The Department of Science and Technology (DST), through the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA), recently sponsored a mobile science laboratory for the Science Centre on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng.

The purpose of the mobile laboratory is to assist schools with science experiments, especially those which do not have their own science laboratories and laboratory equipment.

The mobile science lab is equipped with science apparatus and chemicals to enable teachers and learners to conduct prescribed school experiments. The facility will pay daily scheduled visits to targeted schools to conduct hands-on science experiments with the learners, enabling them to understand science concepts through practical work.

“Many rural schools in the North West Province face challenges when teaching mathematics and science, as  they can't perform science experiments in their schools,” says Lerato Molebatsi, the manager of the Science Centre. “This results in learners performing poorly in mathematics and science, and many changing to other subjects because of these challenges.”

“This mobile lab will assist the Science Centre to reach out to schools from disadvantage backgrounds.”

Schools interested in making use of this mobile lab can contact Lerato at lerato.molebatsi@nwu.ac.za or (018) 389 2606 for more information.

Ms Lerato Molebatsi, manager of the NWU’s Science Centre on the campus in Mahikeng, proudly shows off the mobile science lab donated by the DST.