Kakamas - National Science Week kicked off on Saturday with learners in the Western Cape receiving test tubes, measuring cylinders and thermometers to experiment and conduct tests with.

Learners also had the opportunity to measure different temperatures and were able to construct an electromagnet as an application of magnetism.

As that is not enough, the students built an electric motor using magnets and other materials.

Science Week is not only aimed at encouraging students and learners to get involved in science, as members of the public were able to view the sky though telescopes at Kakamas, while the University of Cape Town held a discussion about Nanotechnology and the chemistry of colour.

Led by the Department of Science and Technology, Science Week is aimed at highlighting the important role science plays in everyday life and getting young South Africans excited about science from an early age.

Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena encouraged young learners to take advantage of programmes offered during the Science Week to plan their careers.

In Mpumalanga, learners are set to benefit from a mathematics workshop by CASIO on the use of scientific calculators.

They would also be exposed to ticker-timer experiments, electric circuit's experiments, Acid-Base Titration and Microscope experiments.

Sasol is also set to make a presentation on Biofuels as well as the industrial chemical processes in the plant.

The Northern Cape is expected to have laser presentations and science show during the coming week and in the Eastern Cape Science week opened with a career day highlighting Further Education and Training career options and the electronic media.

The role of generators in saving electricity will be emphasised in rural areas and residents will be briefed about how electricity is generated and distributed.

In Mthatha there is be a discussion about the role of Maths and Science in developing and advancing the different fields of science.

The Kwazulu-Natal provincial government opened Science Week with the Unizulu Science Centre with over 200 science exhibits, lighting and magic shows.

In the Free State, Science Week will be characterised by field trips to areas such as the Golden Gate National Park, the weather station in Bethlehem, blood bank and the Amalgamated Beverage Industries.

Gauteng will mark Science Week with presentations by astronomers as well as sky viewing.

Learners will be provided with more information about the effects of a vacuum and how the earth is orientated in space.

The Gauteng provincial government will also conduct a public education about nuclear, youth induction to nuclear as well as career expo of the nuclear profession.

In Limpopo learners will be taken through the requirements of becoming Air Force pilots and aeronautical engineers.

source...
www.buanews.gov.za