Friday, 29 July 2011

Explosive Chemistry showcase

Busy preparing octane molecules for next week’s explosive Crazy Chemistry show at the Unizulu Science Centre in Richards Bay are Marty Schwartz and Bongiwe Nzama

Chemistry will come under the microscope next week when Zululand pupils get a front row seat to reactions, bonding and breakdown of atoms and molecules, not normally visible to the naked eye. This as the University of Zululand Science Centre commemorates National Science Week between 1-6 August with exciting and interactive chemistry exhibits and shows to help pupils better understand the subject. With a special highlight on chemical industries, pupils will benefit from an explosive ‘Crazy Chemistry Show’ as well as a career centre visit focusing on the industry. Zululand pupils can also play a variety of chemical elements games, visit some 200 exhibits and meet reptiles from Reptile City. This year has been declared as the International Year of Chemistry by the United Nations in recognition of global achievements of chemistry and its contributions to the wellbeing of humankind. Exactly 100 years ago Marie Curie was awarded with a Nobel Prize in Chemistry, becoming the first person ever to be awarded a second Nobel Prize. In 1903, she shared the Nobel Prize for Physics with her husband, Pierre Curie and Henri Becquerel, becoming the first woman ever to receive the prize.

Empowering
According to Unizulu Science Centre Director Derek Fish, special focus will also be placed on empowering women in science. ‘We will be hosting a Marie Curie theme day, wherein female science students from high schools and tertiary institutions will be bussed in to partake in our specialised programme. Fish said Richards Bay was home to a large chemistry field and there was currently a wider scope for jobs within the chemistry sphere in South Africa. ‘Chemistry is critical to the local and national economy. ‘Currently, cutting edge physics is leaning towards alternative energy and nanotechnology,’ said Fish. The Unizulu Science Centre will also be hosting their annual public Open Day on Saturday 6 August from 9am to 2pm. The fun-filled Science Day promises to be an informative blend of entertainment and education for the entire family - free of charge. Activities include among others, reptile displays, a Sanca narcotics exhibition, acts and craft workshop for children, dynamic science shows, a fire demonstration and over 200 interactive exhibitions to play with and learn from. For further information, contact the Science Centre on 035 7973204.