Resource packs bring chemical industry to the classroom

UCT's DST-NRF Centre of Excellence in Catalysis, Sasol and PetroSA have developed a chemical industries resource pack for teachers and learners. Designed to bring chemistry alive in the classroom, the comprehensive learning kit will be distributed to more than 6 000 Grade 11 and 12 physical science teachers at training sessions throughout the country. The pack supports the changes to the Grades 11 and 12 physical science curriculum, which has been reviewed to include a stronger focus on the role of science in industry, technology and the environment. Learners are now expected to engage with chemistry in ways that help them understand its application in the real world.

UCT has worked extensively with Sasol and other industry leaders on this project over the past two years, bringing together its scientists, engineers and educators to document all the chemical processes now included in the chemistry curriculum. The product of this is the Chemical Industries Resource Pack, which will provide teachers with material that is comprehensive and relevant.

The pack includes a teacher's guide with classroom activities and accompanying model solutions, a DVD with animations, video footage and chemical process simulations, and a school research project.

"Working with Sasol on this project has given us a superb opportunity to use our educational and scientific expertise to benefit physical science teachers across the country. The Chemical Industries Resource Pack is being extremely well received by teachers who are participating in our workshops," says Associate Professor Jenni Case, the project's academic co-ordinator.

Sasol's involvement in this project is part of the group's wider strategy of bringing the International Year of Chemistry (IYC) 2011 to South Africa.

The resource pack and all the material is also at www.sasol.com.