure
Sklodowska was born in Poland in 1867:
above all confidence in ourselves. We must
of DNA. Albert Einstein met with Marie
she was always top of her class and won
believe that we are gifted for something and
Curie on a few occasions, and had this to
the Science prize at school. Her father had
that this thing must be attained.”
say of her: “Marie Curie is, of all celebrated
Marie Curie A woman in her element!
M
kept all his science equipment (after he
beings, the only one whom fame has not cor-
was fired as a teacher), and this fascinated
Marie refused to accept the pension offered
rupted.”
her and she played with it endlessly at
to her, and she became the first female
It is easy to give in to fear in South Africa
home.
professor at the Sorbonne (and indeed
today, but remember the words of Marie
in the world!) Recognition for her work
Curie: “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is
Manya made an agreement with her sister
grew to new heights, and in 1911 she was
only to be understood. Now is the time to
Bronisława, to assist each other with pay-
awarded a second Nobel Prize:- this time
understand more, so that we may fear less.“
ing for their studies. So Bronya went to
for Chemistry. No man has ever won two
Paris (as women could not study in Russian
Nobel prizes in the sciences! During World
Derek Fish
controlled Poland) and Manya continued to
War I, Marie pushed for the use of mobile
Director: Unizulu Science Centre
tutor to assist her. In October 1891, she set
X-ray units, for the treatment of wounded
off on a grueling three day train trip (it now soldiers. These units were powered using takes 16 hours to drive!), having to take her tubes of radium which she purified. Marie own folding chair and food and water! In
drove and operated these mobile units her-
Paris she enrolled at the Sorbonne – the
self, saving many soldier’s lives.
University of Paris.
Marie visited Poland a last time in the
In the same year Pierre Curie entered her
spring of 1934, famously saying: “One never
life. He was an instructor in Physics, and
notices what has been done; one can only see
they were soon married. Commenting on a
what remains to be done. “
38
Science Stars Magazine Women In Science Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference
DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E
Draw up a study timetable.
FCB CAPE TOWN 10007095CT/E
Study tips
Don’t procrastinate!
Make flashcards, use acronyms, sing jingles - anything to help you remember.
Exercise and eat correctly to combat stress. Use tables, flowcharts and figures - pictures can help you remember facts.
Get up a little earlier on the morning of an exam - it will allow you time to have a proper breakfast and you will feel calm when you arrive at your exam venue.
Create a study environment free from clutter and distractions.
If the workload is too big, join a study group. But make sure you actually study.
Get a decent night’s sleep. It helps with your concentration.
Go over as many past papers as you can.
Don’t postpone difficult topics when studying tackle the hard bits first.
Good luck!
At Engen, we want to give you some extra encouragement during your final exams because we understand that education is the first step to a brighter future. That’s one of the reasons why we invest in subjects that will be of long-term value to our business and South Africa. For nearly 3 decades, Engen Maths and Science Schools have provided extra tuition to learners in grades 10 to 12 across the country. Engen wishes you every success for your final matric exams. www.engenoil.com/education