SCIENCESTARS Issue 19
ENERGY
Earth Fun Facts
70% 7 billion people on Earth
4.5 10 000km
of Earth’s surface is covered in water, with the rest being land mass.
billion years old
into space is how far the Earth’s atmosphere reaches up.
97% 3%
of the water is salt water/ocean is freshwater.
The Earth itself has 3 layers - the Crust, the Mantle and the Core.
C
84% of the Earth’s volume is the Mantle, with it being 2970km thick.
17 milliseconds is how long the Earth’s rotation is gradually slowing down for, every 100 years.
23 hours, 56 minutes and 4 seconds is how long it takes for the Earth to fully rotate, not 24 hours.
365 365 and a quater days is how long the Earth takes to orbit the sun.
100 1/3 of the Earth’s surface is desert, either partially or fully.
times per second the Earth is struck by lightning - that is 8.6 million times a day.
CONTENTS CONTENTS
FEATURES
1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 3
2
HIGHLIGHTS FROM NATIONAL SCIENCE WEEK 2018
7
HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK?
8
the effects of CLIMATE CHANGE
4 Profile: mokateko portia buthelezi
5 Profile: THAMSANQA MAWONGA
6
BOOK REVIEW + WIN A COPY!
7
INFOGRAPHIC: ALL ABOUT ENERGY
8
TOP ENERGY EFFICIENT COUNTRIES
0
INSPIRATION: STEPHEN HAWKING
1
TIPS FOR A BETTER STUDY SESSION
REGULARS
5 6 8 3 3 3 3 3
Foreword
EDITOR’S NOTE
COVER STORY
2
AVAILABLE BURSARIES
4
QUIZ
5
PUZZLES
6
ANSWERS
8
SCIENCE CENTRE
College of Science, Engineering and Technology School of Engineering
Don’t be left out! Apply to study Engineering at the University of South Africa and enjoy the opportunity to use our State-of-the-art laboratories. Through open distance learning (ODL), the School of Engineering offers National Diploma and BTech courses in Engineering to students who are interested in becoming professional technicians or technologists in the following disciplines: National Diploma Engineering: Mechanical [NDEMC] Engineering: Industrial [NDENI] Engineering: Chemical [NDECE] Engineering: Electrical: Electronics and Electronic Communication [NDEEN- EEC] Engineering: Electrical: Power Engineering [NDEEN - PEN] Engineering: Electrical: Mechatronics [NDEEN - MEC] Engineering: Electrical: Clinical Engineering [NDEEN - CEN] Engineering: Electrical: Computer Systems [NDEEN - COS] Engineering: Electrical: Process Instrumentation [NDEEN - PIN] Engineering: Mining [NDMIN] Engineering: Civil [NDECI] Baccalaureus Technologiae Engineering: Mechanical [BTMEE] Engineering: Industrial [BTENI] Engineering: Chemical [BTENC] Engineering: Chemical: Environmental [BTECE] Engineering: Electrical: Power [BTELN-PEN] Engineering: Electrical: Process Instrumentation [BTELN-PIN] Engineering: Electrical: Telecommunications [BTELN-TEL] Engineering: Electrical: Computer Systems [BTELN-COS] Engineering: Electrical: Clinical [BTELN-CEN] Engineering: Civil: Structural [BTECV-STR] Engineering: Civil: Water [BTECV-WAT] Engineering: Civil: Environmental [BTECV-ENV] Engineering: Civil: Urban[BTECV-URB] Join us as a student, and develop yourself into a professional. It is important to note that the National Diploma and BTech has practical Modules that have residential requirements (on campus for a number of days) as well as work-integrated learning that requires students to be placed in industry for up to a year. For admission requirements Please refer to the MyChoice brochure or Visit www.unisa.ac.za/cset E-mail: cset@unisa.ac.za
Define tomorrow.
university of south africa
ED’S NOTE
team Science Stars
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Editor • Nadine Sims
Keeping the energy up
This time of the year is one of the most exciting on the South African science calendar. National Science Week kicked off on 28 July, under the theme ‘Deeping our democracy through science’. As always, the week-long event brought stakeholders, students, academics and the general public together to celebrate and promote STEM. This was done through exciting events and activities that took place countrywide. We loved every bit of the event, and, as you’ll see on page 12, so did thousands of other people. In this issue, while reporting back on National Science Week, our other key focus and overarching theme is energy. In South Africa, the subject of energy is an exciting and topical one. We see this as the nuclear debate and load shedding constantly make headlines. Energy is a huge subject, with many different angles and aspects. In the cover story for this issue, you can learn about the three main types of energy sources that are prevalent in South Africa – turn to page 8 to find out more. On page 23, we break down what fracking actually is.
Graphic designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz Contributing writers • Moeketsi Tigeli • Nicole Ludolph • Adrian Wicomb • Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama • Zoe Fick Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Ambassador • Prof. Azwindinni Muronga Sales & Marketing Rep • Ntombizanele Thangayi
Subscriptions • info@sciencestars.co.za Copyright 2017 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.
In this issue we are also running an exciting competition! You could be the lucky winner of a captivating book – to find out which book it is, turn to page 26. Year after year, National Science Week has entertaining and thoughtprovoking interactive events, activities and engaging content on offer. And this year was no different. Lastly, my hope for this edition of Science Stars is that it teaches you something about STEM that you did not know before today.
Nadine Sims Editor
10th Floor, The Pinnacle 2 Burg Street Cape Town, 8000 021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.com www.sciencestars.co.za
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Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
THE CSIR providing opportunities for young and upcoming
RESEARCHERS
L
aser technology benefits various domains of our
of light, describing a research field which aims to
modern existence through various devices such as;
generate, manipulate and detect photons – particles
lighting displays in entertainment, office equipment like
of light. It is an essential component of everyday
laser printers, DVD players at home, barcode scanners
technologies, addressing societal challenges such as
in the shops, surgical technology in hospitals or devices
energy generation, healthcare and security.
for cutting and welding industrial materials in factories. People like Rendani Nemagovhani, a Laser Technician intern at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) National Laser Centre (NLC) can play a critical role in advancing laser technology knowledge to young people. As an intern, Rendani is responsible for operating and maintaining various laser systems and metallurgical laboratory work such as preparing samples and analysing them. He holds a National Diploma in industrial physics with major streams in laser technology and material sciences from the Tshwane University of Technology. “Studying physics opens doors to a myriad of careers in many sectors. My interest in physics developed when I was still in high school and that is when I decided I was going to study a physics-related course in tertiary.” Rendani enrolled for a diploma in industrial physics because he wanted to study something that incorporated photonics and metrology. Photonics is the science
I also saw that there were scarce skills in the field of photonics and laser technology, therefore I took this as an opportunity.” Rendani would like to be a principal researcher and also further his studies. “The CSIR has given me an opportunity to learn a lot and to grow academically. I would like to have a PhD degree in Physics before I reach the age of 30, he adds.” He encourages those who would like to pursue a career in physics to take mathematics and physical science in high school and get good results. “Know your goal and aim towards achieving it by working hard. You need to be curious about how things work and why they work in a specific way,” he says. He also says that you need to be enthusiastic, patient and have a continuous desire to learn more.
COVER STORY
THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF ENERGY RESOURCES Eskom, the sole provider of electricity in South Africa, announced the start of “load shedding” – an occasional, deliberate shutdown of certain power systems – in 2008. Essentially, due to the lack of coal supply and increasing demand, the power utility had to shut down electricity in parts of the country so as to prevent a national failure. We need energy for heat, transportation for our roads, for light as well to produce and maintain all sorts of products. There are two different sources of energy, those that are renewable and non-renewable. Non-renewable energy can be used up and disappear forever and is made up of fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas. In South Africa, we largely depend on fossil fuels, with coal being the main source of our electricity production. Renewable energy sources, in comparison, do not run out. They include wind, solar (energy from the sun), biomass, hydropower and geothermal energy.
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Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
COVER STORY
Non-renewable energy
made up of methane, CH4. Natural gas usually has no odour and is colourless.
The origin and use of fossil fuels
Before it is sent to the pipelines and
Natural gas, petroleum and coal are
storage tanks, it is mixed with organic
considered fossil fuels because they are
sulfides that give it a strong odour which
formed over millions of years by dead
makes it easier to detect a leak.
plants and animals. Their origins are so ancient, scientists claim they were formed
With current discoveries of gas reserves
before dinosaurs existed.
in South Africa, and the availability of natural gas in Mozambique and Namibia,
Coal
the Department of Energy has started
South Africa’s main source of energy supply
to develop regional-gas fields with the
is coal and we are among the top 10
hopes of introducing gas as an important
countries in coal production. The Minerals
source of energy.
Council of South Africa dates the discovery and commercial mining of coal all the way
Petroleum
back to the 1880s, in the Witwatersrand
The first time liquid fuel production was
and KwaZulu-Natal regions.
licensed in South Africa was in 2005 and in the very same year, 23 571 million litres
According to the Department of Energy,
of liquid fuels were produced locally. Of
approximately 77% of South Africa’s
this amount, 36% was locally produced
primary energy needs are provided by coal.
synthetic fuels (a mixture of hydrogen
About 28% of our coal is exported to other
and carbon monoxide) and the rest was
countries. Being the main supplier of our
imported crude oil.
electricity, Eskom has struggled to keep up with the demand from the South African
Despite being considered a hazardous
public over the years.
substance with limited resources and a leading cause of pollution, petroleum
Natural gas
is one of the most valuable fuels in
The discovery of natural gas is traced
the world. It’s used for transportation,
back to Iran some 6 000 years before the
electricity generation and material
common era, or the modern times. Natural
production. The pursuit of petroleum has
gas is less dense than air, and is mostly
attracted controversy.
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
9
COVER STORY
Renewable energy
Water (Hydropower) In a hydroelectric power station, river or
Wind
dam, water is transferred to a hydraulic
Through the use of wind turbines that look
turbine. Using the force of the water, the
like giant windmills, South Africa is able
turbine turns and drives a generator rotor,
to generate a fair amount of electricity.
generating electricity. After the water has
With more than 13 wind farms between
completed its task, it is discharged back
the Western and Eastern Cape provinces
into the river downstream of the
producing over 200 megawatts (MW), there
power station.
is enough to power up three small cities of 100 000 residents. Energy generated
As it stands, one third of the world has
from the wind is arguably the cleanest
developed hydropower systems. Areas
and most environmentally friendly method
where water is scarce, such as in South
of energy production – no harmful gas
Africa, have found it difficult to fully
emissions and no fuel costs in production.
harvest hydropower. Asia and South
The only downside is the noise caused
America have the greatest hydropower
when these giant windmills operate.
production potential due to their abundant water reserves.
Solar Solar energy is viewed as an excellent
Nuclear energy
alternative due to the fact that it costs us
In the process of nuclear fusion, two atoms
nothing to produce, safe for the costs of
come together to create one large atom.
production, implementation and set up
In nuclear fission, atoms break and form
of solar panels. In 2016, South Africa had
smaller atoms, in both cases, atomic energy
over 1 300MW of readily installed solar
is released.
power. The government aims to achieve an output of over 8 000MW by 2030. Over the
South Africa is the only country with a
years since its implementation, more than
nuclear power plant in all of Africa. The
30 000 homes have been powered by solar
Koeberg power station in Cape Town
energy. South Africa also boasts one of
produces 1.86 gigawatts of energy, and
the largest solar power stations in Africa,
according to Eskom, the nuclear station
the 96MW- producing Jasper Solar Energy
has supplied approximately 4.4% of South
Project.
Africa’s total electricity needs since 1984.
SCIENCE STARS BUILDING LEGENDS
021 839 2507 info@sciencestars.co.za www.sciencestars.co.za /sciencestars.faceb.co.za @ScienceStarsSA
REPORT BACK
NATIONAL SCIENCE
WEEK 2018
MISSED IT? WE BRING THE BEST MOMENTS TO YOU! By: Adrian Wicomb The annual National Science Week is
Nelson Mandela who would’ve celebrated
various special events during a pre-launch
a date that should be marked on every
his 100 birthday on 18 July. Different
of National Science Week. These events
science lover’s calendar! For a full week,
themes are chosen each year to attract a
included workshops, a chemistry show,
hundreds of eager students, academics,
vast number of individuals, and as always,
a rocket launch and many more. The
scientists and science enthusiasts gather
the chosen theme did not disappoint.
university’s faculty of science travelled to
th
across South Africa to partake in activities,
the birthplace of Nelson Mandela, Mvezo.
workshops and lectures – all in celebration
National Science Week’s aim is to broaden
of science.
the science community by creating
In collaboration with the Nelson Mandela
educational platforms for individuals
School of Science and Technology, the
This year, National Science Week kicked
to partake and understand the limitless
Nelson Mandela University science
off on 28 July with the national launch
potential that lies in the field of science.
students provided motivational talks to
event, which took place at the University
With the support of the Department of
the youth to inspire and motivate pupils
of Mpumalanga in Nelspruit. This is where
Science & Technology (DST) and the South
to become interested in science and
keynote speakers, including the Minister
African Agency for Science and Technology
pursue careers in this broad field.
of Science and Technology, Mmamoloko
Advancement (SAASTA), National Science
Kubayi-Ngubane, officially launched the
Week is a countrywide event. Multiple
The events of National Science Week
week-long event.
events took place simultaneously at nine
create a learning platform for those
different sites, in each of the provinces.
interested in science, those working in
The theme for this year was 'Deepening
the field, the general public and those
our Democracy through Science' in
On 18 July, the Nelson Mandela University
that may not understand the endless
commemoration to the legacy of the late
celebrated the life of Mandela by hosting
opportunities that the field of STEM holds.
12
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REPORT BACK
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
13
PROFILE
A blossoming career
PhD student Jane Segobola shares her passion with us
S
oon after completing her
and tomorrow not, and you would not even
form part of products that are going
undergraduate studies, PhD student
know why,” says Jane.
to be commercialised by the Council
Jane Segobola made up her mind
for Scientific and Industrial Research‘s
that she was going to pursue a career
As a PhD student, Jane’s project involves
(CSIR) with the aim of contributing to
in research. She discovered, after a brief
exploring unique South African fynbos soil
the science world, creating jobs and
working stint, that the career path she
samples from the Kogelberg Biosphere
enhancing the bio-economy,” she adds.
initially decided to take was not aligned to
Reserve. The Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve,
her goals.
in the Cape floral kingdom, is one of the
Jane says that she and the team she is
world’s biodiversity hotspots, with high
working with on the project have already
“As soon as I started working I realised
unique plant and microbial diversity.
discovered enzymes that are distinctive
that routine work was not what I wanted
“We are using bioprospecting techniques
compared to what is currently seen in
to do. I did not want to wake up every day
(refers to the procedure of exploration,
the market.
and just go to work. I wanted to expand
extraction, screening and trading of new
my thinking and my horizons,” she says.
products using biological diversity as a
She attributes the progress she has
Her steadfastness eventually paid off and
source) to extract value from the unique
charted thus far in her career to her work
today, she is doing what she loves and is
micro-organisms that are found in the soil.
ethic and the support she has received
thriving at it.
We believe that the enzymes that we will
from the people she works with. “At the
extract from there will be distinctive.
end of the day, you just have to work as
“I love research. I love waking up every
hard as possible. We are working in a
day and coming here to learn new things,
As part of the start-up initiative (Cape
male-dominated environment which is a
find solutions and to work with micro-
Bio), the products that are going to
challenge on its own. However, you need
organisms; today they can decide to grow
be derived from the soil are going to
to pace yourself and work twice as hard,”
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Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
PROFILE
says Jane, who majored in microbiology
Jane regards winning a travelling award
equality challenge with both parties, and
and biochemistry for her undergraduate
to Germany as one of her most significant
to mentor, support and promote women
degree (University of Venda) and
achievements thus far. “The trip was
at universities and research institutions,”
microbiology for her honours degree and
life changing. I used the opportunity
she says.
master’s degree (University of Pretoria).
to showcase my work, network and
She is currently studying for her PhD with
collaborate with other international
When she was younger, Jane enjoyed
the University of Pretoria.
scientists,” she adds.
participating in ballroom and modelling competitions. However, she has since
Jane says she is motivated by the success
She believes that with adequate support,
swapped these hobbies for reading,
of the people who work in the same
young women have the ability to break
watching movies and sometimes
environment as hers and by her mother,
barriers and to have access to the same
marathons that she partakes in when she
who is always seeking ways to improve
opportunities as their male counterparts.
is not spending time with her husband,
herself by regularly studying.
“Society should ensure that there is equal
two children and the rest of her family. “I
access of funding for both genders. At the
used to enter pageants but that is all in
“If I encounter any challenges I read up
moment, I think that women are being
the past now,” she laughs.
on other people’s experiences and chat to
overlooked."
those around me. It really calms me down
So, what does the future hold for this
when I know that I am not the only one
"A solution that will benefit everyone
dedicated young woman? Jane says when
going through challenges. I work with a
and not just men needs to be found. The
she eventually decides to settle down in
strong team that always shares ideas. It
first step towards a positive solution is
her profession, she would like to become
also motivates me to keep going,” she says.
to acknowledge and discuss the gender
an academic.
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
15
IDENTITY IS IN THE
EYE OF THE BEHOLDER “Dare to be different, but at the same time, stay true to yourself.” GUGULETHU MABUZA-HOCQUET These are very appropriate words indeed from the woman who has committed her research to identity protection. The way Gugu sees it, your identity is all you really have – and the answer to protecting it, lies in iris biometrics. She is exploring the unique iris properties of the South African population that may just hold the key to a uniquely South African security encryption system. “Your iris does not only hold information such as your age, gender and race, it also says you are part of a demographic mix that is not found elsewhere in the world. Now imagine a future where those unique features in your eyes will protect the most valuble thing you have – your identity.” Gugu describes the way she ended up in science as a “beautiful accident”. It’s certainly one to be thankful for.
BRIGHT YOUNG SCIENTISTS BEHIND IDEAS THAT WORK. www.csirideasthatwork.co.za
SOLAR PANELS
HOW DO SOLAR PANELS WORK? You’ve probably seen them resting on
panels are putting back onto the grid. AC
rooftops, waiting to be powered up, but
electricity is passed from the solar panels
how exactly do solar panels work? And are
(with the use of wires and cables) to the
they really that effective?
net meter.
The answer is yes! Sunlight is the most
Step 4 – lights on!
abundant source of renewable energy – as
Once the electricity passes through the net
long as the sun shines we will be able to
meter, it is ready for use inside your home
produce energy from it. But how do we do
or building. This energy can be used as
this? We take a look:
needed for lights or any appliances inside, provided enough electricity has been
Step 1 – collecting sunlight
generated and stored.
Solar panels contain photovoltaic (PV)
FUN FACT!
direct current (DC) electricity. In order
What happens when there is no sunlight?
The sun provides enough solar energy
for DC electricity to be able to power up
At night or during rainy seasons, the
in a single hour to supply the world
your home or a building, the next step is
amount of sunlight that we experience is
necessary.
minimal or non-existent. How then does
cells that turn light (or photons) into
with power for a whole year!
solar energy benefit us? Solar energy can
Step 2 – creating usable energy
be saved using a utility grid or battery
An inverter, placed at the back of a solar
bank (this allows for the solar energy to
panel, is able to convert DC electricity into
be converted into electricity and saved for
usable energy called alternating current
later use).
(AC) electricity. Now, there needs to be a way of taking AC electricity and making use of it.
DID YOU KNOW? Energy, in the form of protons, is released by
Step 3 – powering up the net meter A net meter is a device that measures the amount of power being drawn from
the sun. Those protons take 8.5 minutes to travel the distance between the sun and earth almost 150 million kilometers!
the grid as well as the power the solar
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
17
ENVIRONMENT
A LOOK AT THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE All you need to know about the earth's biggest problem By: Nicole Ludolph
T
he media is filled with articles and
as one of the factors that is affecting the
according to the National Aeronautics and
warnings about climate change,
city’s future water security.
Space Administration (NASA), we need to
urging the public to make efforts
mitigate the effects thereof and adapt to
to save the environment, go green and
Cape Town is currently experiencing its
the changes in environment and weather.
reduce the effects of global warming.
worst drought in over 100 years, with
The carbon dioxide already released into
citizens having to ration their water use to
the atmosphere will remain there for
But what exactly is climate change?
ensure that their taps do not run dry. The
thousands of years.
According to Weather SA, it is a natural,
mayor of Cape Town, Patricia de Lille, has
expected phenomenon. The earth’s climate
described the city as a permanent drought
But it needn’t be all doom and gloom. Our
changes from warm to cold cycles, and
region and says the water shortage is the
role now is to limit the release of carbon
takes hundreds of years to move from one
“new normal”.
dioxide into the atmosphere by using
cycle to another. However, modern human
renewable energy such as solar power,
influence is causing the climate to change
Can climate change be stopped?
wind energy and hydropower. These
much faster than it should.
The short answer is no. Climate change
renewable sources are not limited and
has already begun to take effect, and
cause no damage the atmosphere.
The primary cause of climate change is the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere from burning coal, oil and natural gas. The heat emitted by the earth normally passes through the atmosphere into space, but the excess carbon dioxide prevents the heat from passing through the atmosphere and instead reflects it back to the earth. The temperature is increasing faster than plants and animals can adapt, and erratic weather patterns are evident. Air temperature in SA is expected to rise by 2°C over the next century.
Why is climate change bad? Climate change, also called global warming, is affecting the planet in a number of negative ways. It is linked to extreme weather across the globe, including devastating droughts, excessive flooding, wildfires and hurricanes. In Cape Town, for instance, climate change is listed
RENEWABLE SOURCES
IS ALTERNATIVE ENERGY OUR PLAN A? How alternative energy benefits us By: Nicole Ludolph
L
ife as we know it today would be
alternative, energy sources to supplement
Wind energy is the generation of
very different without the presence
the coal-fired plants we have been using
electricity using the wind. The kinetic
of electricity. It’s a modern-day
to generate electricity.
energy of the wind is converted to
necessity that improves our lives in little ways that often go unnoticed.
mechanical power, which in turn is
What is renewable energy?
converted into electricity by a generator.
Sourced from the harnessing of natural In South Africa, coal-fired plants provide
processes, renewable energy is more
Renewable energy in South Africa
most of us with electricity. Coal falls into
sustainable than non-renewable
Energy is measured in megawatts (MW),
the category of fossil fuels and is a non-
energy, and is infinitely better for the
and South Africa’s National Development
renewable source of energy, as the amount
environment.
Plan states that our country aims to
of coal on earth is limited. In the last few
procure at least 20 000MW of renewable
decades, scientists have been denouncing
There are many different types of
our use of coal-fired plants as they
renewable energy sources such as solar
attribute the burning of fossil fuels to the
energy, wind energy and hydropower. The
Eskom, the country’s electricity producer,
acceleration of climate change.
South African government will be focusing
currently generates 34 000MW. In
mostly on solar power and wind energy.
May 2018, our government signed 27
The burning of coal releases carbon
electricity by 2030.
renewable energy agreements to start the
dioxide into the atmosphere, which traps
Solar energy is the conversion of energy
process. According to the Department of
heat against the earth’s surface. The excess
emitted by sunlight, into electricity. It
Energy, the projects will generate 61 000
heat is causing extreme weather across
uses two types of technologies to do so:
full-time jobs.
the globe, resulting in property damage
Photovoltaic (PV) and Concentrated Solar
and the loss of many lives.
Power (CSP). PV systems convert solar
With climate change affecting our lives
energy into electricity directly, with the
as drastically as it has, it is evident that
The effects of climate change can no
help of solar panels. CSP plants use solar
renewable energy sources will soon go
longer be ignored, so governments across
energy to make steam, which is turned
from being an alternative energy source to
the world are looking at renewable, or
into electricity by a turbine.
a necessity.
RECYCLING
Recycle, Reuse, Reduce Tips and tricks to being sustainable By: Zoe Fick Recycling energy has become a major
or plastic bottles made specifically from
are a great way to teach learners the
priority for communities and countries
recycled materials which are available to
importance of preserving the natural
alike all across the globe. The emphasis
purchase at retailers for ± R20.
environment in a practical and fun way.
2
5
The reason recycling energy is
remember to wash and reuse regularly.
part of a science fair. Many sustainability
fundamental is because our natural
Many fast food chains are in the process
initiatives in South Africa use recyclable
environment produces a select amount
of switching to disposable cutlery that is
crafts as a means of generating income
of resources and minerals to be extracted
made of only biodegradable materials.
for SMMEs. Why not think of a way of
on recycling energy was spurred by the impact of climate change on the environment in recent years.
Straws and plastic cutlery – Avoid the use of these major polluters. Purchase
a silly straw at a novelty store and
and these are under strain. Therefore, we need to look to alternative methods.
can do your bit to recycle energy:
3
places on the aluminium industry to produce these cans. By recycling aluminium cans we can save up to 95% of
1
Plastic bottles – These are major menace to the environment as they
pollute the streets and oceans. Convert to using either a hydro flask, glass bottle
22
repurpose recyclable materials, crafts
can be fun for a class initiative or as
turning your household waste into a
Aluminium cans - Many of us are unaware of the strain our consumption
Below are a few neat tips as to how you
Crafts – A creative way to reuse and
its core material.
4
product you can sell in your community?
6
Canvas and hemp – Making the switch to hemp or canvas carrier bags and
satchels is a much more eco-friendly option than using plastic bags. One of the biggest pollutants despite being a once-
Incentive – Starting recycling drives
off use product, plastic bags take years to
and green initiatives in schools
biodegrade and often end up in the ocean.
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
FRACKING
WHAT THE FRACK? How the fracking process works
T
he search for alternative energy resources has been one of humanity’s main focuses. It is no secret that humans and their rate of energy consumption has affected the world
negatively. A recent discovery of the alternative energy source called ‘fracking’ has caused both controversy and excitement. Fracking is the process of drilling into the earth at high pressure, with the result being the release of gas. From an environmental point, fracking is harmful to the environment and a recent study has found that it is highly probable that the drilling could result in tremors. On the other end of the spectrum, it is a move away from the depleting supply of fossil fuels and makes sense economically.
Steps: 1. Drilling of wells To ensure access to aquifers (groundwater rocks), drilling has to be done by means of hydraulic fracturing or fracking. 2. Fracturing fluid This is a mixture of water, sand and chemicals. The pressure caused by pumping this fluid through the drill pipes causes the surrounding rock to crack. This mixture is said to have over 600 different chemicals and as much as 80-300 tons of chemicals are
The three main ‘ingredients’ are:
used for each frack.
1. Water – Tens of thousands of gallons to millions of gallons 3. Pumping fluid
per well drilled.
Using a cased steel pipe, fracturing fluid is pumped down the well at a vertical distance of 2 000 metres. A similar distance is
2. Proppant – The gritty sand or small ceramic balls that lodge
covered horizontally making the pipe bend in a giant L-shape.
in the fractured rock, holding the cracks open so oil or gas can flow through. Water and proppant make up around 99% of
4. Extraction of shale gas
fracking fluid.
This is perhaps the most crucial part of the process. A perforation gun is lowered in the pipe, causing explosive charges to open
3. Fracking chemicals – Over 600 different lubricating and
small holes where the fracking fluid is pumped in at high
gelling agents as well as antimicrobial chemicals. These help to
pressure from the surface. This causes more rock formation cracks
carry the proppant and improve the quantity and quality of oil or
where the oil and gas can escape and is recovered.
gas recovered. They account for less than 1%. Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
23
PROFILE
FIVE MINUTES WITH
A COMPUTING PRO Meet senior lecturer Mokateko Portia Buthelezi Compiled by: Thembeka Ntuli-Mpapama business opportunities for themselves. The youth are also provided with a platform for showcasing their skills in a hackathon. In the cybersecurity awareness team, we address the security issues related to using the internet and keeping personal information safe while using the internet. In the Chance to Advance project, I present workshops to communities on using the internet as well as using social media for business purposes. SS: What does success mean to you? MPB: Success means continuously improving myself, being dynamic and having the ability to change with change. Having a teachable spirit and an open mind. To learn from everyday experiences Science Stars (SS): Tell us about yourself.
SS: What advice would you offer those
and interactions with others. I seek first to
Mokateko Portia Buthelezi (MPB): I am an
who are interested in pursuing this path?
understand and then to be understood.
academic in the Computer Science sub-
MPB: They should have the patience to
division within the School of Computing
teach and the willingness to simplify
SS: Share your career highlights with us.
in the College of Science, Engineering and
the technical concepts for others to
MPB: Participating in the 2012 Young
Technology at Unisa.
understand. Most importantly, understand
Academics Programme; being part of
and highlight to students, the real-life
the 2013 delegation to the University
applicable scenarios of what you teach.
of Mumbai for initial discussions on
SS: Why did you decide to work at Unisa?
Nanotechnology and other collaborations;
MPB: The main factor is my passion for improving the lives of others. I couldn’t
SS: Which community engagement
working with the MathsEdge community
be a fairy, so this is as close as it gets! I
projects are you involved in?
engagement team to improve the learner
suppose teaching brings people one step
MPB: ICT for Development (ICT4D): I am
perceptions of Mathematics and joining
closer to making their academic dreams
involved in the cybersecurity awareness,
the Chance to Advance project.
come true. I can channel my passion
and the university-level Chance to
for helping others through teaching,
Advance community engagement projects.
In my studies, I achieved the runner-up
community engagement and research.
In the ICT4D project, the team has
award for Best Poster Presentation in the
partnered with the Siyabuswa Education
Natural and Physical Sciences Student
SS: What are the major qualifications for
Improvement and Development Trust
Research and Innovation Showcase for my
success in computing?
(SEIDET) in Siyabuswa, Mpumalanga. In
master’s proposal work in 2013. My all-
MPB: A degree in the related field – either
the project, a selection of unemployed
time highlight was receiving an invitation
Computer Science, Information Systems or
youth get equipped with programming
to the Golden Key International Honour
Information Technology.
skills in order to empower them to create
Society. I have been a member since 2005.
24
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
PROFILE
MEET THAMSANQA MAWONGA’S GREEN FINGERS This is how he’s overcome obstacles
T
hamsanqa Mawonga is a student
Although he was unable to attend
PhD student, a trainee at ARC-Soil, and
completing his PhD at the
university for an entire year after
a GreenMatter member, Thamsanqa’s
University of Venda and he is
completing matric, his grandmother kept
research involves the study of the
also a registered soil science student at
faith in him. “I remember when I finished
effectiveness of surface roughness while
the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
matric in 2006, she said to me, ‘kufuneka
conserving soil and water.
With years of determination and support,
uhambe uyofunda’ which means ‘You must
30-year-old Thamsanqa has kept his eye
go and study’,” says Thamsanqa.
on the goal.
Showing immense gratitude for his GreenMatter fellowship, a network funded
In 2008, he registered at the University
by the Lewis Foundation and SANBI,
Growing up in rural Aliwal-North in the
of Fort Hare and received his Bachelor of
Thamsanqa says that, “It has expanded
Eastern Cape, Thamsanqa faced many
Science degree in Agriculture in the year
my viewpoints and continues to help by
obstacles. Regardless of these challenges
2011. Subsequently, in 2012 he obtained
making available the valuable knowledge
he completed his primary and secondary
his Honours degree in the same field. In
that aids me to excel in my career.”
education, a feat he attributes to the
2016, Mawonga went on to receive his
support of his grandmother.
Master of Science in Agriculture at the
Thamsanqa hopes to research ways
University of KwaZulu-Natal.
that could solve problems that various
Despite never being to university herself,
societies are currently facing and aims
Thamsanqa’s grandmother was relentless
Thamsanqa was one of the few students
to partake in social entrepreneurship in
in her efforts to educate her grandson.
who partook in an international discussion
the near future. With the support from
Enduring financial difficulties, she took
class that was hosted by the University of
his grandmother and the GreenMatter
out a loan in order for him to attend an
Fort Hare along with Purdue University in
fellowship, he was capable of achieving
institution of higher learning.
the US and Kenya University. Being a
his dreams.
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
25
UNDER THE BOOK COVER We show you why The Amazing Coelacanth by Mike Bruton should be on your bookshelf
This colourful, illustrated book documents the story of the coelacanth, a fish thought to have been extinct for millions of years. The author, Mike Bruton, writes about the discovery of the first coelacanth in 1939 when it was caught in a fish net along the coast near East London. The rare discovery made world news. Before that, the fish was only known by its fossil remains. The book is broken up into chapters and covers various topics about the coelacanth – what it is, why it is so special, the modern coelacanth and many more fishy facts. There is also a very helpful glossary at the back of the book. The mixture of pictures, illustrations and fun facts, makes sure that each page is interesting and visually entertaining. Bruton studied under JLB Smith, who was the first to identify a living coelacanth. Specialising in fish biology and conservation, Bruton not only writes about the coelacanth, in chapter 3 he helps the reader develop a better understanding about fish in general. If you would like to uncover more intriguing details about this peculiar fish, the book is available for R130 (cost may differ) at major bookstores across the country.
Stand a chance of winning a copy of this book by following the simple instructions below: 1/ Follow our Facebook page 2/ Like our post about the coelacanth 3/ Tag a friend in the comments Competition ends on 31 August 2018
INFOGRAPHIC
Energy explained What is a watt?
What is energy?
A watt is the standard metric unit of power
Energy is the capacity of doing work and can exist in various forms.
Kinetic
VS
Potential
Motion
VS
Position
Mechanical
Chemical
Electrical
Nuclear
Thermal
Gravitational
Radiant
Elastic
Sound
Real-life examples
Work it out Energy can be calculated using these formulas: Kinetic energy: KE = 0.5 x mv2 M = mass of the object in kilograms V = speed of the object in m/s
When a hammer is raised
up in the air, it possesses
potential energy due to its position. As soon as the hammer starts coming down, the potential energy is converted to
Potential energy: PE = m x g x h
kinetic energy as the object is in motion.
m = mass in kilograms h = height in metres Total mechanical energy = kinetic + potential energy
Conservation of energy Energy can be converted to various forms
BUT
g = gravitational acceleration (9.8m/s on earth)
Cannot be created or destroyed.
CASE STUDIES
ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY Top five countries going green By: Moeketsi Tigeli In the last issue of Science Stars we focused on the 4th Industrial Revolution, which included everything from automated cars, Artificial Intelligence, and many more exciting technological
3
advances. These creations of humanity, however, need energy to
Norway – Norwegians are known for their mountains, glaciers,
be powered and function optimally.
green spaces and most recently, their use of electric/hybrid cars. The country received a global rank of 75% readiness for a shift
Countries and businesses alike are looking toward alternative
towards sustainable energy. As it stands 88.4% of the population
energy for the future; these energies are considered renewable,
uses water power, which produces 262.13 billion kWh worth of
recyclable or permanent. According to the World Economic
electricity usage.
Forum’s Energy Transition Index 2018, the following five countries are the top energy efficient countries:
4 Switzerland – Apart from their famed chocolates, the Swiss’
1
renewable energy consumption was at 34.4% in 2015. These included wind, solar, biomass and geothermal energy sources.
Sweden – This country takes first place for two reasons: the first
With a global ranking of 72.9%, Switzerland is ready for a future free of fossil fuels.
is their use of renewable energy – up to 83% of Sweden’s energy production comes from nuclear and hydroelectric (water) power. The second reason is this high level of alternative energy use drastically reduced the country’s carbon emissions, making it the top environmentally sustainable nation. Finland – Neighbours to Sweden and Norway,
5
Finland is considered 72.4% ready to be fully sustainable in their energy usage. According to the Finland Statistics’ 2017 energy
2
Denmark – A significant drop of 21% in coal consumption as an energy resource was followed by an 11% increase in renewable energy use. In 2017 renewable energy usage made up 32.3%
consumption report, renewable energy use was at a record high
of consumption, ensuring the Danes make it into the top five
of 36%, with their use of fossil fuels falling by 5%.
energy efficient countries.
28
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
INSPIRATION
STEPHEN HAWKING One of the greatest minds of our time By: Adrian Wicomb release of his first book in 1988 – A Brief History of Time. Exploring the questions around the universe and how it functions, the book made the London Sunday Times best-seller list for four years running. A Brief History of Time was the first of Hawkings’ many books and in 2014, a biographical film, The Theory of Everything, was released.
“I would like to be thought of as a scientist who just happens to be disabled, rather than a disabled scientist.” – Stephen Hawking At the age of 21, Hawking was diagnosed with a rare motor neuron disease that gradually paralysed him as the years passed by. Although day-to-day tasks that we often take for granted were a Today, Stephen William Hawking is a
famous for his role in the understanding
challenge for him, he eventually went on
celebrated and respected scientist due
the nature of black holes and the origins
to start a family of his own and continued
to his many contributions to science in
of the universe.
his research. Eventually Hawking lost
recent decades. An author, cosmologist
his speech, making it hard for him to
and a theoretical physicist, Hawking left
The possibility of time travel was aided
communicate, but that did not stop
behind a large legacy with many scientific
by his various contributions and theories.
him. He later made use of a device that
breakthroughs that shaped the minds of
Hawking’s most noticeable work proved
allowed him to generate speech with the
many. Hawking, considered to be one of
that black holes should not only be black
use of his facial muscles.
the greatest minds of our era, was born
but they also emit an amount of radiation
on 8 January 1942 in England and passed
that allows the phenomenon to evaporate
Hawking received numerous honours and
away on 14 March 2018 at the age of 76.
and later completely disappear. This
awards in his lifetime and inspired many
radiation was named Hawking Radiation.
to follow their dreams. He is buried at
After years of extensive work in
Westminster Abbey in London, next to to
cosmological research at the University
Hawking’s worked received universal
the likes of Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton
of Cambridge, Hawking became most
acclaim and his popularity grew with the
and other late greats.
30
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
STUDY TIPS
STUDYING MADE EASY Five easy tips for your upcoming exams
By: Adrian Wicomb
Have you ever studied for long hours during the day and then struggled to recollect the subject matter later? Do you enter the exam room nervous and unprepared? If so, do not panic! Below are five quick tips that may help you before and during your exams.
Healthy body; healthy mind Visualise your body as a car… like any
Avoid procrastination
vehicle, your body needs fuel to power
We’ve all been found guilty of this a few
it. Balanced meals with good vegetable
times! Procrastination is your biggest
portions will help you focus. Pair a healthy
enemy during exam season, so how do you
diet with enough water to stay hydrated
solve this problem? Well, that could be
throughout the day. Water refreshes the
easier than you think. Stay organised by
body and helps to retain information.
planning your time well – create a study timetable to keep yourself on track with the pending workload. The key to passing any exam is to study well in advance; this allows one to cover a larger scope of work without late-night cramming.
Test yourself
Find a study zone
Take a break
No noise and a break from technology
Do not overwork yourself. Taking a break
while studying creates less distractions.
is just as important as studying, because
In order to stay focused, find a suitable
it allows our brains to retain information
place to study – away from friends and
and prevents us from tiring out too soon.
Students often make the mistake of only
family, in a well-lit room with proper
During the exam periods especially you
reading over their study material and this
ventilation. If your home is noisy, visit
need to be well rested to increase your
generally makes it easier to forget the
your nearest library or sit in a quiet park
performance and overall mood. Regular
work you spent hours trying to revise.
while you go through your work. There
breaks can also ease the anxiety that you
Asking yourself questions after any given
are studying facilities all around if you
may be facing.
section of work is known to be effective
look closely enough. Be sure to make use
in remembering. Create a challenge for
of all your resources.
yourself – even though it may be hard at first, you will gradually notice your hard work paying off.
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
31
BURSARIES
Find your 2019 funding here HORTGRO Bursary
South African Reserve Bank Bursary
Telkom Bursary
What does it cover? A limited amount for tuition, student accommodation and textbooks. Fields of study - Agricultural Economics - Biochemistry - Entomology and Nematology - Genetics - Horticulture - Microbiology - Plant Pathology - Research and Technical - Soil/ Water Science Who can apply? This bursary is open to South African citizens who have completed or are currently in matric and have met the admission requirements of one of the aforementioned courses of study. How can I apply? Download an application form online, complete it and attach the following documentation: certified copies of your ID, matric certificate or latest results if currently in matric, proof of tertiary registration along with a breakdown of study fees, certified copies of the IDs and proof of income of your parents/guardians. Post your application to: HORTGRO, PO Box 163, Paarl, 7620 Or deliver it to: 258 Main Road, Paarl, 7646 Who to contact Astrid Arendse at HORTGRO on 021 870 2900 or via email at astrid@hortgro.co.za Closing date 15 August 2018
What does it cover? Study-related expenses to a maximum of R95 000 per annum. There may be opportunities for holiday work at the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). Once students have graduated, they will be required to work within the Graduate Development Program at SARB for a period of time as long as their bursary was granted. Fields of study Open to Commerce-related fields: - Accounting - Economics - Business Science - Actuarial Science - Law Who can apply? South African citizens who are currently in matric or who have completed matric with an overall average of 65% and intend on studying full-teat a recognised institution in South Africa. How can I apply? Submit your application form along with a certified copy of your ID, a passport photo and your final Grade 11 results or your matric certificate to: 1) applications@careerwise.co.za 2) Fax: 086 609 7183 3) Career Wise (Pty) Ltd ,PO Box 30632, Braamfontein, 2017 Who to contact Direct any enquiries via email to applications@careerwise.co.za Closing date Submission of applications is open all year round
What does it cover? Tuition, student accommodation, textbooks and a living allowance. Recipients of the bursary will be required to work for Telkom once they have graduated. The employment period will be equal to the length of which the bursary was granted. Fields of study - Computer Science - Electronic Engineering - Computer Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Information Technology Who can apply? South African citizens who are in proven need of financial assistance may apply for this bursary. Applicants must have completed matric with a minimum grade of 60% or “C� symbol in Maths, English and Science. How can I apply? Collect an application form from a Telkom Centre for Learning & Organisational Capacity (you can find the addresses of these centres online). Complete the forms and return it to the same centre along with the following documentation: certified copies of your ID, matric certificate or tertiary academic record if you are currently enrolled at University. Who to contact For more information, contact Telkom Graduate Development Schemes on 0860 77 66 55. Closing date 31 July annually (applications for 2020 open on 1 March 2019)
32
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
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
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
33
QUIZ
TEST YOURSELF
1 2
Who discovered hydrogen? a) Joseph Priestley b) Henry Cavendish c) Humphry Davy
Who built the first fully practical airplane? a) Henry Ford b) Wilbur And Orville Wright c) Thomas Edison
3 4 5 6
Deficiency of vitamin D results in… a) Rickets b) Scurvy
7 8
c) Hair fall
The study of animal behaviour is known as… a) Ecology b) Ethology c) Anthropology
The study of nuclear cytology is known as… a) Neurology b) Mycology c) Karyology
What is the lifespan of red blood cells (in days)? a) 60 b) 120 c) 240
34
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
James Watt is (most) famous for the invention of… a) Steamboat b) Steam engine c) Hot-air balloon
Which instrument measures atmospheric pressure? a) Barometer b) Eratosthenes c) Thermostat
PUZZLES
SUDUKO Fill in the 9×9 grid with digits so that each column, row, and 3×3 section contain the numbers between 1 to 9.
7 3
9 1
8 4
7 6
6
9
8 3 1
7
4 1 3
9
5
1
3 4 7
6
2
4 9 4
4
5
1
WORD SEARCH
S
S
W
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ENERRGY
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NUCLEAR
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SOLAR PANELS
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SWITCH
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COAL LIGHT
WIND
ATOM RENEWABLE RECYCLE
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
35
ANSWERS
TEST RESULTS What was your score for the Innovation 4.0 Issue?
SUDUKO
SCIENCESTARS
Issue 17 | 2017
2 3 1
9 5 4
6 7 8
1 8 9
4 2 3
5 6 7
8 1 5
3 4 2
7 9 6
6 5 4
3 8 7
9 1 2
5 7 3
1 6 9
2 4 8
4 3 6
7 9 1
8 2 5
9 8 7
6 1 2
4 5 3
2 4 6
8 7 5
3 9 1
7 2 9
5 6 8
1 3 4
QUIZ
CROSSWORD 2
1. C – 2.54cm
N
2. C – Rhizoids
I
3. B – Pepsin
T 1
P
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Y
S
I
L 2
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5. B – Nuclear
Y
6. C – Grater
D
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B
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7. A – 5l B
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36
N R
4
8. B – 1982
5
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4. A – Neptune
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Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
M U
R
FACTS
BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW… • About
5 000 years ago, each person consumed about 12 000 kilocalories per day in order to survive. After the Industrial Revolution, in 1875, this increased to 77 000 kilocalories – that’s almost triple the amount! It was estimated that the world energy consumption would increase by 55% between 2008 and 2030. • A power outage on 14 August 2004 marked the world’s biggest blackout – it affected 50 million people in the US and Canada. • A light bulb uses just 10% of its energy to produce. The other 90% creates heat. • 0.013% of the entire world’s energy use is attributed to Google! Though this may seem like a tiny percentage, it is enough energy for 200 000 households. • The world’s electricity generation is made up by 2/5 of coal. • The largest wind farm in the world – with more than 400 turbines – is the Horse Hollow Energy Centre near Texas in the US. • Idle power (consumed when appliances and devices are turned off but not unplugged) consumes a great amount of energy. • The kitchen is the most energy-consuming process of the entire food chain – the refrigerator, stove, oven and appliances use more energy than it takes to produce the food. • Thomas Edison built the world’s first power plant, sending electricity to 85 buildings in 1882! • South Africa currently has about 100 renewable energy projects – including wind and solar energy plants – in place for current and future operations.
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
37
SCIENCE CENTRE
PENREACH SHALAMUKA
SCIENCE CENTRE Making science accessible
T
he Penreach Shalamuka Science
As is the norm with science centres across
schools through mobile laboratories,
centre in the Enhlanzeni area
South Africa, Penreach offers an array of
identifying and nurturing children with
of Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, was
activities, tools, equipment and learning
interest in STEM and incorporating career
established in 2012. The centre is one
guides to facilitate tangible and intangible
opportunities in their activities. The centre
of four accredited science centres in the
science experiences. According to
aims to be a place where the youth can
lowveld region run by the South African
Oosthuizen, this is based on the need for
explore the practical side of STEM – to
Agency for Science and Technology
scholars from under-resourced schools to
touch, feel, be challenged, make and break
Advancement (SAASTA). It’s tasked with
have access to resources that could make
– in order to learn.
sparking science flames among the youth
science practical and real for them.
in its surrounding areas. Since the centre’s establishment and its “Ninety-five percent of the schools in
working ties with over 36 schools, there
our surrounding communities lack the
has been a positive shift in results among
chemicals and equipment to conduct
scholars said Oosthuizen. “Without the
prescribed practical experiments,” says
activities at the centre, we would not have
Susanna Oosthuizen, Communications
been able to achieve a consistent increase
Director at Penreach. “On top of this,
in scholars achieving above 50% in science
there are also limited capacity within
in the school circuits that regularly visit
communities to expose young children
the centre.”
to additional science information and initiatives such as expos, talks, career
Penreach Science Centre has adopted a
guidance among other things.”
clear mission and vision that is tailored to their clients. This includes supporting
Built on solid relationships between Penreach and Penryn College, the science centre was constructed on the campus grounds, enabling an educational environment fit for learning. “Through its work both at the centres as well as in communities, the Penreach Science Centre promotes science and technology literacy among young people. During National Science Week, this is extended to the general public with mobile exhibits and shows in public places. This has proven to be extremely popular and usually draws great interest from the community,” Oosthuizen adds. 38
Science Stars Magazine Energy Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za
Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference
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Mzansi For Science
Scientists, Technologists and Innovators are just like you. They’re curious. They ask questions. They try new things. The desire to try new things has been inside you from the very beginning.
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