Teachers get hands-on with Natural Sciences!
Teachers get hands-on with Natural Sciences!
8 August 2025
The Metro North District hosted a Natural Sciences Practical Skills workshop at Parow High School, which was coordinated by Samantha Heneke and Michele Fortuin, Grades 8 and 9 Natural Sciences subject advisers.
The workshop on Saturday, 2 August 2025, aimed to equip teachers with practical skills and cost-effective strategies for teaching Natural Sciences through hands-on engagement, in anticipation of National Science Week from 4 to 9 August 2025.
The programme featured a range of exciting presentations that left a lasting impact on participating teachers.
Don Duffield, a teacher at Parklands College, presented an interactive session on the Scientific Method, where teachers explored the Black Box problem-solving activity. This engaging session encouraged teachers to challenge their learners and not be afraid to let them feel frustrated or get things wrong – a crucial aspect of the scientific process.
Tinsie Janse van Rensburg, a teacher at DF Malan High School, demonstrated how to build electric circuits using simple materials like play dough, LEDs and batteries, thus offering a cost-effective way to teach electricity in the classroom. This innovative approach was well-received by teachers, who appreciated the practical tips for conducting experiments without expensive equipment.
Umr Chippendale from the Cape Town Science Centre facilitated a dynamic session on kitchen chemistry, providing teachers with engaging, everyday experiments for the classroom. This session showcased the potential for making science accessible and fun for learners.
Feedback from participating teachers highlighted the value of the workshop. They enjoyed the hands-on nature of the activities, gaining new ideas for practical experiments and appreciating the opportunity to experience learning from a learner's perspective. Teachers found the sessions informative, interactive and most importantly, applicable to their everyday teaching practices.
The workshop's success lies in its ability to empower teachers with the skills and confidence to make Natural Sciences more engaging and accessible for their learners. By providing cost-effective solutions and promoting hands-on learning, the workshop has set a positive tone for National Science Week and beyond.
