16 Jun 2014

In an endeavour to inculcate a love for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the US Embassy recently held a parents, students and teachers night for two schools at the University of Botswana. 

The idea was to re-invigorate the interest of students in STEM subjects. In his remarks, Mr Dovas Saulys, an environment, science, technology and health officer at the embassy said in most countries, including the US and Botswana, more boys than girls studied Mathematics and Science.

Mr Saulys said in the brains not brawn world, no one’s brain should be neglected, “there is no good reason a nation should squander half of its natural brain power by excluding women and girls from engaging in Mathematics and Science,” he said.

He stated that it had become increasingly clear that Science and Technology Innovation was key to an individual’s successful future and to a nation’s prosperity. He added a future based on Science and Technology and innovation was universally desired.

“It’s a future that the United States wants for its children and a future that Botswana wants for its children as well,” he said. Mr Saulys explained that the key was to interest children in science at a young age and to be hands on people. 

He said Science was one of those subjects that could be learned simply from school books. “A student must conduct basic experiments and projects can teach the observational and problem solving skills that are critical to the scientific method,” he said.

Meanwhile Motswedi Junior Secondary School’s deputy school head Mr Henry Makgolo said the idea was to cultivate the spirit of innovation and creativity in everyday life, and to help students understand that Mathematics and Science were a way of life.

Students from Marang Junior Secondary School and Motswedi produced the most compelling, exciting, educational and entertaining experiments and projects. They also did some Mathematics and Science quizzes. ENDS