South Africa faces a fundamental and systematic challenge of poor maths and science education, leading to low physical science pass rates at school. This year the challenge is exacerbated by the condensed school calendar which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. We are glad to inform the country that the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) has developed innovative ways to support both the physical science teachers and Grade 12 learners.

The SAIP’s primary goal is to improve physics education and research, develop and nurture the next generation of physicists in South Africa. Physics is a fundamental science that underpins the development of all other science, engineering and technology disciplines. Studying physics imparts transferable quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving skillsthat are valuable in areassuch as medicine, engineering, ICT, Big Data, Artificial Intelligence (AI), astronomy, financial analysis and investment management, among others. If more learners pass and perform well in physics at high school, South Africa will have more science, engineering, and technology human capital skills required for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and Strategic Infrastructure Projects (SIPs). We aim to unlock physics potential to address socio-economic challenges with a view to realise Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for South Africa.

In line with these aims, the SAIP in collaboration with the physics community and support from the Philanthropy Initiative with Employees of Allan Gray will be engaged in the following activities:

Online Teacher Development Workshops

As the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) continues to monitor the ongoing developments related to COVID-19, the institute’s priority is to approach the situation with extreme caution to ensure the health and safety of our members and stakeholders. In view of the COVID developments, the SAIP decided to have its meetings and activities virtually as opposed to the hybrid as planned. Hence, from the 3rd – 7th of May 2021 we are currently running an online Physical Science Teacher Training Workshop for approximately 200 teachers from the Vhembe District in Limpopo Province.

Resources for Grade 12 Physical Sciences Paper 1 Examination Preparation SAIP recognizes that access to data and connectivity for some teachers, learners, and remote schools remains a logistical challenge. Hence since 2020, the SAIP in collaboration with the University of 

Zululand Science Centre supports schools through the following initiatives:
1. Distribution of printed bookletsfor learners and teachers on Essential Skillsfor the Grade 12 Physical Science Paper 1;
2. Distribution of USB memory sticks for teachers with portable document format (PDF) materials and lecturer videos on various physics topics to augment the booklets;
3. Teachers can play videos and review the booklets with learners. The advantage of this method is that teachers can pause or replay at any time;
4. Provision ofsupport to those who have accessto data via online training by working through the distributed materials and discussing examination concepts. The 2021 resources are currently in final stage of completion and details will be shared soon. If you would like to
receive these materials and get further free support and mentoring from physics experts, please contact the SAIP Office.

Get entangled with Physics, let the SAIP amplify your world of science and open the door to endless opportunities!

Press Contacts
1. Dr Eric Maluta – SAIP Council Member on Physics Education: Cell: 061 246 0670
2. Dr Sam Ramaila – Chairperson: SAIP Physics Education Division: Cell: 064 656 6387
3. Professor Azwinndini Muronga– SAIP Ambassador for Physics Education & Teacher Development: Cell: 082 458 4535
4. SAIP Office: Phone 012 841 2655/2401/2627 Email: info@saip.org.za