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10/11/2020

Nelson Mandela University’s STEM IN ACTION entity is giving matrics an extra “boost” with a Boost Prep Pack containing summary videos of their entire Physical Science curriculum, including the experiments.  It encourages learners not only to work together with their educators, but also independently.

“The purpose of the Boost Series is to assist and support Physical Science educators and learners in their continued efforts to complete the academic year in time for their final Physical Science examinations, says STEM IN ACTION programme manager Isabel van Gend.

STEM IN ACTION in the Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment & Technology (EBET) primarily focus on partnering with learners and educators in Nelson Mandela Bay in the teaching and learning of Physical Science.  

Their funding partner, SANRAL, supports their hands-on, brains-on approach when interacting with educators and learners at their laboratories on the Missionvale Campus.

Isabel van Gend said during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period, the team, together with their Physical Science Educators Community of Practice (CoP) forum, conceptualised the Grade 12 Boost Series.

“This series would bring the STEM in ACTION team, laboratories, and teaching into grade 12 classrooms while adhering to COVID-19 safety regulations.”

The learners are part of the STEM IN ACTION after-school programme and would visit the laboratories weekly and participate in an intensive Physical Science support session which includes exploring careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

They are selected from high schools which include, St James Senior Secondary, Bertram Secondary, Morningside and Uitenhage High, Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive, Cilliè, Cowan, Ethembeni, Gelvandale, Chapman, Collegiate Girls, Westering, Daniel Pienaar Technical, Grey Boys, Alexander Road, Despatch, Pearson, and Victoria Park High.

The Boost Prep Pack includes a booklet with examination guidelines for Physical Science, past exam papers, and memoranda, as well as a flash drive with 25 video episodes.

In these episodes, the STEM in ACTION lecturing team summarises the Physical Science curriculum and uses demonstrations and other memory techniques to facilitate recall and explore approaches to tackle their examinations.

“STEM in ACTION believes that the Boost Series will not only boost the grade 12’s Physical Science knowledge but will also boost their confidence and encourage them as they sit down to focus on preparing for their matric finals. 

"The hope is that each one of them will know that there is a team at Missionvale Campus who is rooting for them together with their parents, educators, and principals,” said Isabel. 

STEM IN ACTION staff Anelisa Gaca, Tarin Roberts, Nomthandazo Mjungulu and Nabeelah Lukie.

Uitenhage High School’s Tameryn Arries, Kaizer Gongo and Renaldo Matthys with their Boost Prep Packs