SAEON’s Ndlovu Node hosted a Grade 10 science camp at the Timbavati Foundation Environmental School in November. The overall objectives of the science camp were to create awareness of the natural world among the learners, leading them to an understanding of biodiversity and ecological relationships and strengthening their scientific and critical thinking and reasoning skills.

Professor Dave Thompson remotely led the activities of the science camp, assisted on the ground by Caitlin Ransom, science engagement officer, NRF-SAEON, Peace Nkuna, Benedict Khosa and Joe Sibiya, science engagement officer, Ndlovu Node.

To achieve these objectives, the following activities were conducted, aligned to the science camp theme of Biodiversity. Day 1 focused on scientific thinking (a lecture on the scientific method) that introduced learners to the basics of conducting scientific research. The learners were allowed 30 minutes to make 10 observations of species around the school premises and use five observations to formulate questions.

A workshop and an activity on biological classification and understanding biodiversity followed. This created a platform for learners to use the dichotomous key to identify pictured birds for thirty minutes. This was likened to the everyday classification done around the house when sorting out a wardrobe and food in the kitchen.

After dinner, the learners watched a BBC documentary highlighting the plight of animals in Africa. They were encouraged to share their perceptions about the documentary. This tied in well with the theme of the science camp.

On day 2, the group ventured out for a nature walk in the reserve to observe fauna and flora in their natural habitat. This was followed by a reflection on the species observed during the walk.

A biodiversity puzzle was the next activity; learners were divided into five groups (animals, plants, insects, biodiversity and abiotic factors), consisting of three members each, to demonstrate the value of these key role-players in the ecosystem. The activity encouraged analytical thinking and teamwork and generated thoughtful and coherent presentations from each group. A food web activity followed to reinforce the lessons learned during the biodiversity puzzle game.

The science camp activities concluded with a visit to the Graeme Naylor Museum at Timbavati Nature Reserve headquarters. The visit helped to bring home to the learners how all life is interconnected – in the reserve, and in general.