May 18th, 2009
Science and Astronomy for Students
The city’s library and information services unit hosted an all day Psyched 4 Science event. This was in conjunction with Ivory Park Secondary school and the Johannesburg Planetarium. Students and their parents were invited to participate in the activities of May 13. One of the main purposes of this program was to demonstrate the importance of math and science and also to promote careers in these fields. Activities were provided at the school for students who were unable to go to the Planetarium. Tourists who are staying in Johannesburg boutique hotels also have the opportunity to explore the solar system at this great Planetarium.
One of the activities enjoyed by the students who remained at the school was an interactive game that was geared toward understanding indigenous knowledge systems. There were other games, and indigenous awareness was a main component in them. Some of the games were skill learning based and they played morabaraba and the Omo game to test and improve memory skills. Health and fitness was also on the agenda and gumboot dancing was demonstrated as a fun way to get exercise. African cricket was also played, among a variety of other activities. The Grade 12 students were provided career assessments and offered career counseling.
The astronomy show was held as part of the International Year of Astronomy. The Planetarium divided the students into groups for mini discussions and activities. There was also a presentation from a student who told the audience of peers how stars were created. The students got to look through telescopes and they were able to find Saturn. They were encouraged to find the planets Jupiter and Venus on their own as these planets appear during morning hours. Career options in astronomy were presented to the eager ears that showed great interest. For further questions, the city library and the Planetarium are available with free information.
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