Bridging the marine science/ education divide

Professor George Philander tells learners more about the unique features of the Cape and the reasons why it should be the focus of research and learning, with educators driving the process. Prof Philander holds the Research Chair in Modelling of the Coupled Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Phenomena Related to Climate, hosted by the University of Cape Town (Picture by Penelope Price) (Click to enlarge) Educators from five schools join Thomas Mtontsi, SAEON Egagasini’s Outreach Officer on the helideck of the research ship SA Agulhas (Picture by Hadley Lyners) (Click to enlarge) The educators explore the engine room of the SA Agulhas (Picture by Thomas Mtontsi) (Click to enlarge)

The notion of a camp aimed at bridging the marine science/ education divide was born at a forum meeting of educators from participating schools in the Western Cape.

Each year the enthusiastic members of the Educator Forum meet to decide on a new approach to advance the programme of integrating marine science research into school science programmes.

Science educator champions in the SAEON Egagasini cluster of schools were the first to be given an opportunity to engage with scientists on crucial matters such as global change and its anticipated effects, with specific reference to the role of our oceans in global change.

The Department of Environmental Affairs’ branch Marine and Coastal Management  , which also hosts SAEON’s Egagasini Node, has been integral in its support for this programme by making its facilities and scientists available to teach the next generation more about the fascinating world we live in.