Climate change does not only affect people in certain countries, it has an impact on the whole world.

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Science Centre is doing its part to educate students about the grim reality of climate change, befitting the 2019 National Science Week’s theme - “Facing the harsh realities of climate change”.

This annual event, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, is a countrywide celebration of science involving various stakeholders and role players conducting science-based activities. It is funded by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement, and took place from 29 July to 3 August.

Close to 1 400 learners from 24 schools in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District attended the Science Week expo at the Science Centre on the campus in Potchefstroom.

“This year the Science Centre worked closely with the NWU’s Unit of Environmental Sciences and Management to educate learners on climate change,” says Zelda Friesling, senior administrative and financial assistant at the Science Centre.

Learners had a jam-packed week filled with activities such as measuring rainfall, discussions on climate change and frog diversity, as well as presentations on littering. They also received career guidance. “Career guidance is really important – as the subjects these learners choose will determine their field of study after matriculating,” says Zelda.

On the last day of the week the centre organised a mathematics symposium for educators, led by the NWU’s Prof Hercules Nieuwoudt. The symposium was a great success, and 69 teachers from the district attended.

The NWU’s Science Centre is an educational institution that supports schools, teachers and learners who are studying mathematics, science and technology.