Engaging the Cape Community on the exciting  side of physical science
By Kedi Aphane

The esteemed winner of the 2007/08 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) award for a not-for-profit organisation shared their achievements audience of Cape Community FM (CCFM).

In May 2008, the Technology Research Activity Centre (TRAC) was awarded the NSTF award for their outstanding contribution to support physical science, mathematics and technology education in South African secondary schools. In her interview with CCFM on 15 September 2008, Debbey Cromhout, the Executive Director of TRAC said they have fixed and satellite science laboratories, as well as mobile laboratories in which a fully fledged physical science laboratory, managed by a very experienced TRAC educator visits  rural schools on a daily basis to take physical science where resources are lacking.

“We focus on the practical component of the physical science curriculum and by using computer technology and sensory equipment complemented by worksheets, we make the practical component of physical science easy to understand by learners,” Cromhout said.
 
When asked how she felt about winning the NSTF Award, Cromhout said that it was “an absolutely amazing experience”. Debbey dedicates the award to a team of “very passionate and hardworking educators.”

Among the highlights of TRAC, Debbey quoted the feedback from a learner: “Wow, today I felt like Einstein”. Another highlight is always the launch of a new laboratory - and of course winning the NSTF Award.

In addition to the 109 000 learners who were exposed to the TRAC programme in 2007, a total 70 000 learners are now benefiting from that programme.

The sky is the limit in terms of TRAC’s physical science ministry.  For more information on the work of TRAC and how to get involved, visit www.trac.sun.ac.za.