More than 100 Grade 7 pupils participate in annual STEM challenge
Budding scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians were invited to participate in the third Mahle School Challenge held in Hillcrest last week.
More than 100 Grade 7 pupils got to experience STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Maths) subjects through challenging project management, design, and building and racing challenges.
Mahle South Africa in association with the Centre for the Advancement of Science and Mathematics Education (CASME), actively promote the fields of maths and sciences by providing better access to quality learning resources, said Mahle communications manager, Jolene van Heerden.
“Through this initiative, Durban learners are being encouraged to experience STEM fields and encourage them to consider it as potential career choices,” she added.
“Learners in Grade 7 participated in this event. Groups of six learners per team collaborated, designed, analysed, manufactured, tested and raced a miniature compressed air powered paper vehicle down a 20m racetrack.
“This challenge inspired learners to use IT (CAD/CAM software) to learn about physics, aerodynamics, design, manufacture, branding and graphics, sponsorship, marketing, leadership, teamwork and apply them in a practical, imaginative, competitive way. Teams were judged on car speed, as well as supporting evidence of their design, verbal presentation, and marketing display stand in the pits.”
The event was held on Thursday and Friday August 24 and 25, at the Hillcrest Primary School and was attended by pupils from Atholl Heights, Durban, Eden, Ekwandeni, Hillcrest, Northdene, Pitlochry, Resmount, St Lawrence, and Vusukukhanya primary schools, as well as IIngede Senior Primary School.
“This multidisciplinary challenge educates learners to develop skills in leadership; collaboration with industry and business partners; entrepreneurship; teamwork and co-operation; citizenship; problem solving and communication; organisation and project management skills,” said Ms Van Heerden.
“The winning primary school will receive money, there are also trophies and medals, automotive gear, technology gear tog bags, headphones, and stationery to be won.”
Pupils said they enjoyed the challenge, learned a lot and had great fun. Annabelle van Heerden said she enjoyed the team building session and design as well as made new friends.
“We had to think on our feet, and it was a bit stressful, but we pulled it off,” she said. “I want to study art, but this was a good experience for me.”
Ngiphiwe Mkhwanazi and Alexandra Houghton said they would consider studying medicine, while Yarshan Kumarasamy said he had enjoyed the experience and learned a lot but was still deciding on which career to pursue.
“We had challenges, but at this year's event was all about girl power – we took over the event and gave the boys a run for their money. People always think only boys are into cars, well so are girls,” Alexandra said.
