Creating excitement in learning physical science

Manxoba Ngwane is a physical science teacher who can’t wait for his learners to do practical experiments at a new science laboratory recently handed over by the Eastern Cape Department of Basic Education.

Phangalele Senior Secondary situated in Ngqeleni in the OR Tambo district will be one of the 100 schools that will use the new laboratory as a hub where they can conduct scientific experiments.

The new laboratory located at the Trinset Education Leadership Institute in Umthatha will cater for schools in the OR Tambo district that will use the facility on a rotational basis.  

The lab was officially handed over by the Eastern Cape Department of Education on Thursday.

Ngwane who teaches Grade 12 is hopeful that the new lab will increase his learner’s pass rate and help learners better understand physical science.

“As a science teacher I noticed that when learners perform practical experiments they get excited to see the chemicals change colour. This harbours a love for science when they see it in action.”

“In the matric class of 2017 we received a pass mark of 52 percent for science learners. With the introduction of this lab I am confident that we could increase our pass mark to 70 percent which will be followed by a 85 percent pass rate in 2019.”

Eastern Cape Department of Education Project Manager Phumzile Mashalaba added that the lab would also give educators confidence when teaching science subjects.

Educators will receive training related to the subject’s practical work and once this is done learners will also be introduced to the practical side of science.

“Setting up this science lab cost the department about R900 000. The lab can accommodate about 60 learners who are performing practical work,” said Mashalaba.

The laboratory has been furnished and fully-equipped to meet the modern day demands of science learners.

The lab is the first of the four to be handed over this week which cost the department about R5 million in investments to make schools user friendly to science learners irrespective of the rural location.

Other laboratories will be opened in Dutywa, Butterworth and King Williams Town.