Science is fundamentally an activity-based learning process. However, the majority of educators do not have the resources or the capacity to provide learners with hands-on experience.

Teachers typically carry out most science teaching by means of theoretical presentation or at most a demonstration. To enrich science teaching, Sangari South Africa has combined the latest methodology in the Sangari Life Sciences Lab at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.

The laboratory comprises five components: small-scale science kits, digital science experiment technology, the Sangari iBox with its comprehensive science content and WLAN-connected tablets.

“The Sangari Life Sciences Lab provides an opportunity for learners to carry out experiments in a ‘hands-on’ fashion, providing a more exciting and memorable experience. Through the use of the kits, learners are able to set up experiments quickly, observe experiment results safely and come to scientific conclusions in a practical way,” said Bez Sangari, MD of Sangari SA.

“While traditional experiment techniques are still valid today, there is a strong move towards the use of digital sensors and data loggers. This equipment is now in wide use and the norm at universities and industry. Our learners have, however, never had the chance to see or experience this technology. The Sangari Lab gives everyone the opportunity to be acquainted with the future,” he said.

The Sangari Life Sciences Lab also provides digital teaching resources in the iBox, a complete interactive classroom that enables the teacher to share information and receive feedback from learners in real-time, making learning a ‘measurable outcome’.

Tebogo Gule, COO of Sci-Bono said: “Many, if not most children in Gauteng, come from previously disadvantaged communities with no access to even basic laboratories and equipment, let alone state-of-the-art equipment that will be available at Sci-Bono thanks to this generous donation. We will ensure that thousands of learners and teachers have an opportunity to visit the lab at no cost, maximising the benefit and actual contribution by Sangari.”

The comprehensive subject-matter content in the iBox lets the teacher make presentations; show lessons; and experiment videos; demonstrate phenomena using simulations; provide the necessary digital textbooks; and carry out assessments.

Learners are able to make use of tablet PCs, affording them access to the content on the local server, allowing them to work at their own pace and learn through the medium most suited to them.

“The teaching and learning laboratory has been set up at Sci-Bono demonstrate the effectiveness of combining the excitement of learning through discovery with the power of modern pedagogy and technology,” said Mr Sangari.

About Sci-Bono

The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, Southern Africa’s largest Science Centre supports Science, Technology, Maths and related subjects to help build South Africa’s Science, Engineering and Technology capacity.

Sci-Bono started in 2004 as a partnership between the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and various private sector partners. The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre, where visitors can engage with our collection of interactive Science and technology exhibits and exhibitions, is located in the historic Electric Workshop in the cultural precinct of Newtown, Johannesburg.

The Centre offers a broad programme of Science and Technology events, activities and programmes for the general public and schools. Sci-Bono is one of the most popular leisure and educational destinations in Gauteng.

Sci-Bono is involved in many large departmental programmes to improve teaching and learning in Mathematics, Science and Technology and the integration of digital technology and resources throughout Gauteng’s school system.

Sci-Bono is a non-profit company funded mainly by the GDE. We also receive generous support from corporate donors and other partners: the public and private sectors, industry and the diplomatic community in South Africa.