Julie - University of the Free State

fun
thanks to BP
standing of, applied science which will
hopefully encourage learners to pursue
technological careers.
Workshops for learners are presented alternately
at the TRAC laboratory in Bloemfontein,
and at their schools in Springfontein,
Philippolis and Trompsburg. Learners
visiting a TRAC lab are given a short lecture
on the physical principles they will be investigating,
after which a short computer based
test is carried out to assess current knowledge.
The class is then divided into groups
for practical work. After the experimental
work is complete, another short computer
test establishes what has been learnt.
Some of the experiments conducted by
RIEP include Newton’s Laws, free fall as a
special case of projectile motion, the conservation
of mechanical energy and the
conservation of momentum, to name a few.
This particular group also formed part
of a research study, where learners took
part in a reading programme using physical
science information.
Another welcome surprise for learners
came in the form of calculators to assist
them in their studies. Says Cobus van
Breda, TRAC programme co-ordinator:
“Shortly after we started the programme,
we discovered that these learners had to do
science and maths at school without having
proper calculators, which is almost impossible.
So, we gave each learner a calculator
and things improved from there!”
None of this would be possible without
the generous assistance of our corporate
partners. In this case, BP showed its commitment
to improving mathematics and science
education in South Africa and in the
process is revealing a whole new world to
learners in this barren part of the country.
Mr Cobus van Breda (left) and learners with their new calculators.
Learners discovering the wonders of the TRAC programme.
Corporate friends
July 2007 • Bult
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