The North-West University’s (NWU’s) third annual Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day on 6 August in Kuruman once again brought science out of the laboratory and into the community.

Kicking off the proceedings, NWU astrophysicist Prof Thebe Rodney Medupe led teachers and learners from local schools in a stargazing workshop.

Held on 5 August at Baitiredi Technical High School and supported by Anglo American’s Kumba Iron Ore, the workshop aimed to strengthen science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in the region through a blend of practical engagement and scientific discovery.

Prof Medupe, who is also the deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, opened the evening with an astronomy talk before guiding the telescope-based sky viewing.

“The sight of our young learners craning their necks to peer through a telescope into the galaxies is more than a scientific moment; it is also a spiritual one. It is a moment of hope,” he said.

This was followed by a robotics workshop for teachers, facilitated by the NWU Science Centre. They engaged in hands-on sessions covering programming principles, robotics kits and artificial intelligence applications such as drones and virtual reality.

“The aim of the workshop is to equip educators with foundational knowledge and practical skills in robotics,” said project coordinator Olebogeng Matsheka. “The programme focuses on integrating robotics into the curriculum, understanding programming principles and fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills in learners. This will enable them to feel more confident in using robotics kits and teaching basic coding concepts in their classrooms.”

Teachers also took part in a robotics competition, with prizes and certificates being awarded.

Through the dual lens of telescopes and technology, this prequel to the Vice-Chancellor’s Science Day brought science to life in Kuruman, setting the stage for yet another successful event.

Prof Thebe Medupe started the evening with an astronomy talk and guided a telescope sky viewing.

Local educators enjoyed participating in the robotics workshop.