Inquiry-based training in physics and astronomy for Cape winelands intermediate phase teachers

The Natural Sciences curriculum content taught during the third and fourth school terms was covered in the final training session organized

The training, which included both physics (energy and change) and astronomy (planet Earth and beyond), was attended

Inquiry-based physics for grades 4-7 natural science teachers

A key focus of the physics session was to challenge teachers’ foundational understanding of important curriculum content that spans from the intermediate phase (grades 4-6) through the senior phase (grades 7-9) and into the further education and training phase (grades 10-12). Many teachers expressed discomfort with content they felt was beyond the level they had been teaching for many years. Helping teachers reach a deeper level of understanding can be particularly challenging in subjects like physics and chemistry. The facilitator, Robert Solomon, used the energy and change content of natural sciences—covering electricity, electric circuits, magnetism, electromagnetism, and forces—to build on the teachers’ existing knowledge. He introduced examples with slightly higher levels of complexity. Through practical applications, teachers were guided from simple to complex concepts

Teacher reflections on the physics session:

“As long as teachers who attend the workshop implement what they have been exposed to in terms of the physics activities, we will definitely monitor those who attended the training. These sessions are important for the development of many of the young natural sciences teachers who have attended since the beginning.” [Science Subject Advisor]

Inquiry-based astronomy for grades 4-7 natural science teachers

Andrew Firth began his session

Teacher reflections on the astronomy section:

This project was made possible through a partnership between Advancing Knowledge Non-Profit Company, the Garden Cities Archway Foundation, and the Western Cape Education Department. Organizations and corporations interested in contributing to this initiative, which empowers and builds the capacity of science teachers to create a critical mass of future STEM practitioners, are encouraged to contact the Director of AK NPC, Prof. Shaheed Hartley ([email protected] ), or visit www.skatt.co.za