Programme
The conference venue has changed to Garden Court Nelson Mandela Boulevard (Corner Melbourne and Coronation Road &, Melbourne Rd, Walmer Estate, Cape Town, 8001).
| Pre-conference activities | |||||
| Monday – 25 November 2024 | |||||
| Venue | Cape Town Science Centre | ||||
| 13:30 | Exhibit building workshop- Hyperbolic slot
exhibit Solomon Makokga & Thabiso Mohloki Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (14 pax) |
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| 13:45 | |||||
| 14:00 | Pilot
program for Astronomy in Mental Health Dominic Vertue IAU Office for Astronomy Development (SAAO) (30 pax) |
Using the Virtual GEAR robotics competition to
advance robotics education where you are Members of the Unisa SEC team (Patricia, Kabelo, Tumelo and Andzani) UNISA Science Engagement Centre (30 pax) |
Foundations Of Biotech Tools Zibusiso Nyoni Sci-Bono Discovery Centre (30 pax) |
Engaging hands-on workshops with learners of all
grades – space science and sustainability Judi Sandrock MaxIQ Space (30 pax) |
|
| 14:15 | |||||
| 14:30 | |||||
| 14:45 | |||||
| 15:00 | |||||
| 15:15 | |||||
| 15:30 | |||||
| 15:45 | |||||
| 16:00 | Tour of Cape Town Science Centre | ||||
| 17:00 | Registration opens @ SAAO observatory | ||||
| 18:00 | Ice Breaker Evening | ||||
| Venue: SAAO – Khoisan dance/Nam dans & Tour of Telescope and star gazing and Story telling | |||||
| Day 1 | |||
| Tuesday – 26 November 2024 | |||
| Plenary | |||
| Chair: Prof Mfanelo Ntsobi | Venue: Lillibloom | ||
| 08:00-08:30 | Registration | ||
| 09:00-09:15 | Welcoming remarks | Dr Rosalind Skelton | SAAO- Acting MD |
| 09:15-09:45 | DSTI Minister opening address | Ms Nomalungelo Gina | DSTI Deputy Minister |
| 09:45-10:05 | Chairman address | Prof Rufus Wesi | SAASTEC Chair |
| 10:05-10:30 | Message of support by SAATSA | Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia | MD – NRF- SAASTA |
| 10:30-11:00 | Tea break | ||
| Plenary | |||
| Chair: Prof Rufus Wesi | Venue: Lillibloom | ||
| 11:00-11:25 | The South African Public Relationship with Science | Dr Vijay Reddy and Isaac Ramovha. | DSTI |
| 11:25-11:30 | Q & A | ||
| 11:30-12:15 | Key note address: The Value of Science Centre and Museum Experiences | Dr John H Falk | Institute for Learning Innovation, USA |
| 12:15-12:30 | Q & A / Logistics | ||
| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch Break | ||
| Break away | |||
| Venue | Lillibloom | Boulevard | Duncan |
| Chair: | Chair: Sihle Shange | Chair: Kabelo Pheeha | Chair: Pumza Tshebe |
| 13:30-13:45 | Why camels are not horses designed by a committee | Enhancing Learning Through Project-Based AI Education: An Exploration of Implementation Challenges and Recommendations for Integration into the Gauteng School | Water Quality Indices( Water quality Monitoring)- case study of the St Marks Area: Involvement of the community, schools in water monitoring. |
| Mike Burton, Formula D | Anele Davids, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre | Athi Bavuma, Luvo Kewuti and Okuhle Gwadiso, Thumeka Tiwani, Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu Science Centre | |
| 13:45-14:00 | Developing Science Clubs as Feeders for Future Research | Innovative Science Engagement at the UFS Sci-Ed Science Education Centre. | Users vs developers of technology: Africa Perspective |
| Daniel Motsapi, ArcelorMittal Science Centre Sebokeng | Dr Cobus van Breda, Sci-Ed Science Education Centre, UFS | Sakhile Masango, ArcelorMittal Science Centre, Newcastle | |
| 14:00-14:15 | Engaging public curiosity through astronomy | Outreach for blind and visually impaired learners: A journey to “see” Earth and space differently | Why Hazyview Centre for Mathematics science and Technology was established |
| Mrs Mariette Erwee, Sci-Ed Science Education Centre | Dr Tanja Reinhardt, STEC@UKZN | Doctor Manzini, Hazyview Centre for Mathematics and Technology | |
| 14:15-14:30 | Bridging Science and Society: Engaging Communities Through Astronomy and STEM | Understanding your immediate community through research | Developing an Intelligent Homework Assistance System: Analysing the Impact of AI-Driven Tools on Student Productivity and Stress Management in a Science Centre |
| Duduzile Kubheka, South African Astronomical Observatory | Sandile Rikhotso, University of Limpopo Science Centre | Malwande Mdzobo, Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology center | |
| 14:30-14:45 | A new consultancy service offered by formula D_ to the southern African science centre community | ‘Riding the Science Diplomacy wave: leveraging science communication for increased impact’ | Future Robotics: “Transforming Ideas into Reality” |
| Sidley Du Preez, Formula D | Bhamini Kamudu Applasawmy, Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre | Mr. Lebogang Seabelo, Mr. Mogomotsi Moeng, Ms. Lerato Molebatsi, North-West University Science Centre – Potchefstroom | |
| 14:45-15:00 | Q & A | Q & A | Q & A |
| 15:00-15:30 | Tea break | ||
| Plenary | |||
| Chair: Sivuyile Manxoyi | Venue: Lillibloom | ||
| 15:30-15:50 | The ‘Great South African Inventions’ travelling exhibition: its origin, achievements and future’ | Mike Burton & Shadrack Mkansi | Formula D & SAASTA |
| 15:50-16:10 | The IAU Office of Astronomy for Development and opportunities for the SAASTEC community | Kevin Govender | IAU Office of Astronomy for Development |
| 16:10-16:25 | Bridging The Gap Between Science and Society: Learnings for Science Centers from the Science Shop Model | Mfanelo Ntsobi | Sci-Bono Discovery Centre |
| 16:25-16:30 | Q & A / Evening Logistics | ||
| Excursion & Dinner | |||
| iThemba LABS | |||
| Day 2 | |||
| Wednesday – 27 November 2024 | |||
| Plenary | |||
| Chair: Tebogo Habedi | Venue: Lillibloom | ||
| 09:00-09:20 | Fantastic Ocean Robots | Dr. Tammy Morris | South African Environmental Observation Network(NRF-SAEON) |
| 09:20-09:25 | Q & A | ||
| 09:25-10:45 | Poster Sessions (Warwick room) | ||
| 10:30-11:00 | Tea break (Posters) | ||
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Break away Sessions | ||
| Venue | Lillibloom | Boulevard | Duncan |
| Chair: | Chair : Shadrack Mkansi | Chair: Mrs Mariette Erwee | Chair: Duduzile Kubheka |
| 11:00-11:15 | Science Centre Managers’ meeting with DSTI | The Sedibeng Science Fair: The Step Ladder for Science in the Vaal | Bridging the gap through career guidance and providing psychological services to learners and societies |
| Tebogo Kgatitsoe, Arcelor Mittal Science Centre (Sebokeng) | Zonke Nyoni, Sci-Bono Discovery centre | ||
| 11:15-11:30 | Small grains, high nutrition and a better life | The potential of a Career Development Information Centre within Sci-Enza | |
| Mthobisi Mhoni, ArcelorMittal Science Centre – Newcastle | Tshepiso Maroga , Sci-Enza Science Centre, University of Pretoria | ||
| 11:30-11:45 | Science in Action: Engaging Youth to Tackle Food Security and Climate Change through Sustainable Agriculture | The Science of Science communication | |
| Janet Kariuki ,Kenneth Monjero, Peter Wanuthi, Kenya Agricultural and livestock Research Organization | Michael Wolf, formula D_ | ||
| 11:45-12:00 | The Cape Town Science Centre Camera Obscura Tour and the wonders of light | Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Essential Skills Life Science Resource: Insights and Recommendations | |
| Umr Chippendale, Cape Town Science Centre | Diloshni Chetty, Unizulu science centre | ||
| 12:00-12:15 | The Impact of ROMPCO, Sasol and Osizweni Science Centre in Grade 12 leaners passing Mathematics and Physical Sciences in eManzana supported Schools. | Illuminating the Path: Science Communication studies – Where Research Meets Public Engagement | |
| Zwelakhe Madonsela, Osizweni Science Centre | Johanna Tsholofelo Mabitsela and Marvin Mantlebeku Masemola, Necsa | ||
| 12:15-12:30 | Q & A | Q & A | |
| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch Break | ||
| Break away | |||
| Venue | Lillibloom | Boulevard | Duncan |
| Chair: | Chair: Umr Chippendale | Chair: Busisiwe Hadebe-Ziqubu | Chair: Buzani Khumalo |
| 13:30-13:45 | Illuminating the Electromagnetic Spectrum: A Focus on Visible Light | The impact of Mobile Science Lab activities on learners’ attitude towards science | CAN SCIENCE SHOWS BE INNOVATIVE ENOUGH TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN SCIENCE & SOCIETY? |
| Anda Makalala, Cape Town Science Centre | Prof Rufus Wesi, Osizweni Science Centre | Hlanganisa Madonsela, Sci-Bono Discovery Centre | |
| 13:45-14:00 | Scientifically literate society through Science Engagement | Lab comparison: Grade 12 activity Al versus Hands on | The Dolos as a symbol of 25 years of collective tenacity in proving science engagement to hundreds of thousands of visitors. |
| Pumza Tshebe, Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre | Peter Horszowski | Steven Sack, Cape Town Science Centre | |
| 14:00-14:15 | Empowering Future Generations: An inquiry into leaners’ ability to make career choices | Enviro Science Fair Competition: Learning and winning through research based environmental science projects and programmes | The awareness of online resources for the advancement of robotics education using online questionnaires at science events in South Africa |
| Mlungisi Nyamane, Osizweni Science Centre | Sinah Magolo & Moliehi Moonyane, Johannesburg City Parks & Zoo | Tumelo Nhlapo, UNISA Science Engagement Centre | |
| 14:15-14:30 | Utilising Science Teachers professional development as powerful learning environment for Student Educators | Science Centres as incubators for innovation: A Southern African Perspective | Engaging Minds: Enhancing Science Education through Prescribed Experiments for Grades 10-12 at the Science Centre |
| G.M Nthoba, Science Education Centre (Sci-Ed) | Mr. Akash Dusrath & Dr. Bhamini Kamudu Applasawmy | Nsikelelo Allison Malinga, UNIZULU Science Centre | |
| 14:30-14:45 | Online teaching: Challenges, opportunities, and new horizons | Undercover Science Communication- New Possibilities | Redefining Science Centres In The 21st Century |
| Sandile Vilane, Osizweni Science Centre | Nadine Nortier, Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre | Thabiso Sibiya, SCI-ENZA, University of Pretoria | |
| 14:45-15:00 | Q & A | Q & A | Q & A |
| 15:00-15:30 | Tea break (Posters) | ||
| Plenary | |||
| Chair: Sandile Rikhotso | Venue: Lillibloom | ||
| 15:30-15:50 | Science Centres’ Contribution To STEMI Education – Preparing Learners For The Future World Of Work | Mr Moloko Matlala | STEMI Education, NRF-SAASTA |
| 15:50-16:10 | Space Science at the South African National Space Agency (SS@SANSA) | Prof Martin Snow | SARChI Research, SANSA |
| 16:10-16:25 | Design-based research:- specially suited for Science Centres! | Derek Fish | Unizulu Science Centre |
| 16:25-16:30 | Q & A / Evening Logistics | ||
| Gala evening | |||
| Formal Event – Black tie | |||
| Day 3 | |||
| Thursday – 28 November 2024 | |||
| Plenary | |||
| Chair: Nsikelelo Malinga | Venue: Lillibloom | ||
| 09:00-09:20 | From dark skies to bright futures: the evolution of astronomy in Africa | Dr. Charles Takalana | SAAO, AfAS |
| 09:20-09:40 | Climate Change Education through Structured Debates: Fostering Critical Thinking and Informed Advocacy | Dr. Bhamini Kamudu Applasawmy | Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre |
| 09:40-10:45 | Q & A | ||
| 09:45-10:30 | What Research Tells Us About How Science Centres and Museums Can Effectively Engage Communities in STEM | Dr. Lynn D. Dierking | Institute for Learning Innovation, USA |
| 10:30-11:00 | Tea break | ||
| 11:00-13:00 | Break away sessions | ||
| Venue | |||
| Chair: | Chair: Prof Rufus Wesi | Venue: Lillibloom | |
| 11:00-11:15 | Annual General Meeting | ||
| 11:15-11:30 | |||
| 11:30-11:45 | |||
| 11:45-12:00 | |||
| 12:00-12:15 | |||
| 12:15-12:30 | |||
| 12:30-13:30 | Lunch Break | ||
| Break away | |||
| Venue | Boulevard | Duncan | |
| Chair: | Chair: Daniel Motsapi | Chair: Sinah Magolo | |
| 13:30-13:45 | Intentional Interdisciplinary approach as a science engagement strategy | Robotics education resources for South Africa – A language focus to reduce the gap between science and society | |
| Amahle Mtuti, Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre | Dr PM Gouws, Unisa Science Engagement Centre | ||
| 13:45-14:00 | The Impact of Additional Math Tutoring on Learners’ Understanding of Math Threshold Concepts | Bridging Oceans and Algorithms: Empowering Learners with 21st Century Skills through coding with Oceanic Robots | |
| Emmanuel Jakoba Makae, Osizweni Science Centre | Thomas Mtontsi, Apiwe Mtetandaba, NRF-SAEON | ||
| 14:00-14:15 | Science Engagement through Art at the UFS Sci-Ed Science Education Centre. | VR application in education | |
| Ms Amaria Reynders, Sci-Ed Science Education Centre, UFS | Cecil Manzini, Sci-Bono | ||
| 14:15-14:30 | Nurturing young minds for an innovative future | Existance of digital divide in quintile one schools | |
| Busisiwe Hadebe-Ziqubu, Sci-Enza, University of Pretoria | Ms Mbali pridy Mbonani and Dr Samuel Dumazi khoza, Tshwane University of Technology | ||
| 14:30-14:45 | Umjikelezo We-Science – Taking science to the community | Digital Literacy training as a tool to bridging the gap between the science and society | |
| Dr. Tanja Renhardt, Silindile Mthembu and Nomfundo Nzuza | Thabile Mthiyane, Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre | ||
| 14:45-15:00 | Q & A | Q & A | |
| 15:00-15:30 | Tea break | ||
| Plenary | |||
| Chair: Sandile Rikhotso & Nadine Nortier | Venue: Lillibloom | ||
| 15:30-15:50 | Science Show Demonstrations show off’s (Round 2) | ||
| 15:50-16:00 | Closing Remarks | Prof Rufus Wesi | SAASTEC Chair |
| Free Evening – Optional tours lift – for personal expiernces @ own costs | |||