Advancing the teaching of chemistry in Overberg education district
According the CAPS curriculum for Natural Sciences, content of the second term covers the Matter and Materials knowledge area generally referred to as chemistry. To address this part of the curriculum, Advancing Knowledge Non-Profit Company (AK NPC) continued with its professional development programme for Natural Sciences teachers in the Overberg region. A total of 44 intersen (grade 4-7) teachers attended the Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE01) course on Friday 9 May 2025 and a smaller group of senior phase (grades 8 and 9) teachers attended the course on Saturday 10 May 2025. The training took place in the science laboratory of De Rust Futura Academy in Grabouw. This science laboratory called a STEM Teaching and Learning Centre (STEM TLC) was constructed through the partnership between AK NPC, Garden Cities Archway Foundation and Western Cape Education Department.
The basic philosophy of the ongoing Advancing Knowledge NPC professional development training is the inquiry-based approach which includes practical and experimental (inquiry-based) hands-on application of curriculum content of each school term. These sessions therefore serve to prepare teachers for the particular term's curriculum content. The teachers' participation was arranged in collaboration with the Overberg education district's science subject advisors Mr Jandre Gerber and Ms Clothilda van Aarde. The facilitators for the chemistry sessions were Ms Zaiboeniesa Ahmed (intersen phase) and Prof Shaheed Hartley (senior phase) assisted by AK NPC staff Saadiqah Fraden, Somila Dlakavu and Yusra Joubert (science interns) and projects coordinator Melissa Petersen.
EXPLORING AND ADVANCING INTERSEN (GRADE 4-7) CHEMISTRY
The science laboratory at De Rust Futura Academy was a hive of activity, noise, enthusiasm and excitement on Friday 9 May 2025 as a total 44 teachers participated in the chemistry activities prepared and presented to them by the facilitator and science interns. Teachers' basic chemistry knowledge was tested both theoretically and practically but also extended and advanced through carefully selected experiments and investigations. Challenging teachers conceptions of dependent, independent and constant variables always bring out debate as many teachers are not always sure when faced with different experimental scenarios. In the end teachers actively participated in chromatography, pH testing of everyday substances using various indicators, acids and bases reactions, testing the strength of materials, application and balancing of forces, solubility of substances and various chemical reactions. Because of the number of teachers present (44), they were also guided on group work, how to set out investigations and experiments for groups of learners and assessing learners participation in groups. The activities were specifically prepared so that teachers could translate it directly into their lessons for the second term. The following are some of the teachers' reflections:
The chemistry experiments were very exciting as it made us think. I like the idea that you can use an experiment that did not quite reach what it was supposed to as a learning opportunity to find out what went wrong. The interaction with colleagues during the experiments certainly makes one think and learn new things. [Teacher]
The experiments we did today was not difficult or complex. It is definitely what I will do in my science class. That is what I like about this workshop. It is practical and meaningful and in line with what we can use in our lessons. [Teacher]
I am a new science teacher. I was overwhelmed at first with chemistry content and all the science teachers in the workshop but it was actually nice to be able to talk to each other and see how we teach things at our schools. The workshop definitely helped me on how to plan my practical science lessons. [Teacher]
Teachers expressed their appreciation for motivating them to attend the course. They were very excited and indicated that they enjoyed themselves and learnt how to implement the inquiry-based approach to teaching. [Science Subject Advisor]
CHALLENGING SENIOR PHASE (GRADES 8 and 9) CHEMISTRY TEACHERS
Despite the threat of a storm on Saturday 10 May 2025, teachers attended the training at De Rust Futura Academy's science laboratory. They responded well to an example which illustrated the scientific method as they could easily transfer it into their natural science lessons. The facilitator engaged teachers in a detailed discussion about matter, phases, periodic table of elements, compounds and mixtures, etc. Teachers participated in the many chemistry activities including separation of mixtures (chromatography experiment), the relationship between mass, volume and density (liquids of differing viscosity experiment), acids and bases, the pH scale and indicators (testing the pH various household substances with different everyday indicators), acid and bases reactions (investigating neutralisation through titration), preparation, testing for and reactions of three gases, namely hydrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide (preparation of hydrogen gas and reaction with oxygen in pringles box experiment), preparation of oxygen (reaction with potassium chlorate experiment), burning of metals and non-metals in oxygen (experiment with carbon, steel wool and magnesium), testing the acidity or alkalinity of the solution (testing using litmus paper) and carbon dioxide testing. All chemistry activities were extracted from the natural sciences curriculum content and related directly with what teachers had to include in their chemistry lessons. Teachers expressed their impressions of the session in their reflections:
The sessions were practically-based which is an area that I find difficulty teaching at my school. I liked that everyday substances were used which we could emulate in our classes. I really enjoyed the session. [Teacher]
I was quite taken aback by the simplicity and ease with which these experiments are done. It gave me a new perspective of teaching chemistry. Inquiry-based teaching of chemistry is an approach I will definitely try out in my science class. [Teacher]
I consider myself to be an experienced science teacher. It was good to be reminded of the practical approach to in-class teaching as opposed to doing the science experiments as an add-on to my normal science lessons. [Teacher]
Teachers indicated that they enjoyed the training. Thank you for your assistance with the inquiry-based approach. It is important for our teachers to see how this is done first hand and to be hands-on with it as well. [Science Subject Advisor]
This project was made possible by the partnership between Advancing Knowledge Non-Profit Company, Garden Cities Archway Foundation and Western Cape Education Department. Organisations and corporates that want to contribute to this initiative to empower and capacitate science teachers to build a critical mass of future STEM practitioners, are encouraged to make contact with the Director of AK NPC, Prof Shaheed Hartley (
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Mail & Guardian
42 minutes ago
- Mail & Guardian
New species of rain frog discovered in SA
Breviceps batrachophiliorum. In the damp, grassy slopes of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, an unassuming amphibian has leapt into the scientific spotlight. Named Breviceps batrachophiliorum – Latin for 'frog-loving people' – this newly described species of rain frog is a triumph of taxonomy and a compelling example of the intersection of citizen science and academic rigour. Professor Louis du Preez of the North-West University (NWU) led the discovery, drawing on his long and distinguished career as a herpetologist. The breakthrough came thanks to three passionate frog enthusiasts: Nick Evans, Dylan Leonard and Cormack Price. They set out on a mission to spot and document every frog in Prof du Preez's field guide. One night, after some heavy rain, they set out to find the elusive Bilbo's rain frog (Breviceps bagginsi), named after Bilbo Baggins, from The Lord of the Rings, who also lived in a hole in the ground. When they found what they believed to be a Bilbo's rain frog, they sent a photograph and an accompanying call recording to Prof du Preez. 'There was something curious,' recalls Prof du Preez. 'I thought they had mixed up the images and the sounds. But when I pointed this out, they sent a video, and that's when I realised that we were looking at a new species.' What followed was a meticulous analysis process, detailed in the African Journal of Herpetology. The team employed an integrative approach, blending morphology, genetics and, crucially, bioacoustics. The frog's call, a vital identifier in such a visually cryptic genus, diverged sharply from those of its closest relatives. Genetically, it showed a 7.5% difference in mitochondrial 16S rRNA compared to Breviceps verrucosus. This clear signal indicated that this frog was not only new to science, but also worthy of its own species status. Though short-limbed, round-bodied and earth-toned, B. batrachophiliorum is far from plain. Its eardrum is unusually visible, a rare feature among its kin, and the position of its mouth sets it apart from B. verrucosus. In acoustic terms, its calls are shorter, faster and more frequent than those of similar species. Such subtleties are crucial in frog courtship and therefore in species recognition. Prof du Preez and his co-authors, EC Netherlands and LR Minter, also stress the importance of this discovery for conservation. With an occupancy area of just 1 108 km², this frog's habitat is largely restricted to three types of mistbelt grassland in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Although some populations occur within protected areas such as the Clairmont Nature Reserve, the species' limited range raises concerns about its vulnerability to habitat destruction and climate change. This tale is about more than just taxonomy. It is also a cautionary tale about the fragility of ecological knowledge. The new frog was once misidentified as Bilbo's rain frog (Breviceps bagginsi), a mistake with far-reaching consequences. The description of the new species means that Bilbo's rain frog is now only known to exist in one population in a highly transformed area, and as a result, its conservation status jumped to critically endangered. With the correction in place, the true distribution range of both species can be assessed more accurately. This is a small but vital victory for conservation science. Importantly, the discovery highlights a broader trend. Since 2000, over a third of Breviceps species have been described, a surge largely driven by advances in molecular biology and acoustic analysis. South Africa, with its rich and still unfolding biodiversity, is at the heart of this amphibian renaissance. Ultimately, Breviceps batrachophiliorum is more than just another new name in a long list. It serves as a reminder that discovery still hides in plain sight, and that with enough passion, patience and a bit of rain, even the quietest calls can be heard. • Follow the link to the article here:
The Herald
2 hours ago
- The Herald
UFS inaugurates new vice-chancellor and principal
Professor Hester Klopper was officially inaugurated as the 15th vice-chancellor and principal of the University of the Free State (UFS) and is the first woman to lead the university in its 121-year history, in a ceremony at its Bloemfontein campus on Monday. She was appointed to this position on February 1. In her inaugural address, titled 'Walking Together with Purpose: Unlocking Excellence to Lead Change' , Klopper outlined her vision to transform UFS into a research-led powerhouse that harnesses artificial intelligence while preserving human connection and African identity. Klopper challenged the higher education sector to confront an uncomfortable reality about the pace of technological change vs educational transformation. 'Artificial intelligence capabilities are advancing exponentially, doubling in power every few months. However, our educational systems remain fundamentally unchanged from their industrial-era origins. 'We are preparing students for a world that is transforming faster than we can imagine, using methods designed for a world that no longer exists,' she said. Klopper emphasised that it was essential for UFS to find its place and purpose in confronting the challenges faced by the higher education sector, and not merely emulate what other institutions were doing. 'The question before us is not whether we will adapt — it is whether we will step up and lead this transformation or be swept aside by it,' she said. Klopper shared her vision of UFS as 'a true entrepreneurial knowledge ecosystem, thriving on the creative synergy produced when our best academic minds work together across our three campuses, allowing us to be the very best we can be'. She emphasised that preparing students for the world of work will focus on 'their ability to think creatively, to empathise deeply, to ask the right questions, to challenge assumptions, and to work collaboratively with both humans and artificial intelligence'.
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
Dehorning rhinos cuts poaching by 78%, landmark study finds
Dehorning must not be seen as a silver bullet, according to experts. (Photo supplied) The research, published in the prestigious journal Science , focused on 11 reserves in South Africa's Greater Kruger region from 2017 to 2023 — a critical global stronghold that conserves about a quarter of all Africa's rhinos. The Greater Kruger, spanning Mpumalanga and Limpopo, includes the Kruger National Park and the private nature reserves around it, and is an umbrella for the various private game reserves that make up the unfenced protected wilderness that lies adjacent to the Kruger Park. 'Kruger National Park had a rhino population of about 12 000 back in 2012,' said the study's lead author, 'Today, we're sitting at around probably below 2 000, so there's been a The project was a 'mammoth effort' involving wide collaboration between reserve managers under the banner of the They documented the poaching of 1 985 rhinos (about 6.5% of the population annually). 'The stakeholders got together to ask the question, 'Why have rhinos declined so rapidly and what can we do about it and have the things we've been doing been working or not, and why,'' Kuiper said. The GKEPF gathered seven years of data on rhino poaching levels, as well as on the various anti-poaching interventions — tracker dogs; air support, including helicopters and planes; detection cameras equipped with artificial intelligence; anti-poaching patrols and rapid-response teams. 'Then there were the more alternative approaches like dehorning to make the rhino less attractive to poachers. What we found across seven years in 11 reserves, including one reserve in Mozambique, was that dehorning was the single most effective intervention. Wherever it was implemented, it resulted in a drastic decline in poaching,' Kuiper said. 'Statistically-speaking, we had eight different sites and were able to isolate these massive reductions in poaching and link them to the wide-scale dehorning of rhinos.' Dehorning rhinos to reduce incentives for poaching – with 2 284 rhinos dehorned across eight reserves – was found to achieve a 78% reduction in poaching, using just 1.2% of the overall rhino protection budget. This was based on a comparison between sites with and without dehorning as well as changes in poaching before and after dehorning. Reserves under the study invested R1 billion in anti-poaching interventions from 2017 to 2021. Most of the investment focused on reactive law enforcement — rangers, tracker dogs, helicopters, access controls and detection cameras — helping to achieve over 700 poacher arrests. It costs R10 200 per dehorning operation. 'But we failed to find evidence that those arrests translated into less future poaching,' he pointed out. 'So, on one level these interventions were successful but they did not result in the same level of reduction in poaching as dehorning did.' There are key reasons for this, including 'The internal involvement of reserve staff with the criminal syndicates who are driving poaching means that these syndicates and the poachers can get around the interventions because they have information on where the rangers are going to be, where the rhinos are, where the cameras are [and] where the dogs are,' Kuiper said. The region, too, suffers from a 'great deal of 'And, the criminal syndicates take advantage of these community members, for example by offering to give them loans, and when they can't pay back the loans, they say, 'Well, here's a gun. Help me with this rhino poaching operation.' 'It's not often as simple as that but these criminal syndicates take advantage of the socio-economic vulnerability of both rangers and others in order to get that internal information.' Finally, an ineffective criminal justice system means that arrested offenders often escape punishment, according to evidence from studies on 'The criminal justice system, the internal corruption and the 'In the worst case, these interventions may also isolate the people living around these reserves in terms of their involvement in conservation,' he said. Kuiper cautioned that dehorning must not be seen as a silver bullet. 'We did document over 100 dehorned rhinos being poached. The horn regrows, so in many of these cases, the horn had regrown quite a lot and the rhino was poached. 'This points to the need for regular dehorning but also points to the fact that syndicates are adapting and seem still to be willing to poach a rhino, even if there's only 5cm to 10cm of horn left on the rhino. But, of all of the interventions, we analysed it [dehorning] led to drastic reductions in poaching.' More recent evidence has emerged since the study concluded in 2023 suggesting that the poaching of dehorned rhinos is a growing challenge. Dehorning may also shift the focus of poachers to horned populations elsewhere, Kuiper noted. A multi-faceted approach is necessary. 'We need to look at wider systematic solutions addressing poverty, addressing socio-economic inequality, addressing the demand for rhino horn in consumer rates.' Sharon Hausmann, the chief executive of the GKEPF, which led the initiative by convening manager workshops and gathering data for the evaluation, said: 'The true value of this innovative study, conceived by GKEPF operational managers, lies in its collective critical thinking. Ensuring not only that operations are guided by science, but also that science is grounded in real experience from the frontline.' Markus Hofmeyr of the Rhino Recovery Fund, said: 'From a donor perspective, this study has given excellent insight where conservation donor funding can be spent and where to avoid funding.'
