Programme

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Pre-conference activities 
 Monday – 25 November 2024
           
Venue  Cape Town Science Centre
13:30 Exhibit building workshop- Hyperbolic slot exhibit

 Stuart Hopwood,
 Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
(14 pax)		  
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: SAAO- Marquee    
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 Minister / Premier   
09:45-10:05 Chairman address Prof Rufus Wesi SAASTEC Chair  
10:05-10:30 Message of support by SAASTA  Dr Mamoeletsi Mosia MD – NRF- SAASTA  
10:30-11:00 Tea break  
  Plenary   
         
  Chair: Prof Rufus Wesi  Venue: SAAO- Marquee    
11:00-11:45 Key note address: The Value of Science Centre and Museum Experiences  Dr John H Falk Institute for Learning Innovation, USA   
   
   
   
11:45-11:55 Q & A       
11:55-12:30 Science Show Demonstrations show off’s ( round 1)  
   
   
   
   
  Logistics   
   
12:30-13:30 Lunch Break   
  Break away   
Venue  SAAO- Marquee SAAO – Auditorium Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)  
Chair: Chair: Pumza Tshebe Chair: Kabelo Pheeha  Chair: Daniel Motsapi  
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 STEM PARK TANGA: IGNITING A PASSION FOR ASTRONOMY IN TANZANIA  Innovative Science Engagement at the UFS Sci-Ed Science Education Centre.  Users vs developers of technology: Africa Perspective  
  ANTONIAH MAVOA, PROJEKT INSPIRE  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: SAAO- Marquee  
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 Govendar  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: SAAO- Marquee  
09:00-09:20 The South African Public Relationship with Science Dr Vijay Reddy and Isaac Ramovha. DSTI 
       
09:20-09:40 Fantastic Ocean Robots Dr. Tammy Morris South African Environmental Observation Network(NRF-SAEON)
       
09:40-09:45 Q & A
09:45-10:45 Poster Sessions
 
 
10:30-11:00 Tea break (Posters)
11:00 – 13:00 Break away Sessions
Venue  SAAO- Marquee SAAO – Auditorium Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)
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  SAAO- Marquee SAAO – Auditorium Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)
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: SAAO- Marquee
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
  Day 3   
 Thursday – 28 November 2024
Plenary 
Chair: Nsikelelo Malinga   Venue: SAAO- Marquee  
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: SAAO- Marquee  
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  SAAO – Auditorium Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD)
Chair: Chair: Lulama Ntshaba 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: SAAO- Marquee  
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