A group of Grade 7 learners from Masiphumelele are looking forward to showcasing experiments and making their debut at this year’s National Science Expo.
The 20 young scientists, who hail from Ukhanyo Primary School, will representing their school as well as Masicorp at this year’s Eskom Expo for Young Scientists in the coming months, according to Masicorp spokesperson Megan Pringle.
Masicorp is a non-profit organisation based in Masiphumelele that provides education and skills development in the area. It has operated in the neighbourhood for more than 25 years, empowering children, supporting teachers and providing career guidance.
The Science Lab at Ukhanyo Primary is one of three learning labs established by Masicorp. These labs — focusing on maths, English and science — support teachers in enabling learners to improve academic outcomes and spark curiosity.
“These budding scientists have been hard at work in the Masicorp Science Lab, guided by Learning Lab Coordinator Rumbidzai Bayisai as they dive into real-world challenges through research and experimentation,” Pringle said.
The learners will submit projects in environmental studies, sustainable development, plant sciences and social sciences. “We’re proud to explore four exciting topics,” said Bayisai. “It’s wonderful to see the learners so excited about science.”
The group’s standout project, under the Environmental Studies category, sees them investigate whether a family of four can be fed using just one tyre as a vegetable garden.
The learners will submit projects in environmental studies, sustainable development, plant sciences and social sciences. (Supplied) Credit: Supplied 
Ayola Simile, Enkosi Mejeni, Bulumko Bambiso and Afikile Ndikinda working on their science project at the Masicorp Science Lab. (Supplied) Credit: Supplied
“Space is limited in Masiphumelele, and the learners identified this as a community challenge. Their innovative solution: growing spinach in tyres. With generous donations of soil and plants from the Harry Goemans Garden Centre, and tyres provided by Supa Quick on Lekkerwater Road, the learners planted their seeds and seedlings last week and will now monitor and document their progress as part of their project.”
Among the young scientists taking part is Enkosi Mejeni, who said she was inspired by her science teacher to enter the contest.
“Our project is about the process of growing spinach and mixing it with different soils. I pursued this topic because I’m quite interested in agriculture and farming and it’s fun planting and watering the plants every day and watching the progress.
“One of the most challenging aspects of our experiment we came across was the shortage of the soils, but this problem was solved thankfully. Most exciting is planting the spinach and mixing all the soils.”
She said the group’s goal with its science project is to feed families in their communities from the spinach grown and, hopefully, win.
Last year’s Masicorp in-house science fair inspired this year’s participation leap. The learners are receptive to being mentored by a botany specialist with indigenous and alien-plant species.
. For more, or to make a contribution, contact Megan Pringle at 021 785 1923 or email contact@masicorp.org.
