Pupils delighted with ‘cool’ new science lab

Grade 7 pupils at Parkhurst Primary in Westridge could not contain their excitement over the new science lab unveiled at their school on Friday July 12.

The lab is one of three newly constructed science teaching and learning centres (TLCs). The centres support the teaching of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at schools. Two more were launched at Primrose Park Primary School in Primrose Park, and South Peninsula High in Plumstead, respectively, which brings the number of centres constructed at Western Cape schools since 2011 to 107.

The modern science lab was made possible through a partnership with Advancing Knowledge Non-Profit Company (AK NPC), Garden Cities Archway Foundation and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The launch was initially planned for Thursday July 11 but was postponed to the next day after the WCED closed schools due to the inclement weather.

Zac Koert, who is in Grade 7A said he looked forward to exploring new ideas in the science lab.

“The science lab is nice for everyone. I always enjoyed science as a subject. I am sure we will now discover new things in the lab,” he said.

Zia Moonsamy, another Grade 7 pupil said while she has not been particularly fond of science before but she is hoping to discover it more now that she has access to the fully-equipped lab.

“We are happy that the science lab has been created and we think that we will put it to good use and the learners will have a good exposure to science, especially learners who like science. I never really experienced science lessons in a proper science lab. I think we will like it more now because it looks very interesting and cool,” said Zia.

“The new science lab looks very cool. I think learners will now excel even more in science as a subject,” adds Logan Daniels, also in Grade 7.

The TLC serves as a hub in science learning and is built to complement the curriculum. Professor Hartley, director of AK NPC, urged Parkhurst Primary teachers to create an environment that is conducive to pupils’ critical thinking.

“Guide their thinking around things and let them start testing things for themselves. That is where the critical skills start developing and critical thinking in the brain starts happening. That’s where they start interrogating what are the things that balance and force things to happen,” he said.

Professor Hartley also encouraged learners to ask questions and to challenge their teachers to come up with activities in the lab that form part of the curriculum.

“What can we do, why is this happening? Why is it that by just putting toilet paper on this bottle, the water is unable to come out (when you turn it upside down)? Why is gravity not pushing through this?

“You have the space and the equipment and have no more excuses. We want to see learners from Parkhurst Primary shine in high school, university and go into all kinds of STEM fields,” he said.

Myrtle February, chairperson of Garden Cities Archway Foundation compelled Parkhurst Primary Acting Principal Stephen Visser to hold teachers accountable for what happens in their classroom.

“Professor Hartley will make sure that teachers are trained so that they can know how to use the lab. And we hope that one day, one these learners sitting here today will become future professors in science who will be quoted in newspapers like Professor Hartley, and that they will attribute their success to what they have learned here at Parkhurst Primary,” she said.

Stephan Visser, acting principal of Parkhurst Primary thanked Professor Hartley, Mrs February and the WCED for making the lab a reality

“I am extremely overwhelmed and excited about the launch of Science Laboratory. This will definitely contribute to quality teaching and learning, not just in natural sciences and technology, but in all subjects from Grade 4 to 7,” he said.

Mr Visser said the lab will help the school to realise its vision for the next two years.

“Teachers will definitely have to upskill themselves through staff development and courses.”

He also called on parents, community stakeholders and business to support the pupils’ development.

“Parents play a huge role in the development of their children. Their assistance in completing tasks and projects would enhance learners skills and vigour for learning. Collaboration and communication with community stakeholders and donations from businesses to improve on resources and learning material will assist learners further,” he said.