PROGRAMME OPENS NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

October 2026.

2 000 primary school learners in the Northern Cape, are getting the chance to learn science by doing it. From testing food samples to creating mini ecosystems and exploring everyday materials, learners are turning lessons into hands-on experiences as part of a Mobile Science Lab Programme.

Launched in 2024, the initiative, funded by Boikanyo Solar through its Social and Economic Development programme, brings practical Natural Sciences learning to Grade 4 to 7 learners.

“Through the continued support of Boikanyo Solar, the programme is helping bring science closer to young learners and creating learning experiences that can inspire them to question, investigate and understand the world around them,” said Denise Schemel, Eskom Young Scientists Expo Coordinator.

During the first two quarters of 2026, the programme covered a broad range of topics tailored to each grade. Grade 4 learners investigated plant growth and animal habitats before building paper bridges, while Grade 5 learners constructed skeleton models and tested the properties of different materials. Grade 6 learners tested food samples to identify nutrients and explored solubility, while Grade 7 learners investigated ecosystems through terrariums and tested everyday liquids to explore acids, bases and neutral substances.

“Thousands of learners from the seven schools that we are supporting are getting the opportunity to explore science in a practical way. We believe that some of the best learning happens when learners can see, test and experience what they are learning in the classroom,” said Lesego Mosiane, Social Performance Practitioner for Boikanyo Solar.

The value of the programme extends beyond the Natural Sciences curriculum. Through practical activities, learners develop critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication and evidence-based reasoning, skills that are transferable across subjects and essential for continued learning. By grounding scientific theory in real-world application, the programme helps learners understand that science is not confined to a textbook, it is present in the world around them every day.

The programme currently reaches learners across seven beneficiary schools, namely: Vaal Oranje Primary School, Douglas Primary School, Bongani Primary School, Ikageng Intermediate School, Bucklands Primary School, Vaallus Primary School and Aalwayn Intermediate School.