Key Concepts in Science

Purpose of the Programme

The Key Concept in science is a programme developed in collaboration with the University of Free State for Natural sciences in grade 8 and 9 since 2021 to build a solid foundation in ensuring success in physical sciences in 10 – 12. The workshop is covers the grade 8 and 9 Sciences CAPS Curriculum, underpinned by social constructivist philosophy that engages hands-on, minds-on activities as well as activity material to go with the worksheets.

The professional development objectives of the Key Concepts in Science programme are to:

• Train and empower Senior Phase teachers (especially Grade 8 & 9) and subject advisors from local schools in the constructivist and hands-on methodology of the Key Concepts in Science programme during term training sessions;
• Resource the teachers from the participating schools with activity material, laboratory apparatus and worksheets to be utilised in the science classroom;
• Monitor the progress of the programme strategy on a continuous basis via progress report and feedback opportunities like meetings etc.;
• Render support to the teachers from participating schools in the region to enable them to successfully integrate the programme into the curriculum.

The aim of the Science Concepts programme is to orientate Natural Science teachers on how a practical science teaching approach can be followed in their teaching, in order to stimulate a more meaningful Natural Science learning experience for learners. To realise this aim, the Department of Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology teaching in the School of Education at the Sol Plaatje University is conducting a series of “Key Concepts in Science” workshops that is attended by several teachers from local Kimberley Schools. During these workshops, teachers are provided with an in-depth and hands-on presentation on how practical science learning activities can be organised and carried out in a manner that aligns to constructivist “learner-centred” teaching methodologies.

Every year four workshops are conducted, one per term. Through cooperative and collaborative learning during the different sessions of the project throughout the year, it enables the teachers, including the novice teachers to feel confident and competent in teaching the different concepts in physics and chemistry. Following the workshops, each teacher that forms part of the programme receives concrete and practical Natural Science teaching materials that are relevant to the strands “matters and materials” and “energy and change” and “planet earth and beyond” that form part of the Natural Science school syllabus to teach at their respective schools.