At the Durban branch May meeting we were delighted to host Johannes de Vries (M-TECH Electrical Engineering) Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). De Vries is excited about all things robotic and addressed the meeting about the work that TUT is doing at school level to inspire an interest in maths and science in learners from as early as Grade 6.
(Left to right) Presenter Johannes de Vries, Tshwane University of Technology; unnamed robot; SAIMC Durban branch chairman Vinesh Maharaj
Key to the TUT program, which is undertaken in close co-operation with the Gauteng Education Department, is the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) an undertaking of FIRST (Foundation for the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) (www.usfirst.org) founded by Dean Kamen, inventor, physicist, entrepreneur and developer of the Segway Human Transporter (www.segway.com).
Kamen is a tireless advocate for science and technology and this is reflected in FIRST’s vision statement: “To transform our culture by creating a world where science and technology are celebrated and where young people dream of becoming science and technology heroes.”
Through FLL, TUT is touching the lives of young learners who will not only form the core of TUT’s future science and engineering intakes, but also the future membership of the SAIMC.
After the success of last year’s annual function we have again booked the Heritage Theatre so diarise 31 October for another fun-filled evening with the ever popular Gee-Jays who are going to be performing a brand new show – ‘60s hit revivals.
All enquiries: Jane van der Spuy on +27(0)31 764 0593 or [email protected]
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