Siemens Southern Africa is involved in an ongoing CSI initiative which supports education in disadvantaged schools. Part of this initiative has been to encourage the learning of science and technology at a primary school level, in a manner that is user friendly and exciting for children. To this end, over the past few years, the company has donated ‘Discovery Boxes’ to five under resourced schools in the Gauteng region.
CSI manager, Emily Molefe elaborates: “The Discovery Boxes were designed in Germany and present a fun filled alternative to text book learning. They provide a practical introduction to scientific and technological phenomena and contain a series of enjoyable experiments that really bring these subjects to life.”
Emily Molefe (right) with pupils from the Entshonalanga Primary School and principal MJ Ramogale
Molefe adds that it is important for Siemens to ascertain whether projects like the Discovery Boxes are working for the schools and adding any benefit. Siemens approached three of the five participating schools for their feedback.
Moseto Masikela is head of the Intermediate Fields department at Sedibeng Primary School. He explains how this is the third year that the children of Sedibeng have worked with the Discovery Boxes: “They provide children with a hands-on learning experience and the practical methodology is more effective than merely presenting them with a theoretical concept.” His feedback was largely positive, however, he does mention that the activities all being in English, create a language barrier for those children who are not proficient in the language.
Maths and Science HoD at Tlamatlama Primary, Thando Mbelwa is also enthusiastic about the Discovery Boxes. He mentions the merits of a teaching method that is practical and concrete, which he says is easier for the children to understand: “Pupils are able to answer questions about the activities and the practical nature of the work allows them to recall what they have learnt.” Mbelwa maintains that Siemens should donate the boxes to other schools as educators have found them useful.
Thulari Tshabelo is the HoD for Maths and Science at Isikelo Primary and is in agreement with his peers about the efficiency of the boxes: “It really helps the teachers to explain abstract concepts in a concrete manner. Two of our Grade Four learners did extremely well in the district science competition. In addition, marks have improved across the board. Our learners were previously categorised as level one, the lowest rating. Since they have been working with the Discovery Boxes, we are now at level three (between a 60 and 70% average). This is a wonderful project that helps children make sense of science.”
“Our aim is to make a real difference for the children at these schools by improving their marks and making science and technology accessible. It is wonderful to know that we are achieving these objectives,” concludes a delighted Molefe.
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