FUNGI @ FABI
With Joha Grobbelaar and Bianca Hinze
Sci-Enza and the schools of the University of Pretoria's Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences present their science enrichment program for high school learners, for the ninth consecutive year in 2006. A number of learners are selected annually to take part in a three year program (from Grade 10 to Grade 12) which includes Saturday classes once a month and a winter school once a year. In the second year participants spend some time working with researchers from the University in science laboratories on mini-research projects and assisting with "real science". The program is aimed at increasing young people's knowledge of, interest and skills in science. English is the main medium of communication in the UP with Science program. Approximately 50 learners who have a high potential and a keen interest in science are selected each year to participate in the program. While in the program they are exposed to an enquiry-based approach to science. After completing the UP with Science program successfully, candidates who enroll in study programs of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Pretoria will receive free university tuition, provided that they meet the normal admission requirements.
(From the UP with Science website www.upwithscience.up.ac.za)
UP with Science project at FABI and the Department of Genetics
For the 1st half of 2006, six grade 11 students were selected to complete a science project with the Department of Genetics. The aim of the project was to identify fungal species based on DNA sequence data. The students got an opportunity to work ‘hands on’ in the laboratory and gain knowledge on the use of different molecular techniques as well as working with sophisticated equipment. They learnt how to extract, amplify and sequence DNA. Seven species were successfully identified using a gene bank database and all were found to be edible too. Four of the learners wrote a short report on their project and two of the UP with Science learners presented their project at the regional Science Expo at the beginning of September and their project was awarded a bronze medal. Congratulations on a wonderful achievement!!
