Science boffins descended on UKZN’s Westville campus for the Great Science Show-Off and an entertaining evening with some of the University’s top scientists.
Held annually in celebration of National Science Week, the show was an extravaganza of experiments and safety tips for students and members of the public.
Experiments conducted included a fire tornado, the effect of liquid nitrogen on marshmallows and boudoir biscuits, combustion, the pH scale and a volcanic eruption, among others.
Curator of UKZN’s Science Centre Dr Tanja Reinhardt (aka Dr T) was joined on stage by Dr Ajay Bissessur (aka Dr B) and Master’s in Chemistry student Mr Kylen Moodley.
Before conducting a series of fun experiments, Dr T, who holds a PhD in Mineralogy from the Ruhr University of Bochum in Germany, reminded the audience that safety comes first. ‘Do not try this at home!’ she cautioned. She highlighted UKZN’s Science Centre and Geology Museum which were created to stimulate interest and awareness in science and technology.
Chemistry lecturer Dr B has spent more than 20 years lecturing in Analytical, Electroanalytical, Inorganic, Industrial and Applied Chemistry at the University. He entertained the audience with an experiment inspired by British adventurer Bear Grylls – starting a fire with a drop of water! He also treated spectators to a homemade perfume (spoiler alert – it reeked of sulphur) and reminded them that one should never give up when experiments (or life) don’t go according to plan.
Decked out in a lab coat, Grade 1 learner Ms Priyali Samuel is a science aficionado. She attends extra science classes at school each week and she travelled to the Science Show-Off to see ‘explosions, colour changes and experiments!’ Her aunt, Ms Pravina Bhujrajh (an educator and UKZN alumnus) confessed that Priyali ensures that holiday trips are postponed if they clash with science class.
Retired educator Dr Maanasa Govender attended the event to create informative content for her YouTube channel – check out the videos here.
If you missed out this year, make sure you attend next year’s Great Science Show-Off to learn while being entertained. One thing is for sure – UKZN science rocks!
