Eskom Expo for Young Scientists will host a series of activities across South Africa during National Science Week (NSW), celebrating the essential role of basic sciences in the modern world.
As part of the country’s broader Science Engagement Strategy, the primary objective of NSW from 29 July to 11 August, is to develop a scientifically literate society capable of forming independent opinions about science. Led by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), a division of the National Research Foundation (NRF), National Science Week (NSW) will feature numerous activities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and innovation (STEMI). Through these activities, the aim is to inspire young scientists to develop an interest in STEMI and pursue related careers.
Eskom Expo will host a number of STEMI-related activities, including: science shows; learner and educator workshops focused on research and innovation; robotics and coding workshops; science exhibitions and competitions; public lectures; and seminars with panel discussions.
Get involved by contacting the Eskom Expo Provincial Coordinator in your province – click here, and select your province from the map.
Dates and venues of Eskom Expo activities:
EASTERN CAPE
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| 29 – 30 July | Educational outreach programmes targeting schools, HEIs, etc. |
Science Show: Eskom Expo will partner with Dr Rubidge from Nelson Mandela University to perform a series of engaging science demonstrations for our attendees. These chemistry and physics experiments will create a fun learning platform, promoting awareness and appreciation of Science, Technology, and Innovation. The interactive science show is designed for a diverse audience, ranging from primary to secondary school students and their educators. Dr Rubidge will encourage audience participation by inviting volunteers to assist with experiments, enhancing engagement and excitement. After the demonstrations in the hall, learners can explore additional interactive activities. |
| 29- 30 July | Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions | As part of the event, Eskom Expo will host a workshop for learners and educators focused on research and innovation. Attendees will explore the scientific research method and develop solutions to community problems. The workshop will enhance inquiry-based learning and equip participants with 21st-century skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. |
| 29- 30 July | Science exhibitions |
As part of the event, Eskom Expo will set up a career guidance stall. Nelson Mandela University students will share various career pathways and provide resources for learners and educators, including guidebooks on science clubs and project work. The stall will also feature repeatable chemistry experiments, demonstrated by trained facilitators. Learners can participate in safe experiments, with lab coats and safety goggles provided. Experiments may include:
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FREE STATE
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| 03 August | Workshop and Demonstrations | Robotics and coding workshop to teach learners the mechanical aspects of working with the Lego Evo 1 kit. They will then build simple robots, and learn to code some instructions. |
| 05 August | Science Exhibitions and Science Fair Competition | Learners will showcase their research projects and present a 5-minute pitch to a panel of experts. Winners will receive prizes |
| 07 August | Science | Science Show/Demonstration |
| 07 August | Demonstration; Excursion; Educational outreach programme | Learners will visit a brick-making and worm farming plant in a local village to learn about the science behind the processes. |
| 5 – 10 August | Public talks by Scientists | Various prominent HEI representatives will host a session on community radio stations. (Lesedi FM, Motheo FM, CUT FM) |
GAUTENG
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| 6 August 2024 |
Category: Approved STEMI competitions and Olympiads
Activities: Workshops, seminars, and panel discussions Public lectures and talks by prominent scientists Excursions to other sites, e.g. Industries |
A total of four activities will be conducted on the day:
Target Audience:
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| 8 August 2024 |
Category: Approved STEMI competitions and Olympiads
Activities: Workshops; seminars, and panel discussions; Public lectures and talks by prominent scientists; Excursions to other sites, e.g. Industries |
A total of four activities will be conducted on the day:
Target Audience:
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KWAZULU NATAL
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| 30 July 2024 | Science Fairs and competitions |
Learners from uMkhanyakude District Municipality will exhibit their STEMI research projects, including 200 learners targeted from 20 schools. Experts from UNIZULU and Isimangaliso Wetland Park will do talks/presentations/activities and conduct a science show during the science fair event. |
| 01 Aug 2024 | Science Fairs and competitions; Public Lecture |
In King Cetshwayo District Municipality District Municipality, learners will exhibit their STEMI research projects, including 200 learners targeted from 20 schools Talks/presentations/activities will be conducted by experts from UNIZULU and Isimangaliso Wetland Park. A science show will also be conducted. |
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07 Aug 2024
|
Science Fairs and competitions |
250 learners from EThekwini District Municipality will be invited to exhibit their STEMI research. They will be from 35 schools. Experts from SAIEE, CIGRE and UKZN will do talks /presentations, activities and science-themed quiz for the learners participating in the science fair. An additional 50 learners from 5 schools, who are not participating in the science fair will be invited to attend the NSW programme, which will include talks/ presentations, and hands-on demonstrations. Females will be targeted. |
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08 Aug 2024
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Site visit; Presentation; Competition | A site-visit at the ST Helen’s Rock in Boboyi, a water treatment plant will be arranged for learners. Demonstrations and presentations will also be conducted at the venue arranged by the UGu Municipality (Council Chambers). Groups of learners will be rotated, between the site visit and the presentations/activities. Career guidance will be provided by experts from the municipality. Science-themed quizzes will also take place. 100 learners targeted- 10 learners from 10 schools will be invited, with 10 teachers targeted. |
LIMPOPO
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| 9 August 2024 | Science exhibitions; Workshops; Seminars and panel discussions |
The learners will be coming in groups throughout the day. Most learners from different schools will spend only about 3 hours at the venue. Each day, activities are repeated with different learners. There will be science exhibitions of projects by learners and workshops to promote STEMI-education and awareness among people of all ages and backgrounds. Short videos of how learners can start their own projects will be displayed, and brochures provided. |
| 10 August 2024 | Science exhibitions; Workshops; Seminars and panel discussions |
The learners will be coming in groups throughout the day. Most learners from different schools will spend only about 3 hours at the venue. Each day, activities are repeated with different learners. There will be science exhibitions of projects by learners and workshops to promote STEMI-education and awareness among people of all ages and backgrounds. Short videos of how learners can start their own projects will be displayed, and brochures provided. |
| 11 August 2024 | Science exhibitions; Workshops; Seminars and panel discussions |
The learners will be coming in groups throughout the day. Most learners from different schools will spend only about 3 hours at the venue. Each day, activities are repeated with different learners. There will be science exhibitions of projects by learners and workshops to promote STEMI-education and awareness among people of all ages and backgrounds. Short videos of how learners can start their own projects will be displayed, and brochures provided |
| 12 August 2024 | Educational outreach programs targeting schools | On the last day, the facilitators will split into 2 groups and go on an outreach programme, visiting preselected nearby schools to reach more learners and teachers, encouraging STEMI education and participation in science and mathematics initiatives. |
MPUMALANGA
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
|
30 July 2024 (Ermelo – Gert Sibande) |
1. Science exhibitions 2. Workshops, hands-on demonstrations and Experiment 3. Science-themed competitions and challenges 4. Public lectures and talks by prominent individuals in the STEMI Field. 5. Facility tours |
– Science Models Display: Learners will explore, interact with, and play with educational models that promote hands-on learning. – Hands-On Demonstrations: Carefully selected demonstrations will show learners how science can be learned through play, allowing them to conduct hands-on experiments. – Motivational Speaker: A community member who has excelled in science through hard work and perseverance will inspire the learners. – UMP Facilities Presentation: Learners will view a video and PowerPoint presentation showcasing the UMP facilities. |
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31 July 2024 (Elukwatini – Gert Sibande) |
1. Science exhibitions 2. Workshops, hands-on demonstrations and Experiment 3. Science-themed competitions and challenges 4. Public lectures and talks by prominent individuals in the STEMI Field. 5. Facility tours |
– Science Models Display: Learners will explore, interact with, and play with educational models that promote hands-on learning. – Hands-On Demonstrations: Carefully selected demonstrations will show learners how science can be learned through play, allowing them to conduct hands-on experiments. – Motivational Speaker: A community member who has excelled in science through hard work and perseverance will inspire the learners. 1. – UMP Facilities Presentation: Learners will view a video and PowerPoint presentation showcasing the UMP facilities. |
|
06 August 2024 (Sabie – Bohlabela) |
1. Science exhibitions 2. Workshops, hands-on demonstrations and Experiment 3. Science-themed competitions and challenges 4. Public lectures and talks by prominent individuals in the STEMI Field. 5. Facility tours |
– Science Models Display: Learners will explore, interact with, and play with educational models that promote hands-on learning. – Hands-On Demonstrations: Carefully selected demonstrations will show learners how science can be learned through play, allowing them to conduct hands-on experiments. – Motivational Speaker: A community member who has excelled in science through hard work and perseverance will inspire the learners. 1. – UMP Facilities Presentation: Learners will view a video and PowerPoint presentation showcasing the UMP facilities. |
|
07 August 2024 (Graskop – Bohlabela) |
1. Science exhibitions 2. Workshops, hands-on demonstrations and Experiment 3. Science-themed competitions and challenges 4. Public lectures and talks by prominent individuals in the STEMI Field. 5. Facility tours |
– Science Models Display: Learners will explore, interact with, and play with educational models that promote hands-on learning. – Hands-On Demonstrations: Carefully selected demonstrations will show learners how science can be learned through play, allowing them to conduct hands-on experiments. – Motivational Speaker: A community member who has excelled in science through hard work and perseverance will inspire the learners. 1. – UMP Facilities Presentation: Learners will view a video and PowerPoint presentation showcasing the UMP facilities.. |
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08 August 2024 (Bushbuckridge – Bohlabela) |
1. Science exhibitions 1. Workshops, hands-on demonstrations and Experiment 2. Science-themed competitions and challenges 3. Public lectures and talks by prominent individuals in the STEMI Field. 4. Facility tours |
– Science Models Display: Learners will explore, interact with, and play with educational models that promote hands-on learning. – Hands-On Demonstrations: Carefully selected demonstrations will show learners how science can be learned through play, allowing them to conduct hands-on experiments. – Motivational Speaker: A community member who has excelled in science through hard work and perseverance will inspire the learners. 1. – UMP Facilities Presentation: Learners will view a video and PowerPoint presentation showcasing the UMP facilities. |
NORTH WEST
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| 30 July 2024 | Excursion to other sites and quiz | Bojanala: Visit to Manyane Game Reserve, followed by a presentation and Quiz at the Education Centre. |
| 02 August 2024 | Science Exhibition and Facility tour | Dr Kenneth Kaunda: Learners will present STEM-related research projects to a panel of judges. Winners receive prizes. Learners will do a tour at NWU Science Centre |
| 16 August 2024 | Science Exhibition and | Ngaka Modiri Molema: Learners will present STEM-related research projects to a panel of judges. Winners receive prizes. Learners will do a tour at NWU Animal Clinic |
NORTHERN CAPE
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
| 30 July 2024 | Hands-on demonstrations | Lava Lamp; Tie-Dye Milk, Simple Ciphers; Flying Teabags |
| 01 August 2024 | Hands-on demonstrations | Lava Lamp; Tie-Dye Milk, Simple Ciphers; Flying Teabags |
| 06 August 2024 | Hands-on demonstrations | Lava Lamp; Tie-Dye Milk, Simple Ciphers; Flying Teabags |
| 07 August 2024 | Hands-on demonstrations | Lava Lamp; Tie-Dye Milk, Simple Ciphers; Flying Teabags |
| 08 August 2024 | Hands-on demonstrations | Lava Lamp; Tie-Dye Milk, Simple Ciphers; Flying Teabags |
| 01–08 August | Educational outreach programs targeting schools | Outreach programmes in schools to advocate STEMI Subjects |
WESTERN CAPE
| DATE | ACTIVITY | DESCRIPTION |
|
29 July 2024 31 July 2024 05 August 2024 06 August 2024 |
Science exhibitions & demonstrations; Outreach programme in schools |
Meeting inspiring female role models in STEMI. Exploring different scientific fields and possible careers. Understanding the importance of evidence-based science in various professions. Discovering how your interest in science can contribute to a sustainable future |
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29 July 2024 31 July 2024 02 August 2024 05 August 2024 06 August 2024 07 August 2024 |
Workshops and hands-on experiments |
Solve scientific mysteries through hands-on activities. Master the art of evidence-based investigation. Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Unleash your inner scientist and discover the thrill of scientific inquiry. |
| 30 July 2024 | Science-themed competitions and challenges |
Incorporating real-world applications of concepts throughout the activity. Allow learners to work in teams where they can collaborate, share ideas, and problem-solve together. |
CreativeBox
