Mobile laboratories to spark interest in science

Nomathamsanqa Primary School learners busy demonstrating an experiment. From left are Namhla Klaas, Yeye Khanya, Zenzile Kamvelihle, Klaas Avethandwa and Science teacher Monelwa Lawu-Gwani. Photo: SUPPLIED

SCIENCE, mathematics, and technology will now become alive for learners of Nomathamsanqa Primary School in Despatch, after the donation of three mobile laboratory trolleys to the school.

The donations, two science and technology mobile laboratories for Grade 4 to 7 learners and one mathematics mobile laboratory for Grade R to 7 learners, were made by the Eastern Cape Gambling Board in conjunction with one of its licensees, Gold Rush. The school currently has 950 learners.

Nomathamsanqa Primary School principal Tozamile Maqungo said, “It is a matter of what I hear I forget, what I see I memorise, but what I do, I understand.” Photo:HEILIE COMBRINCK

According to Bongani Plaatjie, deputy principal at Nomathamsanqa Primary School, the subject adviser from the department of education, Mr Festile, conducted a workshop for science and maths educators on how to use effectively the donated apparatus in the classroom.

“Our school was under resourced and lacked apparatus for experiments. But these mobile laboratories are an investment in our learner’s education and will not become white elephants,” said Plaatjie.

“Our educators are very grateful for these donations. Previously the experiments were taught in theory, but now, being able to do practical experiments, they will unlock the learners’ minds as they will see what happens and all their senses will be involved in the education process.”

Adding to the feel of a laboratory, white lab coats, which were bought by the school, are being worn by the learners to protect their clothing from any chemical spill that might occur during an experiment.

“It is so interesting. When the learners wear these coats, it is as if they transform into little scientists and are really enjoying the experiments.”

Thembisa Futshane (Chief Director,Institutional Support and Capacity Development, EC DOE,Head Office), Greg Murrell (Compliance Officer, Marshalls World of Sport), Nozibele Mvambi (Educator, co-ordinator uniform committee) and Ernest Gorgonzola (District Director, Nelson Mandela Bay) together with some of the learners. Photo: SUPPLIED

Manyathi Place Retail Store donated 110 pairs of shoes and 10 full school uniforms (5 for girls and 5 for boys) to Nomathamsanqa Primary School. Seen here are (from left) Thobekile Lawu, Ernest Gorgonzola (District Director Nelson Mandela Bay), Luyanda Manyathi (Manyathi’s Place Retail Store) and Phumeza Manyathi with some of the learners showing the shoes and uniforms. Photo: SUPPLIED

Principal Tozamile Maqungo said he is looking forward to seeing how these mobile laboratories will contribute to improving the learners results in the respective subjects as they now will understand better what previously was explained to them in theory only.

“It is a matter of what I hear I forget, what I see I memorise, but what I do, I understand,” said Principal Maqungo.

Apart from the mobile laboratories, a local businessman from Khayamnandi, Mr Manyati donated 100 pairs of shoes to the school as well as 10 full uniforms for boys and girls.