In the 21st century, stress rules in the world of science and technology. The number of scientists needed, and the number of students that graduate competently, are in disparity. This seems in contradistinction with the number of young people who are genuinely interested in Science. From this, the Victoria Park Science Club was born.
The Science Club hosts various extra-curricular, Science-based activities for the learners of Victoria Park. The club was launched with a “Smells and Bangs” afternoon, indulging the explosive nature of the chemistry. Each senior grade, in collaboration with the school science department and the NMMU Faculty of Science, has toured the university Science departments.
C.S. Lewis once remarked that while magic and technology seemed comparable ideas, Science and Religion provide an inseparable pair. Staffed by a Roman Catholic priest and a student for the priesthood, the club has presented a series of “Science and Religion” talks, giving learners an opportunity to explore some key issues that Science and Religion face in the modern world. In particular, studies in theories of evolution and the Big Bang theory as well as Biblical hermeneutics, have been treated thus far. It is our hope that these talks will continue to be as popular in the future as they have proved to be thus far. The club has also begun a process of training laboratory assistants from amongst the brighter junior Science learners. These learners, engaged in the preparation of practical Science, will be an asset to the academic Science department.
Our final tour is that of the Mechantronics Department of NMMU. To this end, we need to express our sincere thanks to Prof. Leitch and Mrs Agherdien for their assistance and guidance. In addition to this, some of our Grade 11 learners attended the annual Mole Day breakfast hosted by the Alexander Road HIgh School Science Club.
A tour of the Sutherland SALT telescope remains a priority for 2011 as an academic tour complementing our already active sport sojourners.
M. J. THERON
