Monthly Archives: June 2014
Sentile JSS
Grade 7 – Male (13) Female (11) Total (24)
Grade 8 – Male (12) Female (12) Total (24)
Grade 9 – Male (13) Female (7) Total (20)
Total = 68
We had to wait for 2 hours while the learners wrote a 2 hour paper on Science .This was on a day when the wind chill factor certainly took the temperature down below freezing.
We used our time effectively to cut some grass and attempt to weave it to form a structure for Technology Education. The concept behind this is to allow learners to design a bridge/chair/table using available resources and available technology. Schools in remote locations have wonderful natural resources which can be utilized and is free. The emphasis should be shifted from the cosmetic to the functional so that structures are tested for durability to the point of destruction allowing the learners to discover a number of different properties in their designs. Marks should be allocated to testing as well.
This was a multi-grade class where I found the younger learners being more responsive than the older grades. Looking at the age profiles of the classes it is interesting to see 18-20 year old learners in the same classes as 11-13 in the same grade.
Grade 7 – 17 males and 16 females
Grade 8 – 10 males and 14 females
Grade 9 – 21 males and 12 females
Another good day with a trip of 40 km on dirt roads into a deep rural community. I continue to find learners who are hungry for knowledge and rise to the challenges presented to them. This happens despite limited to no exposure to any forms of technology. There are gems in these communities that can go all the way if giving a small chance.
Grade 8s – 24 males and 25 females
Grade 9s – 25 males and 35 females.
Interesting day at Mvuzo JSS with 60 Grade 9 learners and 49 Grade 8s. What an experience as this school is filled with exceptional learners. From the start there was a connection with the group and many learners were itching to answer questions. There were at least three learners who rose above the rest offering new insights into problems that they were presented with. The more I work with the schools the more I realize the inherent potential of learners if they are given the opportunity to excel.
First school visit accompanied by Mr Mgijima.
– 25 Grade 8s
– 32 Grade 9s
some observations
Despite the languages gaps and natural shyness many learners were willing to interact with me especially on the more challenging issues. I am convinced that given access to more academic resources learners from these types of communities will be able to compete on an equal level with their counterparts from advantaged communities. This intervention is but a small start where it takes a company with vision to invest in the youth. Thanks you Anglo Platinum. You are making a difference in the lives of these learners – and teachers.
The teachers are able to repeat the learning process after we have leave. The hydrogen fuel cell cars have a solar panel to generate hydrogen for the fuel cells avoiding expensive batteries.
The teachers are able to repeat the learning process after we have left. The hydrogen fuel cell cars have a solar panel to generate hydrogen for the fuel cells avoiding expensive batteries.
Checked into Queenstown after 4 hr drive from Port Elizabeth. It was a trip down memory lane as we left here in 1993 after 8 years teaching at Queenstown Girls High.
Equipment is checked and ready to go. Even without a power cable to recharge the I-H2Go it is still possible to recharge using a solar charger. The beauty of the technology supplied by Horizon Fuel Cells
With 4 days to go it looks like a week of rain and muddy roads. Looking forward to seeing a part of SA which is really off the beaten track. Must buy some Wellington Boots.
hope there is enough sun to conduct experiments with solar equipment.
Preparations are underway for the start of the project on Tuesday 17th June 2014.
Looking forward to see the faces of learners as hydrogen is generated through electrolysis and used in various pieces of equipment. It includes the i-H2Go which can be controlled by a smart phone or iPad.
The equipment was delivered in Port Elizabeth on Friday 30 May 2014.