The ArcelorMittal Science Centre in Vredenburg turned 10 this month, but do people know what the centre has to offer? Weslander found out that the ArcelorMittal team hopes to inspire a love of mathematics, technology and sciences among youth in Saldanha Bay, Touws River, and beyond.
The Science Centre provides activities and programmes for learners from Grade R to 12 learners.
School support for science, maths, English and career guidance is available for learners from Grade R to 12 as well as for teachers. The Centre’s outreach programme and science show brings natural science and interactive demonstrations to schools on request. This means learners learn more about science and chemistry in a fun and interactive manner.
Be sure to invite Miss Fabulous to your school – she will surely spark an interest in the field of science.
Reach for the stars
The Science Centre boasts a planetarium. Anyone hoping to learn more about the science of the cosmos can visit and learn more about different careers in astronomy. Grade 7 learners can even join the Astronomers Club.
If you are interested in a more hands- on club consider the Robotics Club. The club helps Grade 6 learners build robots, and gain hands-on experience in the field, as well as coding. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has announced plans to introduce coding as a school subject to help learners unlock future careers in the IT and science fields. Another technology-orientated club is the AMSA SciTech Club for high school learners. The focus of this club is preparing learners for a world were technology is a vital component of work and play.
Science is not a boys’ club
In an effort to get more girls involved with science and maths, the centre has a Girls STEMI (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and IT) Club. The club takes girls between Grade 7 and 12 on a six-year journey to help then develop a passion for STEMI and provides help with these subjects.
It is not just the STEMI club that helps youngsters develop a love of subjects. The Innovation Club helps Grade 8 to 10 learners engage in engineering concepts. As part of the club learners learn problem solving and how to overcome practical challenges.
Everyone can learn more at the Science Centre
Youngsters aren’t the only ones who can learn and develop their skills at the centre. Adults have the opportunity to learn basic computer training. Computer literacy is a key skill most employees should have. Adults can learn how to work on computers and even apply for jobs online.
Keep busy in the holidays
Aside from the many programmes and clubs the Science Centre also hosts holiday programme as well as winter and spring schools. The holiday programme is open to learners between Grade 4 and 7, while the winter school is aimed at Grade 11 and 12 learners, guiding them through their last days of secondary school.
. The ArcelorMittal Science Centre is located at 10 Boog Street, Vredenburg, (next to the WCED offices). Some clubs and programmes are directed at schools, assisting with their programmes. Give the ArcelorMittal Science Centre team a call on 022 719 1058 to enquire after its programmes and clubs.
