Igniting Passion for Materials Science and Engineering in High School Learners
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The School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering has concluded its 2nd annual Materials Science and Engineering Outreach Programme.
The School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand has concluded its 2nd annual Materials Science and Engineering Outreach Programme. This exciting initiative fosters awareness and appreciation for Materials Science and Engineering among high school learners across Gauteng who are in grades 10 and 12.
The school hosted the inaugural Lab Demonstration and Career Day on the 19th of August 2023. This gathering was a resounding success, connecting 120 students from schools across Gauteng with lecturers, postgraduate students, and undergraduate students in the school. Learners enjoyed the opportunity to interact with professionals in academia and the industry. They also conducted guided experiments that introduced them to the technical side of Materials Science and Engineering.
“Metallurgical Engineering is immensely beneficial in the development of new materials. As a nation, we have a wealth of natural resources available to us; by studying materials science and engineering, students are equipped to develop materials using these resources which will benefit the country and the continent at large,” says Prof Josias van der Merwe, Head of the School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering.
The theme for the 2nd edition of the Poster Competition was "Metallic Materials for a Sustainable Society." Learners were challenged to identify a problem facing their community and use concepts of materials science to develop a sustainable solution, while showcasing creativity and problem-solving skills.
After an initial round of submissions with overwhelming responses, 81 learners and 45 posters were invited to the Wits University campus to present their ideas to a panel of judges, lecturers, postgraduate students, teachers and parents who came to show their support.
The winners of the Poster Competition were:
- 1st Place - Daniel Brown, Alyson Francis & Anderson Naidoo from The King's School Robin Hills, who won R5 000.
- 2nd Place - Tameeka Day Conceicao and Sean Mangwiro from Kenilworth High School, who won R3 000.
- 3rd Place - Mandy Magana from Rietondale High School, who won R1 500
- 3rd Place Runner Up - Tshiamo Mongoengi, Tshinakao Tshukudu, Lebogang Zwane & Uthandiwe Mjangqeka from Randfontein High School, who also won R1 500.
The Materials Science and Engineering Outreach Programme has welcomed the support of Sci-Bridge and Sci-Bono. Sci-Bridge contributed the lesson plan for the Al-Air battery demonstration and some consumables. Sci-Bono provided an ignite talk and career guidance on the field of engineering. A special thanks to Prof. Kim Scott from the Colorado School of Mines for contributing to the lesson plan on the colored glass bead experiment. CHMT looks forward to the continued growth of the initiative.
Website: https://chmtmaterialsscience.co.za/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CHMTMaterialsScienceEngineerin/featured