The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated education systems. Whilst many children were fortunate enough to continue learning, in some form or another during the prolonged school closures, there are millions of schools and children who just don’t have the resources to provide online and remote learning.
Whilst the Science2Go mobile resource centre initiative is built on the idea that school-based practical learning paves the way for deep and meaningful science experiences, the team could not sit back and wait for a return to normality.
Linking up with other education organisations, the CASME team has contributed to the development of a number of Learning at Home booklets for primary school children and also the all important Grade 12 group. The team headed out to distribute these to under-resourced communities to help learners stay engaged and connected to learning. The booklets are available from the CASME website and are free to use and distribute (https://www.casme.org.za/resource-for-teaching-and-learning).
The team also took to mobile messaging apps and social media to keep teachers and learners engaged with science experiment videos and support materials. The videos are designed to use easily-accessible equipment and items from around the home so learners can follow along and do the activities themselves.
To stay in touch you can follow the Science2Go project on its FaceBook page at www.facebook.com/Science2GoSA or CASME at @CASMEZA on all social media platforms.