The planetarium is often the first point of contact for learners and the general public, whereas Boyden Observatory is commonly used for intensive and focused workshops, hosts an astronomy museum, offers ‘real sky’, and ‘telescope’ experiences, which lend depth to what people experience at the planetarium.
What skills and resources were you able to draw from the community for this project?
Through the ongoing interaction with the teachers and the learners, the programme could find out what the actual educational needs of the schools are.
The challenges
The level of science education in most South African Schools are some of the lowest in the world. 80% of all South African Schools are dysfunctional.
Addressing the challenges
Through workshops, special adventure camps, and science shows, the presenters bring astronomy back to the maths the learners learn at school. That brings the “wow” experience to their science curriculum that they do not find at their schools. The CLNS3702 Community Service Module of the UFS made an essential contribution to two township schools, namely Dr. Blok and Petunia Schools. UFS Students are taught the basics of Community Service Learning, including cultural competence and pedagogy. The participating schools received assistance with science classes from grades 10 – 12. Five classes of 60 learners each visited the Boyden Science Centre where they were taught in groups by three UFS students
The achievements
• Several activities and forums exist to foster science communication among the general public. • The Friends of Boyden Observatory Association is an active volunteer forum where UFS and citizens meet to promote the interests of astronomy and preserve astronomical heritage in central South Africa; • Public shows are offered at the planetarium; • Public lectures and star-gazing events are held at Boyden; and • The project generates media coverage through radio interviews, participation in two radio programs, and numerous articles; Science Education • Planetarium presentations are offered for various interest groups; • National Science week activities are targeted at the public, learners, and students; • Student and learner workshops take place at Boyden and the Planetarium; • The project is involved in the UFS Community Learning Service Module Project for Science in selected Mangaung schools (CLNS3702).
Johannesburg, South Africa