BuaNews (Tshwane)
Nthambeleni Gabara
8 May 2008
Makhado — Limpopo learners will be taken through the requirements of becoming Airforce pilots and aeronautical engineers as part of the National Science Week (NSW).
The NSW is South Africa's strategic campaign to boost the levels of science and technology learning across the country.
The annual week-long event, which kicked off on Thursday, is themed: "Tomorrow's science and technology is in our youth's hands".
As part of the NSW, learners across the province will also be exposed to the Airforce machinery at the Makhado Airforce Base on 14 May.
Many activities are planned for the week at both Giyani and the University of Limpopo, while a human body lecture will take place at the Louis Trichardt Showground on Saturday.
In Giyani, there would be a variety of interactive exhibition such as rocket launching, Newton Cradle, Turntable, science and technology demonstrations among others.
The University of Limpopo will hold science shows and exhibitions. On 12 May, there would be a discussion about the historical interest of Thulamela, reconstruction of the site and reburial of human skeletal remains.
There would be an exhibition of the treasures and history of Mapungubwe and Makapansgat. The exhibition will contain artifacts and interesting information about the excavations going on at Makapansgat.
Mining groups in the province are also expected to conduct exhibitions on various careers in their respective mining companies.
The mining groups expected to exhibit their careers are Venetia De Beers Mine, The Oaks Mine, Kumba Resources, Foskor Limited and Marula Platinum.
A workshop will also be conducted at the Tiro Hall at the University of Limpopo on Mopani worms focusing on its importance, both scientifically and culturally.
At Vuwani Science Centre, there would be a display of exhibitions for learners, demonstration of experiments, hands-on training and laboratory training.
On 15 May, there would be an exhibition on indigenous medicine and a workshop at the centre.
During the NSW, the province has also planned to take learners through the process of extracting platinum at Polo Platinum smelters mining with the view of encouraging them to pursue careers in mining.
At Mara Research Station and Limpopo Dairy, the future generation will be briefed on how animals are bred through normal and artificial processes.
Learners, who will visit Elim and Tshilidzini Hospitals, would be given a lecture about the different existing careers in the health profession.
Meanwhile, Science and Technology Minister, Mosibudi Mangena unveiled the NSW on Thursday at the University of North West in Potchefstroom.
NSW is an annual initiative led by the Department of Science and Technology.
It is aimed at highlighting the important role science plays in everyday life and making young South Africans excited about science from an early age.
This year's NSW will have many exciting opportunities for learners, teachers, students, academics, parents and the general public to get involved in science-based activities.
Some of these opportunities include teacher and learner workshops, science competitions and exhibitions, public talks, lectures and seminars, career exhibitions and learner outreach activities, as well as tours of the country's major science facilities.
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