Ocean View library inspires young minds with fun experiments during National Science Week helps learners

CAPE TOWN– Ocean View Public Library celebrated Science Week by hosting fun and educational experiments last week.

For the Week the City highlighted thirty-three libraries that hosted a series of events to celebrate National Science Week between Saturday 2 and Friday 8 August.

The theme for this year’s National Science Week focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM).

The programme was designed to spark curiosity, foster learning, and open doors to innovation for participants, said the City.

Science week is an annual event created to increase awareness and understanding of science, technology, and innovation, and their impact on daily lives.

The learners who attended workshops hailed from: Marine Primary School, Jupiter Street Primary, and Kleinberg Primary, librarian Ulfah Davids explained.

“Eighteen primary school children joined us on Thursday 7 August for an afternoon of science fun that sparked plenty of ‘Wow!’ moments! They watched drawings float right off plates, discovered why ice melts differently in saltwater and plain water, created swirling patterns with colour-changing milk, and even got messy with the magic of Oobleck. The library was filled with laughter and amazement as kids discovered that science is not just in books but is all around us. The programme truly sparked their curiosity, and they cannot wait to try some of the experiments at home as most of them need simple materials,” Davids said.

Fellow library staff, Sihle Kulu and Musheerah Philander, who are also part of the YeBoneer programme, assisted on the day with the experiments.

“For many of the children it was their very first time participating in any kind of experiment. While fun was the main focus, it was rewarding to see the kids genuinely learning as they engaged with the activities,” she said.

The learners had plenty of fun interacting with the following experiments:

Dry erase marker and Water Floating Ink Experiment 2. Saltwater vs. Plain Water Experiment: How Ice Behaves 3.

Colour-changing Milk Experiment: using milk, dish soap, and food colouring 4. Oobleck: the Dr Seuss Science Experiment.

A special focus of this year’s programme is encouraging female learners to explore STEAM subjects and careers. As August also marks Women’s Month, libraries will be using this opportunity to showcase female role models in STEAM fields and to foster inclusive spaces where young women feel supported in their pursuit of science and technology, the City said.

“Looking at the many well-attended programmes that our libraries offer throughout the year, it is clear that libraries remain popular community facilities. We are excited to be part of National Science Week and the opportunities for collaboration that it presents. The launch event, hosted at Amazon’s Cape Town offices, marks a powerful beginning to what we hope will become an annual celebration of innovation, learning and partnerships. We invite all learners, parents, educators and community members to visit their nearest participating library during Science Week and to be part of this exciting journey,” said Mayco member for community services and health, Francine Higham.