SS Mathematics Issue 07

SCIENCESTARS ISSUE 07

THE PHILOSOPHY OF MATHEMATICS Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

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Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

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CONTENTS CONTENTS

FEATURES

8 1 1 1 2

1

HISTORY OF MATHEMATICS Mathematics is everything Profile Dr Thanyani Daniel Rambane

5

The love of numbers

Careers

7

Maths Centre Maps and Mirrors

1 AIMS Imaginary Event

2 2 3 3 3

7 DST Nanotechnology Equipment 9 DST HySA Launch 1 Prof Mike Greathead Shield 4 Science StarS Puzzle 7 DST Increase in R&D

FOREWORD

the

turn run on mathematics and algorithms.

FOREWORD Mathematics underlies every modern technology Welcome to this special mathematics edition of Science Stars.

Mathematics underlies every modern technology from plumbing to electricity, smartphones to satellites. Its applications are found in every field including economics, health, communications, transport, and energy. Mathematical sciences form the foundation of innovation.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is a crucial ingredient in developing new technologies and growth.

It is not coincidental that humanity’s progress only took off after mathematics began being used to formulate the laws of nature.

This has never been truer than in the 21st century: more and more of the world is run on computers and information, which in

By strengthening access, quality and relevance of mathematical science education and research, countries provide a more skill-intensive route to industrial growth and development. The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is one of the key players in the mathematical field, with five centres on the African continent and over 750 graduates who have either gone on to do PhDs, are working in industry or have become lecturers and teachers.

In this issue you will find out more about the history of mathematics and how mathematicians in Africa have played a role in the development of mathematics. You will also learn about all the career opportunities available with Mathematical Science as the foundation for the ever-expanding investment and career opportunities in Africa.

Prof Barry Green, Director AIMS South Africa

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

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ED’S NOTE

LETTER FROM

THE DEPUTY EDITOR Maths is everywhere.

Managing Editor • Evans Manyonga editorial@sciencestars.co.za Deputy Editor • Shani Rhoda

It is with great excitement that I introduce myself as the newest member of the Science Stars team. I am thrilled to join the world of Maths and Science. I have previously worked at a youth magazine and I enjoy communicating the latest news via print and online platforms. In the year to come, we hope to provide you with all you need to know about pursuing a career in Science.

Entering the world of Mathematics can be a daunting experience. In the challenge of finding X, you lose yourself in a complex series of steps and formulas. However, once the fear of Mathematics is faced, it can be conquered and lead to endless possibilities.

Personally, struggling through Maths made me question its importance after the wooden chairs and chalkboards of high school. I had my doubts as to whether finding the volume of a 3D cube would benefit my journey to work.

After paging through this issue of Science Stars, however, I’ve had an epiphany: Maths is everywhere. It is the cement that builds solid infrastructure; it is the substance that creates chemical reactions and it is even the ingredient that bakes the perfect cake.

I’m sure we’ve all pondered upon the question: “Who invented Maths and was it necessary to make it this difficult?” Dive into the History of Mathematics for a historical perspective on the importance of numbers.

Understand the Pyramids of the Pharaohs using the geometry of triangles and join in on games of Mulabalaba where your estimating skills are tested.

Science Stars has compiled this issue for the love (and fear) of mathematics in the hope of opening the door to a successful future. Read our Careers in Maths page to get you started in transforming the abstract and complicated subject into a life-changing career.

We hope that this issue will be helpful in opening your eyes to the presence of Mathematics in everyday life, as well as encourage you to pursue a career in Maths. Initiatives like the Maps and Mirrors campaign aim to support learner sin their high school subject choices – look out for opportunities like these to ensure that your destiny is fulfilled without any degree changes and unproductive gap years.

Shani Rhoda

Deputy Editor 6

team Science Stars

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

Graphic Designer • Cinzia-Joey Swartz Project Manager • Renata Williams Contributing Writers • Unathi Kondile • Oswald Kucherera • Prof. Mike Bruton • Donovan Goliath Chairman • Madambi Rambuda Public Relations • Bongeka Mnotoza

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FROM CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM A DECADE OF EMPOWERMENT From building schools to supporting black entrepreneurs, from making university study possible for disadvantaged students to providing work experience for young work seekers, Shanduka Foundation strives to develop South Africa’s human potential. Over the last decade, Shanduka Foundation has created opportunities for educational development, career growth and entrepreneurial advancement.

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Adopt-a-School Foundation mobilises companies and individuals to adopt disadvantaged schools with the aim of improving the academic, infrastructural, social and security environment in schools.

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Shanduka Black Umbrellas nurtures qualifying 100% black-owned businesses by providing meaningful access to markets, networks and finance through its small enterprise incubators and online enterprise and supplier development portal.

•

The Cyril Ramaphosa Education Trust provides bursaries to disadvantaged students and organises vacation work in companies in the Shanduka Group.

•

The Shanduka internship programme provides experiential training for selected learners and job seekers within Shanduka Group and across its partner network.

Thanks to the ongoing support of many partners in business, government and civil society, Shanduka Foundation is making a significant impact in the lives of young South Africans.

To find out more about the work of the foundation and its programmes, visit

www.shanduka.co.za/shanduka-foundation

HISTORY

MATHS IS NOT HISTORY Mathematics is everything Written by : Oswald Kucherera

I

f you ask me where mathematics origi-

on to establish the Pythagorean School.

nated, I would proudly answer “Africa”.

Pythagoras contributed to the mathemati-

But first, let me prove this bold claim.

cal theory of music and he used music to help heal the souls of the sick.

Africa is home to some of the greatest mathematicians in history, those of

Let me whisk you away to the great

whom the Zimbabwean writer Dambudzo

Zimbabwean countryside, just outside

Marechera spoke when he said ‘a rat that

Masvingo town, where The Great Zimbabwe

every cat secretly admires’.

monument lies. Built by the Karanga/Shona people, The Great Zimbabwe was erected

The Pyramids of the Pharaohs sing math-

with stones alone, but for centuries has

ematics from their very base foundations

withstood strong winds and heavy rains.

to their tip, and it was the Greek math-

It is one of the great features which show

ematician Thales who was later to use

how magnificently the hands of great

geometry to measure the height of the

mathematicians contributed enormously in

pyramids. Egyptian mathematicians made

laying down the foundation of civilisation

massive contributions towards the early

in Africa.

development of mathematics as the art

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was essential in the efficiency of their

The evidence of the ancient mathemat-

governance. And with the introduction

ics development in Africa includes the

of census and tax payment, mathematics

Lebombo bone, a small piece of fibula of

became a major tool for good governance.

a baboon marked with 29 clearly defined

It enabled the administrators to record the

marks found by the archaeologists in the

value and quantity of things, hence pro-

Lebombo Mountains lying between South

moting accountability.

Africa and Swaziland.

It was during this time that the Greek

The Ishango bone marked with varying

mathematician Pythagoras, best known

tally sequences, discovered in modern day

for his famous Pythagoras Theorem, vis-

Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly

ited the land of the Pharaohs where he

Zaire, is also added to the mountain of

received profound education on mathe-

evidence of the early development of math-

matics, geometry and astronomy proffered

ematics in Africa. Its varying tally sequences

by the Egyptian priests. Armed with knowl-

made it difficult for archaeologists to fully

edge, the knowledgeable Pythagoras went

comprehend how it functioned.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

FEATURE HISTORY

Looking into my journey in life will help us In Africa, various organisations and to learn a few things about development

institutions have been set up across the

of mathematics in the more recent years

continent in an attempt to develop math-

in Africa. I recall my early years of infancy

ematics, with dedicated individuals work-

when we used to meet at a certain central

ing industriously in order to realise those

place to play games such as Mulabalaba.

goals. Such individuals are being, and have

These games demanded good calculat-

been honoured, as we saw in 2003 where

ing and estimating skills. There were not

young promising mathematicians were

merely intended for aimless entertain-

acknowledged.

ment but to provide mental exercise and

These awards are organised by African

sharpen our young malleable minds in the

Mathematics Union (AMU) and the

art of mastering numbers.

International Conference of Mathematical Sciences (ICMS). Individuals from field

It was also interesting how various events

varying from Mathematical Physics,

were used to define time. Though most of

Applied Mathematics and Statistics

these events are currently relegated to the

were honoured with medals. In crafting

most remote areas, they used to be instru-

their most important document titled

ments of measuring time in the daily lives

“Mathematics in Africa” requested by the

of Africans. Some of these instruments are

John Templeton Foundation, AMC invited

thing and everything is mathematics”.

still widely known even in the metropoli-

experts with experience in primary, sec-

The universe itself is governed by mathe-

tan centres whereas some have shrivelled.

ondary and tertiary mathematics to weave

matics.For instance, the earth speed is fixed

together this document which maps the

at 300 000 km/sto maintains its gravity and

They were over-taken by events in the

path forward in the development of math- position inspace.

evolution and development of mathemat-

ematics.

ics. And these are the sun, the moon, the

Have you ever wondered what would hap-

shadow, the crow of the cockerels to men-

Last but not least, maths remains the one

pen if its speed increased or decreased?

tion a few. For instance, you see your full

and only language that can be spoken by

Without maths how will you explain and

shadow in the morning, it shortens during

all humans. The pastors sing it when vers- measure love, anger, music, heat or cold.

the day and lengthens again in the eve-

ing and chaptering their biblical presenta- Without maths there will be no 24 hour

nings. But the interpretation of the mean-

tions. The doctors use it to give medical

ing of these varied from place to place

dosages to the sick patients and the hunt- hour Sunday to delay the tedious unpopular

mainly because of what a South African

er uses maths to share the game. In the

writer Sello Duiker termed “a fruit salad of

words of Albert Einstein, the great German to herald that mathematics was, is and

cultures and languages”.

American scientist: “Mathematics is every-

day and you may as well wish for a 100 Monday. It is the very mission of this article shall always be.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

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3527

“

At my math and science. And it paid off.

SANRAL’s scholarship programme is helping me to pay for my schooling to pave the way for my success.

”

Seokedzi Mothokwa is just one of the 179 learners that SANRAL’s scholarships from 2012-2013 is helping to realize his dreams of doing well and going on to study at university.

It’s an investment for us, for him and for our country. Who knows what he may become – but we know that better education means more opportunities, and that means a better nation for us all.

www.sanral.co.za | 0800 SANRAL (726 725)

DR RAMBANE FEATURE

MATHS IS A LANGAUGE Reach for the stars

By : Francis Hweshe

classmates, he was promoted from standard three to standard five. And later on in his life, he would finish his PhD in Mathematics in record time.

Now 50-year-old Dr. Rambane says, “Once I focused on Maths, I realised that this is what I wanted to do”.

He was not good at number crunching; he was a rabble-rouser across all the subjects.

In fact, he dominated his classes for the most part of his primary and secondary

Dr. Thanyani Daniel Rambane

school days. He was only beaten to the first

W

spot once, when he was in form three.

hen Dr. Thanyani Daniel

imagine the golden generation of hard

Rambane was only two years

working black students born in the 1960s

Dr. Rambane had turbulent days in primary

old, polio attacked him. Before

who punched above their weight in the

school, which forced him to initially enroll

he could reach the age of eight, he was

middle of the political unrest, immersed

in Soweto where he was born, but due to

attacked again. But his disability was not

themselves in the black consciousness

polio, which attacked him twice by the time

an inability. This was not an excuse for not

movement of the 1970 but yet took plea-

he was seven years old, his father decided

reaching for the stars.

sure in learning. They did not allow the

to send him to Venda where he would con-

circumstances of the day to be a barrier

tinue with his studies there.

Meeting him at his office in Pretoria, it

for their dreams or their future.

was like meeting a regular gentleman.

Due to his preserved disability, a decision

Probably that is an understatement; he is

During his schooling days, and before

was made that he attend a special school,

a humble, thoughtful yet cheerful A-list

he could be called Dr. Rambane, he out-

but being “a regular guy with regular

mathematics genius.

matched with his classmates. To save his

friends”, he ran away from that school in

When one hears him speak, one starts to

time and less envy and anxiety among his

order to go to hang out with his friends at

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

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DR RAMBANE

a regular school.

addition, he was a chess captain and mas-

At that time, due to the Soweto Uprisings,

ter debater. He is still a big fan of table

he had transferred to Venda without fin-

tennis, something he cultivated growing

ishing standard three. Upon enrolling in

up.

Venda, they made him repeat standard three, but due to his genius, in a single

After Matric, he enrolled at the Medical

year of hard work, he was promoted to

University of Southern Africa (Medunsa),

standard five.

but dropped out after a year because medicine was not his calling.

Dr. Rambane says his high school days were a breeze as he snatched top marks

In pursuit of his dream, he then enrolled

in all subjects. In fact, when he wrote

at the University of Venda for a BSc in

Matric, he obtained a flawess mark of one

Maths, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

hundred percent in Maths. But that year,

In his second year, he decided to discard

the paper leaked and they were forced to

biology and in the third year dropped

rewrite it. This time around, despite know-

chemistry in line with what he wanted to

failed the subject.

ing all the answers, “I deliberately left

achieve.

But the failure inspired him to rewrite the

the last question worth about five marks

subject and he passed, graduating with his

unanswered,” to avoid getting hundred

In his third year, he discovered that phys-

Bsc degree and further went on to do an

percent.

ics was becoming harder, such that in

Honours Degree in the subject.

order to pass it, he focused more on the

Despite the racism of the time, he enrolled

Dr. Rambane was not just an academic

subject and less on Maths which was his

at the University of Potchefstroom which

genius; he loved sport, hence he was

favourite subject.

was “in transition” to study for his PhD in

referred to as the “minister of sports”. His

Maths.

job was organizing sporting activities with

In his final year, Maths became even

other schools from across the country. In

harder and for the first time in his life, he

12

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

But Maths was taught in Afrikaans.

DR RAMBANE FEATURE

Unmoved at an Afrikaans university he

ing and development officer at Statistics

He also believes that the current crop of

insisted on getting the notes in Afrikaans”.

South Africa. He has been with the organ-

teachers teaching Maths were not the

In the library he found a book, which could isation for the last four years. His duties

brightest in the subject and do not find

translate Afrikaans to English. He then

involve travelling across the country train-

teaching a respectable profession.

used it to translate all the Afrikaans Maths

ing the entity’s staffers.

“When I teach Maths now, I tell people that

formulas into English.

Maths is a language that tries to explain Previously, he was a lecturer at Tshwane

physical phenomena,” he highlights.

In the end, his translations were then bor-

University of Technology (TUT) in the

rowed by his Afrikaans lecturer as a blue

Maths Department for three years. Before

Dr Rambane dons his trademark silver

print to teach English speaking students.

then, he worked for 14 years in a similar

dreadlocks and loves reggae music. He even

department at the University of Venda.

believes that in the composition of this

In his third year, his lecturer even asked

music, Maths is applied.

him to teach applied Maths to Afrikaans

His advice to students is that they should

Honours students. “I taught them in

not allow themselves to be told by teach-

For him, Maths is applied in our every day

English,” he says.

ers that Maths is a difficult subject.

living. Instead of fearing the subject, he

When his lecturer went for a sabbatical

He believes that even if one aims to be a

tude and embrace the subject due to the

in the United States, he continued study-

musician in life, it is better to “sing with

opportunities that are available.

ing instead of taking a break like other

Maths in your head” than to regret or miss

students.

opportunities later in life due to a failure

believes students should change their atti-

in the subject.

True to form, he was the first student to finish his PhD Degree in Maths in about

“Nobody should dictate to young people

three and half years, setting a record at

that Maths is difficult. Don’t listen to

the university.

teachers who say Maths is difficult,” he

Currently Dr Rambane is the chief train-

adds.

His philosophy is: “A fact will remain a fact even if it is ignored”.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

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CAREERS IN MATHS

CALCULATING A CAREER IN MATHS The love of numbers

I

s your love of numbers, equations and

Written by : Shani Rhoda

the way money is accumulated, managed

understanding of the financial language.

solving problems steering you towards a and spent, a career in finance relies on career in Maths but you’re not sure how

to apply your passion to an everyday job?

Maths, even in abstract forms, is present

a strong mathematical foundation. Add

With the recent advancements in the field

the love of numbers to the principles of

of Nanotechnology, you might want to con-

accounting and you might have a future as

sider a career as a nanotechnology engi-

a chartered accountant.

neering technician.

in all industries – including the obvious finance and engineering industry, the med- Maths often exists as an interdisciplinary

The above-mentioned careers are

ical field and in the ever-advancing cyber

field of study. When you add biology to

world of technology.

maths and divide your passion between

merely a fraction of the sum of all

What steps should you take when you cal-

the natural world and the abstract world

the possibilities that exist in the

of numbers, you get the sum of biomath-

equation of life. The best way to

culate the profits and losses of the various ematics.

choose your career paths in Maths

career paths in Maths? Science Stars has

This career will require you to model

compiled a brief guide to entering the

natural and biological processed using the

is to decide where your pas-

world of Maths to ignite your numerical

problem-solving skills that mathematical

sion lies – whether it’s Finance,

genius.

techniques possess.

Engineering, Technology or

Maths is all about the step-by-step appli-

Futuristic thinkers might find a career

cation of problem solving skills, and

as a robotics engineer interesting. This

we suggest you take this mathematical

career combines Maths, Engineering and

approach to summing up your options.

Computer Science to design and produce

The most obvious career in Maths would

robots. If the thought of creating metallic-

be, well, a Mathematician. The job speci-

skinned humans does not appeal to you,

fications? Solve problems using numbers,

you might want to explore more options.

Biology – Maths is sure to solve your career problems.

data, structure, space, quantity and models.

Sound a bit daunting? Keep reading for

Next up, we have more options in the

more options.

world of Engineering. Agricultural, Architectural, Automotive, Biochemical,

The other inevitable link to mathemat-

Chemical, Electrical and Energy

ics is the field of finance. Involved with

Engineering all rely heavily on a good Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

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DST

SOUTH AFRICA SEEKS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH SOCIAL CHANGE The forefront of innovation platform for scientists and engineers from

intensive activities.

all over the world to gather and reflect on the current status of, and developments in

“Over the past twenty years we have built a

advanced materials, with a focus on prac-

system that connects local government, big

tical applications.

business, start-up entrepreneurs, venture capital, research organisations, higher edu-

“South Africa is now at the forefront of

cation institutions, further education and

innovative programmes to provide decent

training colleges, and Sector Education and

service delivery to impoverished communi-

Training Authorities (SETAs).”

ties,” said Pandor, citing a sanitation proj-

Human capital development was also high

ect underway in Cofimvaba in the Eastern

on the government’s economic growth

Cape that has attracted international

agenda, as more and more students, espe-

interest from respected partners such as

cially black females, are encouraged to

the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The

choose science, engineering and research

project aims to solve sanitation problems

careers.

T

in this rural area by using alternative tech-

Another project, the wireless mesh net-

drive innovation;

can help solve some of the most critical

work, brings Internet connectivity to rural

• Global scientists and engineers gathered

social problems facing the world today.

areas in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and the

at the International Symposium;

Northern Cape, narrowing the digital

• Programmes aimed at improving service

Speaking at 7th International Symposium

divide and enabling micro-enterprise

delivery;

on Macro- and Supramolecular

development in poverty-stricken areas.

• International interest is drawn to South

Architectures and Materials Gala Dinner in

Pandor added that government had

Africa’ s impoverished communities;

Johannesburg, the minister said the South

worked hard over the past 20 years to

• Improved sanitation and narrowing digital

African government had taken the lead in

connect knowledge generation to econom-

divide can aid innovation;

creating an innovation system to benefit

ic development. One of the government’s

• Research and entrepreneurial start-ups

its people.

main post-1994 goals has been to shift

are supported;

South Africa’s over-reliance on a resources

• Efforts made to draw females to the stud-

economy to value-adding and knowledge-

ies of science, engineering and research.

he Minister of Science and

nologies.

Technology, Naledi Pandor, says investing massively in innovation

The International Symposium acts as a

16

Highlights: • Social problems need to be addressed to

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

MAPS AND MIRRORS

MAPS AND MIRRORS A Journey for Learners in Grades 7-9

M

aths Centre, a non-profit organ-

As part of this project, the Maths Centre

isation funded by external

Maths. We wish to demystify this notion by

has staged the Maps and Mirrors Advocacy donors, hosted the first ‘Maps and Campaign. This campaign aims to create Mirrors’ advocacy campaign for the Shell awareness for learners – starting as early

exposing them to fun Maths and Science

Rally to Numeracy Project in the Karoo on

as grade 7 - to understand how industry,

Maps and Mirrors

Thursday, 4 September 2014.

business and schools are linked with the

The Aim

activities on the day.

goal of shaping their futures.

This primary school intervention project

The aim of the Maps and Mirrors Advocacy

benefited 7 schools and was made possi-

Learners are encouraged to take a look

Campaign is to prepare senior phase learn-

ble by generous funding from Shell South

in the “mirror”–paying attention to their

ers for FET by assisting grade 9 learners

Africa. The project was officially launched

strengths, abilities and interests - and

with making the correct subject choices.

in February this year. Teacher development then use these as a basis to create a “map” and learner progression are two pillars of for their lives. Maps and Mirrors is, in a

The campaign will also introduce learners

the Maths Centre intervention model.

sense, a replacement for the traditional

study institutions as well as opportunities

career counselling and information days

in the world of work.

to the programmes that exist at tertiary

by providing a more holistic programme

Other key objectives of the project are:

for learners to engage with their future

• To ensure the Maths curriculum is cov-

Furthermore, this campaign also aims to

ered in each grade,

assist grade 9 learners in making the right

careers.

• Identifying teacher gaps and improving

subject choices for grade 10. May mistak-

teachers’ conceptual as well as content

enly select Maths Literacy as they perceive

knowledge in Maths.

pure Maths to be difficult, not realising the great long-term benefits of pure

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

17

MAPS AND MIRRORS

The Concept Maps The aim is to help learners map out their journey towards achieving a good Matric pass by: - Providing career guidance - Goal setting and planning - Encouraging time management - Advice on drawing up a study plan - Study tips for successful results - Exposing learners to fun Maths

Science activities Mirrors The focus is on developing leadership skills as well as achieving personal development: - Knowing ‘Who am I�

- How to do self-assessment - Motivational inserts like videos, etc.

- Health and wellbeing - My personal development plan The event was well attended by both teachers and learners from various schools as well as local stakeholders.

18

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

INSTITUTIONS

INSTITUTIONS Mathematics

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA (UNISA) Applied Mathematics and Statistical Science Admission Requirements: 360 Credits.

National Senior Certificate (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning Mathematics with at least 50% Students will be streamed into the Extended Programme depending on their Academic Point Scores (APS).

Bsc Mathematical and Statistical Science Admission Requirements:

Admission Requirements: Language of Teaching and Learning 4 (50-59%)

Physical Science or Life Science

4 (50-59%)

Bsc Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics Admission Requirements:

5 (60-69%)

Physical Science or Life Science

Mathematics 5 (60-69%)

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN (UCT)

4 (50-59%)

Another Language 3 (40-49%) Mathematics

Bsc Applied Mathematics and Mathematical Statistics

Other Languages 4(50-59%)

UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE (UWC)

Eng HL/AL

UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG (UJ)

4 (50-59%)

NSC, FPS of 420 Mathematics 70% & Physical Science 60% NBT in Mathematics, AL & QL to be written

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

19

AIMS

IMAGINARY EXHIBITION AND WORKSHOP

T

he first ever IMAGINARY Exhibition and Workshop held in Africa, was hosted at AIMS South Africa in

Muizenberg from 5-7 November 2014.

The event was organised by the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences - Next Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI), IMAGINARY and the Mathematisches Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach in Germany.

The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) is a pan-African network of centres of excellence for postgraduate education, research and outreach in math-

Matt, a representative from IMAGINARY

ematical sciences. Its mission is to enable

said, “we are very excited to be hosting

Africa’s brightest students to flourish as

“Experiencing Mathematics”.

this exhibition in Africa for the first time. independent thinkers, problem solvers and It is also the first time that the exhibition innovators capable of propelling Africa’s is being combined with a workshop to

A Science Slam event titled “From the Big

future scientific, educational and economic share ideas and plan future scientific and self-sufficiency. educational public engagement/outreach

Philip Southey from UCT, Justine Nasejje

IMAGINARY is an interactive travelling

activities with peers in Africa on maths

Stellenbosch University. All three talks were

exhibition curated by the Mathematisches

communication.”

very interesting and Philip was announced

Forschungsinstitut Oberwolfach. It pres-

The Director of AIMS South Africa, Prof

as the winner.

ents visualisations, interactive installa-

Barry Green, welcomed everyone to the

tions, virtual realities, 3D objects and

opening and said, “we are very proud to

The goal of the IMAGINARY workshop

their theoretical background in algebraic

be hosting this exhibition in our cen-

was to showcase interactive mathematics

geometry and singularity theory, in an

tre. Our students, local school children,

learning tools, to work on dedicated activi-

attractive and understandable manner.

students from local universities and the

ties for Africa, and to jointly plan future

Demonstrations for all audiences provide

public are able to experience the unique-

activities. Participants in the IMAGINARY

insights into the theoretical background.

ness of this exhibition.” The exhibition

workshop shared experiences and chal-

Bang to the Brain” took place on Friday 7 November at 2pm. The participants were from UKZN and Savannah Nuwagaba from

featured extraordinary images and 3D

lenges in presenting and applying math-

Learners from Muizenberg High,Windsor

prints, and visitors had the opportunity

ematics internationally with a focus on the

High School, Fish Hoek High, Rustenburg

to talk to mathematicians, watch fasci-

African continent. Participants were able to

Girls, Cape Academy and COSAT attended

nating movies, be creative at interactive

network with AIMS, IMAGINARY/MFO rep-

the event. Students from UCT, UWC, SU

computer stations and create their own

resentatives, and other partners in the field

and CPUT also visited the exhibition.

mathematical artwork! The exhibition also

of mathematics and sciences; and together

included a series of hands-on exhibits

they planned outreach activities in various

from the UNESCO mathematics exhibition

African countries.

At the opening of the event, Dr Andreas

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

21

AIMS

22

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

TIME TABLE

TIME TABLE 12 x 12 time table, fill in the missing numbers.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

23

There are boundless opportunities when you consider a career in space.

REMOTE SEN SIN

Y ENGINEER C EN

SPACE WEA TH

RADIO FREQ U

NS TECH TIO NI A C ER

N IA

SATELLITE O P

However you look at it, there is SPACE for you!

G

CHER SEAR E R

ORECASTER F ER

WeWe useuse communication communication satellites satellites every every dayday when when we we watch watch Digital Digital Satellite Satellite television television (DStv), (DStv), access access thethe internet internet or use or use ourour cellcell phones. phones.

Navigation Navigation apps apps useuse GPS GPS satellites satellites to accurately to accurately steer steer youyou to to your your requested requested destination. destination.

Spacecraft Spacecraft areare launched launched intointo space space on rockets on rockets andand need need to be to be monitored monitored along along thethe way. way.

SANSA SANSA provides provides launch launch support support andand recently recently assisted assisted twotwo Mars Mars launches launches – NASA’s – NASA’s Mars Mars Science Science Laboratory Laboratory andand India’s India’s Mars Mars Orbiter Orbiter Mission.

Mission.

Weather Weather in space in space cancan damage damage satellites satellites andand interfere interfere withwith ourour technology technology likelike GPS, GPS, cellcell phones phones andand internet. internet.

SANSA SANSA keeps keeps a a close close eyeeye on on space space weather weather to protect to protect ourour technology technology in in space space andand on on Earth.

Earth.

Images Images from from satellites satellites areare used used to develop to develop maps maps andand monitor monitor natural natural disasters disasters likelike floods floods andand droughts. droughts.

South South African African National National Space Space Agency Agency

Tel +27 Tel +27 12 844 12 0398 844 0398 | Fax| +27 Fax 12 +27844 12 0396 844 0396 Email Email information@sansa.org.za information@sansa.org.za | Website | Website www.sansa.org.za www.sansa.org.za

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

25

DST

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DEMYSTIFIED AT DST IMBIZO A career in science

S

aturday, 15 November 2014, was an

science involves. Acknowledging South

The event was attended by the Department

important day in the lives of the

Africa’s importance on the global develop-

of Home Affairs which processed applica-

Ulundi community in the Zululand

ment of science and technology, Minister

tions for identity documents and social

District Municipality. The community

Pandor highlighted the collaboration

grants. The Departments of Basic Education,

members and learners of KwaZulu-Natal

between South Africa and Australia in the

Higher Education and Training, as well as

town had the opportunity to attend the

Square Kilometre Array project.

Social Development were also present at

interactive Department of Science and

the imbizo. This joint effort was taken as a

Technology (DST) imbizo held at the Old

Some of the entities that attended the

step to promote studies in the faculties of

Legislature Building.

exhibition and showcased their work

science and technology, furthermore mak-

include the National Zoological Gardens,

ing this a possibility to the learners of the

The exhibition was led by Naledi Pandor,

the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy

Ulundi community.

Minister of Science and Technology, and

Observatory and the UniZulu Science

Deputy Minister, Zaneleka Magwaza-Msibi.

Centre.

Aiming to create a channel through which the government can communicate and

Deputy Minister, Zaneleka Magwaza-Msibi,

interact with the public, the imbizo and

linked the country’s potential economic

exhibition provided the youth with the

development to the improvement of agri-

essential information for a career in sci-

culture. Long-term sustainability of natural

ence.

resources needs to be practiced while developing the agriculture sector and con-

Along with the factual aspects, the exhibi-

nections need to be made between local

tion also provided learners with practi-

communities, government and corporate

cal demonstrations of what a career in

entities to ensure equal opportunities.

26

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

DST FEATURE

MINISTER UNVEILS R17M NANOTECH EQUIPMENT Increase, develop and enhance

S

outh Africa’s Minister of Science

The availability of the TOF-SIMS will

Along with the programme came the

and Technology, Naledi Pandor, had

reduce South Africa’s dependence on other

establishment of modern research facili-

recently introduced modern nano-

countries for research, at the same time

ties in the field, as well as the Centre for

technology research equipment to the

improving the research and training in the

High Resolution Transmission Electron

country. The equipment, worth R17 mil-

country.

Microscopy based at Nelson Mandela

lion, was unveiled at Rhodes University

As South Africa’s research skills improve,

Metropolitan University in Port Elizabeth.

in Grahamstown and is to be used by the

the skills shortages will be addressed and

various departments of the university.

this will lead to an increase in competency

Nanotechnology research facilities are not

in the field of research.

the sole success of the field. In addition to the research chairs and formal teaching

Although the equipment is stationed at Rhodes University, it is used by vari-

The 2005 National Nanotechnology

programme, there have been 1 100 articles

ous other universities in the country,

Strategy had met and the technol-

published in peer-reviewed journals, 170

The Council for Scientific and Industrial

ogy goals set out in the 2002 National

postgraduate students, 20 patents have

Research, Mintek, as well as other coun-

Research and Development Strategy, and

been filed and the near future hopes to

tries including Kuwait, Turkey and China.

had also succeeded in strengthening the

hold the introduction of South African nan-

Researchers in the fields of pollution

South African governments focus on the

otechnology-enhanced to the market.

treatment, green chemistry, forensic sci-

industrial sector.

With the increasing amount of resources

ences, biotechnology, energy and sustainable development find the Time-of-Flight

South Africa is quickly becoming one of

put into the development of nanotechnol-

Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (TOF-

the leaders of nanotechnology research

ogy, this form of engineering at the molecu-

SIMS) useful in their development strate-

worldwide thanks to the National

lar scale is soon to be a massive sector of

gies.

Nanotechnology Equipment Programme.

research and production.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

27

SCIENCESTARS “Shaping Our Youth”

“Share Your Thoughts” /sciencestars.faceb.co.za

@ScienceStars2

www.sciencestars.co.za

info@sciencestars.co.za

DST FEATURE

DST LAUNCHES HYDROGEN FUEL Cell power generator

T

he Department of Science and

Innovation Strategy (HySA).

Technology (DST) has joined forces with a South African technology

The generator will make use of both hydrogen and fuel cells to produce electricity,

The project aims to use local resources to

and the hydrogen will store this energy and

company, Hot Platinum, to create a 2,5kW

further knowledge on the topic, and to aid

converts it to its useable form.

fuel-cell power generator in Cape Town.

the development of sustainable activities in hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies.

The unit will be launched at the Cape

South Africa is synonymous to innovation in terms of the global advancement of science

Flats Nature Reserve, situated on the

The hydrogen fuel-cell power generator

and technology. The increased emphasis on

University of Western Cape (UWC) campus

serves two main purposes: it will reduce

these fields, and the improvement of the

in Bellville. The initiative forms part of

the country’s dependence on imported

necessary skills, might lead to the econom-

DST’s National Hydrogen and Fuel Cell

oil, and it will reduce the greenhouse gas

ically-beneficial role of hydrogen and fuel-

Technologies Research, Development and

emissions which cause global warming.

cell technologies in the country.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

29

DST

GALLERY

30

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

PROF MIKE BRUTON FEATURE

SOUTH AFRICAN INVENTOR WITH TUNNEL VISION The Greathead Shield

Written By : Prof Mike Bruton

running beneath the Thames River between 1825 and 1843. This project, which ended in disaster and lead to the loss of 10 lives, had been extremely costly and progressed slowly.

In 1867, Peter Barlow proposed, as a relief for London’s increasingly congested road traffic, that a system of underground railways in ‘tubes’ should be constructed using shields and lined with cast iron segments.

However, no contractor could be found to undertake the work, mainly due to memories of the tragic loss of life in Brunel’s tunnel. Greathead, then only 24 years old,

J

courageously tendered for the construction

ames Henry Greathead, one of South

His most famous inventions were the

of the shafts and tunnel using his newly

Africa’s greatest early engineers, was

‘Greathead Shield for Underground

devised cylindrical wrought iron tunnelling

born in Grahamstown in 1844. Born

Tunneling’ (1869) and the ‘Greathead

shield. He won the contract and construc-

as the grandson of an 1820 Settler, he

Grouting Machine’ (1891), which were

tion on the Tower Subway began in 1869. It

was educated at St Andrew’s College in

extensively used for the development of

was opened in 1870 - the first underground

Grahamstown, Diocesan College (Bishop’s)

the underground railway system in central

tube railway in the world.

in Cape Town and Westbourne College

London, Liverpool and elsewhere in the

School in London.

United Kingdom. He essentially invented

Greathead’s shield was effectively a sleeve

the equipment that was used to burrow

as large as the tunnel, which, as the exca-

Greathead relocated to England in 1859 at the tunnels for the London Underground.

vation proceeded, was forced ahead to act

the age of 15 years where he was appren-

both as a ring shaped cutter and a protec-

ticed to the famous British Engineer, Peter

The Greathead Shield was an innovative

tion for the workmen. It moved forward

Barlow, and became extensively involved

adaptation of a tunneling shield invented

in one piece, unlike Brunel’s large and

in the development of the new traction

by the legendary French-born British

unwieldy rectangular shield, which had to

and eventually electric underground rail-

engineer, Marc Brunel. This invention was

be dismantled every time it was moved and

way network in London.

used in the construction of the first tunnel

weighed over 120 tons..

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

31

PROF MIKE BRUTON

The Greathead Shield was inched forward

tion by Greathead. He patented many of

as the working face of the tunnel was

his improvements to tunnel engineering,

excavated, while behind it a permanent

including the use of compressed air and

Greathead’s tunnelling shield solved both

tunnel lining of cast iron rings was fit-

forward propulsion by hydraulic jacks, both

the problem of expensive, slow and danger-

ted into place, also an important innova-

of which are now standard features of tun-

ous tunnelling under rivers and the prob-

nel construction worldwide.

lem of disruptive construction by cut and cover methods of underground railways in cities.

Later, Greathead was the resident engineer on the City & South London Railway (now part of the Northern Line), the world’s first underground electric railway which was established in 1890. As a result of the electrical expertise he developed on this railway, he was then appointed as the Joint Engineer on the Liverpool Overhead Railway, the first overhead electric railway in the world. Greathead worked with many famous British engineers, including Sir Douglas Fox, W.R. Galbraith, Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, all of whom respected and admired his innovative work.

At the time, he was known as “the practical author of the great London Tube Railway”.

Greathead died of cancer in London in 1896 at the age of 52 years, and is commemorated by a 3-metre tall bronze statue by James Butler, unveiled by the Lord Mayor of London next to the Royal Exchange in 1994.

The recent refurbishment of Bank Stationled to the discovery of a section of the original Greathead Shield, found adjacent to the Waterloo & City Railway. This section has been refurbished, and a brass plate was erected as a further memorial to the extraordinary achievements of this great South African inventor.

32

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

MATHS FACTS

11

“Maths anxiety” is a phenomenon that makes people perform badly at maths simply because they tend to avoid the subject due to the negative stigma attached to Maths

10 9

1

If you write out pi to two decimal places, when you flip it backwards it spells “pie”

2

The signs + and – were used as early as 1489 A.D.

The = sign was invented by Welsh Mathematician, Robert Recorde

In a room of just 23 people there’s a 50% chance that two people have the same birthday

MATHS FACTS

3

Zero is the only number that can’t be represented in Roman numerals

8

The easiest way to remember the value of Pi is to count the number of letters in each word in “May I have a large container of coffee’

7

Four is the only number in the English language with the same number of letters as the number itself

6

A clock never showing right time might be preferable to the one showing right time twice a day

4

555 is used by some in Thailand as slang for “hahaha”, because the word for “five” is pronounced “ha”

5

Among all shapes with the same perimeter a circle has the largest area

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

33

SUDOKU Â 12/11/14 Â

PUZZLE

SUDOKU

Each horizontal, vertical and 3 x 3 square should contain all the numbers from 1 to 9 , with no repeats.

2 4

9 7

1

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

DOWN

1. What is used to measure angles?

2

2. What is the name of the manual calculating device which consists of beads?

1

3. If the real part of a complex number is zero, then what would you say about the complex number?

4. Expressing the equality of two ratios is called?

2

5. Which traingle are all three sides and all three angles congreuent?

6. What is the name of the longest side of a right angle triangle?

3

4

3

6 5

ACROSS 1. What is this symbol called (%) ?

2. What do you call lines that intersect a

4

single point?

7

3. What is the term given to the perimeter around a circle?

4. What is the bigger number, a googal or a billion?

5. If the absolute value of a numerator

6

is less than the absolute value of the denominator, then the fraction is?

6. Is it possible to draw a triangle with two obtuse angles?

7. How many straight lines can pass through a point?

5

34

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

ASTRO QUIZ ANSWERS

ASTRO QUIZ

?

Round 3 answers

1 The reason why we have day and night on Earth is due to the

7 What is the popular name for the robot geologist that NASA use

__________

for exploration on Mars?

2. Rotation of the Earth

4. Rovers

2 Who was the first astronaut to perform a spacewalk in March 1965?

8 Which of the following will you NOT find in our Solar System?

2. White Dwarf 9 Which of the following statements is true about a comet’s tail?

2. Alan Shepard 3 Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space orbited the Earth once in 1961. Two years later, the first woman in space orbited our planet …

3. Always trails behind the comet 10 Why the Moon is not considered a planet? It is because 3. It orbits the Earth 11 If your age on Earth is 14 years, how old will you be on planet

3. 48 times 4 A combination of the following factors causes the Moon to

Venus?

appear the same size in the sky as the Sun.

3. More than 14 Venusian years 12 How was Pluto discovered?

1. Its size and distance from the Earth 5 An astronomical event that occurs twice each year as the Sun reaches its highest or lowest excursion relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere is called a/an________ 6 If your weight on Earth is 50 kg, what would your approximate weight be on the Sun and on the Moon?

ASTRO QUIZ

on two successive nights in 1930, seeing shifts in a point of light

TIE BREAKERS

1. Solstice

4. 1353 kg (Sun) and 8 kg (Moon)

3. By Clyde Tombaugh photographing the same region of the sky

?

2. 2 Alan Leonov 3. 2 37 times 4. 1 Its size and distance from the Earth 5. 2 Equinox

Round 4 answers

?

1 Who discovered that each black hole has a characteristic tem-

9 During a total solar eclipse the Moon’s shadow causes a narrow

perature and radiates energy?

path of total darkness across the Earth. What is this path of total shadow called?

2. Stephen Hawking 2 The Square Kilometre Array is a _______ telescope.

1. Umbra 10 What do scientists think will be found in the centre of the

1. Radio 3 Which woman astronomer discovered that variable stars known as Cepheids could be used as distance markers?

2. A supermassive black hole 11 Name the astronomer who discovered pulsars in 1967.

1. Henrietta Swan Leavitt 4 Which planet was accidentally discovered in 1930?

4. Jocelyn Bell- Burnell 12 The spacecraft Dawn is on its way to investigate two Solar

1. Pluto 5 What is the name of the US spacecraft that arrived at Venus and stayed there for a year in 1990?

13 Jupiter has a moon that is larger than planet Mercury. What is

4. Magellan mately how long will it take to go completely around the Earth?

7 What are quasars?

2. Unusual galaxies 8 A combination of the following factors causes the Moon to appear the same size in the sky as the Sun. 1. Its size and distance from the Earth

System objects. Which objects are these ?

2. Ceres and Vesta

6 If the Moon revolves the Earth at a speed of 1,02 km/h, approxi1. 27, 3 days

Milky Way?

it called?

4. Ganymede

TIE BREAKERS 1. 2 Stephen Hawking 2. 2 Refractor 3. 2 Cecilia Payne Gaposchkin 4. 2 Saturn 5. 2 Surveyor

?

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

35

ANSWERS

ANSWERS

WORD SEARCH

Astronomy in science magazine

SCIENCESTARS ISSUE 06

THE INFINITE JOURNEY TO ASTRONOMY

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Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

T

E

R

DST

LIGHTING UP SOUTH AFRICA The state of energy

I

nadequate coordination, insufficient funding and skills shortages threaten South Africa’s energy future. These are among the findings of a consensus study entitled The State of Energy

Research in South Africa released by the Academy of Science of South Africa.

The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) is mandated to provide evidence-based advice to government on matters of critical national importance.

The study has followed the traditional Academy consensus study methodology, in which a panel of experts, guided by the panel chair, undertakes the study on a voluntary basis. The advantage of this multi-perspective approach is that it is free of partisan interest. As a result, the findings and recommendations are the best considered outcomes in the circumstances.

This report is the result of the collaborative work of a sixmember ASSAf study panel. The study panel members were: Professor Frederik van Niekerk (Chair), Professor Susan Harrison, Dr Nelson Ijumba, Dr Steve Lennon, Professor Regina Maphanga and Professor Wikus van Niekerk.

The study aimed to improve the understanding of the energy research landscape in South Africa in order to support the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) in fulfilling its functions in terms of energy research support and co-ordination. The study is seen as an important baseline assessment that can inform future energy research investment in the country.

According to the study report, investments in coal research and development are inadequate despite the fact that coal will dominate South Africa’s energy supply for the foreseeable future.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

37

DST

Clean coal technologies are also not suffi-

mends that a more substantial portion of

pathways, environmental and other risks,

ciently funded, carbon capture and storage

the national R&D vote should be allocat-

risk abatement strategies and beneficiation

research programmes are insufficient and

ed to energy and energy-related research

strategies.

the bulk of coal research and development

in line with national priorities. At least

• Renewable energy: Significant R&D

(R&D) is being performed by only four

1.5% of the fiscal appropriation should be

investment is needed to meet national

entities.

earmarked for R&D support with a higher

targets and the penetration of renewable

proportion of this allocated for energy

energy in South Africa should be increased

than at present.

through appropriate mechanisms. Better

Key recommendations of the study relate to a formal coordination mechanism to

coordination is needed to avoid fragmenta-

guide energy and energy-related R&D

A recurring finding of the study is that

tion of R&D efforts.

investment, increased funding and the pri-

human capital development in energy

• Nuclear energy: The implications of

oritisation of human capital development

and energy-related research is insufficient

delaying the nuclear decision in terms of

in the sector.

despite the prominence given to energy in

the country’s capability to support (any part

policy documents. It is recommended that

of) the nuclear cycle, have to be evaluated

The study proposes that government

human capital development for energy

and compared with alternative energy sup-

departments with an energy budget estab-

areas aligned with the national energy

ply options.

lish a formal coordination mechanism, in

agenda needs to be prioritised through

• Energy efficiency: In spite of energy

accordance with the recommendations

the establishment of more research chairs,

efficiency measures, the commitment to

of the National Development Plan (NDP),

centres of competence and centres of

and adoption of energy efficient measures

with a mandate to steer, plan and coor-

excellence.

should be increased, inter alia by improving

dinate energy and energy-related R&D funded with public money, eliminate gaps and overlaps, taking into account national

awareness and understanding of energy

Other findings and recommendations of the study are:

imperatives and priorities.

efficiency and effective incentives for participation in energy saving.

• Energy economy and policy:

• Gas: Significant R&D is needed in shale

Comprehensive techno-economic feasibility

It is also recommended that an Energy

gas, which has the potential to provide a

studies are needed to inform the national

Research and Development Desk be estab-

lower carbon medium-term energy future

energy R&D agenda, as well as the plan-

lished to give effect to a co-ordination

for South Africa. Research is needed on

ning and legislative environment needed

mechanism.

exploitation of the resource, techno-

for effective implementation on a path to

With regard to funding, the study recom-

economic evaluations of exploitation

lower carbon and energy intensity.

Highlights: • Threats to South Africa’s future in energy development; • Inadequate coal research and development; • Need for energy coordination mechanism; • Increased funding for energy and energy-related research is needed; • Need for research on resource exploitation; • Options for alternative energy supply options should be researched; • Improved environmental legislation should be implemented.

38

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

Celebrating Water for ALL TCTA is a state-owned entity responsible for bulk raw water infrastructure development

TCTA Career Opportunities

The Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) is proud to contribute towards a system which aims to deliver a sustainable water supply across Southern Africa.

Our specialist skills, from sourcing project finance to planning, design and construction, place TCTA in the ideal position to facilitate development of bulk raw water infrastructure.

From an initial single project, TCTA now manages the following list of Projects: the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 1; the Berg Water Project (Western Cape); the Vaal River Eastern Subsystem Augmentation Project (Mpumalanga); the Mooi-Mgeni Transfer Scheme Phase 2 (KZN Midlands); the Olifants River Water Resource Development Project Phase 2 (Limpopo); the MokoloCrocodile (West) Water Augmentation Project (Limpopo); the Komati Water Scheme Augmentation Project (Mpumalanga), the Acid Mine Drainage Project (Gauteng) and the Metsi Bophelo Borehole Project (across six provinces).

TCTA’s Project Naledi Bursary and Internship Scheme is a skills development intervention with the objective of ensuring a sustainable supply of trained and skilled individuals to meet its future human resource needs. The project is a response to government’s developmental agenda of creating a pool of skilled employees and to ensure that the country is competitive in the global economy.

The project intends to: • Identify deserving and capable youth from disadvantaged communities; • Recruit candidates into engineering, project management, finance and accounting disciplines; • Support the candidates throughout their studies by providing academic tutoring and mentoring; • Provide specific and on-going support to the students that enter into accounting and engineering fields through regular follow-up sessions; and • Develop a model for increasing participation of youth into the scarce skills category.

In light of the above, TCTA offers bursaries to candidates who are planning to undertake undergraduate studies at institutions of higher learning in South Africa.

We consider applications for the following core fields of study: • Civil/Mechanical Engineering • Environmental Science/Management • Business Science (Finance) • Banking/Economic Science • Sanitation and Water All the above services are in support of government’s development agenda to make a better life for all. TCTA is committed to assisting government to achieve its socioeconomic objectives.

For more information on TCTA visit: www.tcta.co.za or Call +27 12 683 1200

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There are now 749 AIMS alumni (includ-

ematical and scientific careers ranging

be diversified allowing you to choose your

ing 229 women) from 42 African countries

from software or robotic engineering to

area of expertise with confidence. It is

throughout the world contributing to cut-

nuclear physics, marine science, genetics,

very challenging and exciting, and there is

ting edge research, continuing their post-

ecology, astronomy, biomathematics, cryp-

enough support for everyone to succeed,”

AIMS academic studies or launching pro-

tography, research, financial mathematics

says Matthews Sejeso. Sejeso is a 2013

gressive careers using their mathematical

and business.

AIMS graduate from Taung in the North

science training.

West Province who is currently completing In order to join AIMS and make these

a Research Master’s at Wits.

exciting career choices, your first step is

AIMS South Africa is located in Muizenberg.

The main building is a self-contained

to get good marks in mathematics in high

Has AIMS been successful?

residential centre with excellent computer,

school and then complete a 4-year univer-

AIMS is a pan-African network of centres

library and lecturing facilities. Lecturers and

sity degree in mathematics, or any science

of excellence for postgraduate education,

students live and dine in the main building,

or engineering subject with a significant

research and outreach in mathematical

allowing for maximum contact time in an

mathematics component. You can then

sciences. Its mission is to enable Africa’s

informal setting.

apply for the AIMS one-year postgradu-

brightest students to flourish as inde-

The Structured Master’s is taught by

ate Structured Master’s in Mathematical

pendent thinkers, problem solvers and

outstanding international and local lec-

Sciences. There are no course fees for

innovators capable of propelling Africa’s

turers and is formally accredited by the

successful applicants and full bursaries

future scientific, educational and economic Universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch,

covering tuition, accommodation, meals

self-sufficiency.

and travel costsare awarded to successful applicants from African countries.

But why choose to come to AIMS? 40

and the Western Cape. The programme is taught in association with the faculty of the

Since being founded in Cape Town in

Universities of Cambridge, Oxford and Paris

2003, AIMS centres have opened in

Sud XI. There are two intakes a year, in

Senegal (2011), Ghana (2012), Cameroon

January and August.

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

AIMS ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

skills to teaching and learning mathematics and to raise the standards of mathematics teaching in South Africa. AIMSSEC promotes active enquiry based learning, mathematical thinking, communication and problemsolving skills.

To spread the benefits of this work more widely, AIMSSEC runs professional development courses for teachers from disadvantaged rural and township schools and empowers them to train other teachers in their areas. AIMSSEC blended learning courses for primary and secondary teachers,

Workshop MISG study groups

subject advisors and field trainers from all over South Africa combine residential units,

The programme is divided into three phases:

successful visitor’s programme which

home-study, regularly marked assignments,

enables mathematical scientists to work

online learning and TV broadcasts and

1. The skills phase builds a common core

together and interact with local, pan-Afri-

examinations for qualifications awarded by

set of problem-solving skills: estimation,

can and other international researchers.

AIMS South Africa in collaboration with the

computation, approximations, modelling,

Stellenbosch University and the University

data analysis and statistics.

The research conducted has a strong focus

2. The review phase allows students to

on cutting-edge topics which relate to

apply these skills in some of the most

mathematical modelling in a multi-disci-

Since its inception, a total of 1240 teach-

exciting areas of science.

plinary context. In particular those most

ers have taken the AIMSSEC three-month

3. The final phase involves preparation of

relevant to African development, espe-

Mathematical Thinking (MT) course. This

a research project under the supervision

cially in fields where scientists in Africa

course acts as a prerequisite for the two

of an expert researcher. Research initi-

have a competitive advantage and can do

year AIMSSEC Advanced Certificate in

ated in these projects often develops into

world-leading research.

Education (ACE) course which has a focus

further postgraduate research work after

of Fort Hare.

on subject leader training and now has 144

AIMS.

The present focus areas are:

graduates.

For the past six years, AIMS South

• Cosmology and Astrophysics,

AIMSSEC runs world-class courses staffed

Africa has also offered courses towards

• Mathematical and Physical Biosciences,

Stellenbosch University’s (SU) Honours in

• Mathematical Finance,

Mathematics programme with a focus in

• Mathematical Foundations and

Biomathematics. Students spend the first

Scientific Computing.

half of the year at AIMS and the second half at SU.

Advancing education with AIMS As part of its outreach and public engage-

AIMS South Africa also has a Research

ment programme, AIMS South Africa

Centre (launched in 2008) which con-

also has a Schools Enrichment Centre

tributes to research output and capacity

(AIMSSEC). The main objectives of this

building in South Africa and on the conti-

programme are to advance educational

nent through research activities, student

opportunities for previously disadvantaged

training, workshops, conferences and a

and rural communities, to introduce new

AIMSSEC

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

41

AIMS ADVERTORIAL

by a strong local team together with an

AIMSSEC also organises public lectures,

international team of over 50 academics

local teacher workshops, master classes

who lecture as unpaid volunteers, and this and special events for learners, and conalso makes the work of AIMSSEC more

tributes to maths clubs in schools.

cost effective. AIMSSEC ACE graduates make a valuable contribution as teaching assistants.

What past students have to say about these programmes:

Wavelets Subdivision class

“By the time I completed this course I In addition to professional development

was enriched not just in mathematics but

solving, computing, research paper writing skills

for teachers, AIMSSEC is also involved in

teaching as a whole.” - Jacky Johnson (MT

and the power of networking in academia. AIMS

research. The first major research project

FP 2014)

changed my view of science. Before, I used to see mathematics as a set of problems that

being undertaken is called ‘Improving Progress through Formative Assessment

“The problem solving approach I have

needed solving, but now it is a set of tools that

in Science and Mathematics Education

been taught helped me a lot in solving

I can use to solve other life’s problems.” - Tendai

(FaSMEd). The project, which began in

problems I never thought I could be able

Mugwagwa from Zimbabwe (2003 AIMS gradu-

January 2014, will end in December 2016. to solve. Visualisation is going to help

ate; currently a research associate at Imperial

It is funded by the European Union under

my learners too.” - Thobeka Thelma Bobo-

College in London and a research associate at

the 7th Framework Programme (FP7) and

Gqibitole (ACE IP 2014)

the Health Protection Agency).

involves eight partners from European countries and one South African partner

“At AIMS I gained a lot of skills and impor-

(AIMSSEC).

tant life experiences. For instance, problem

For more information please visit: www.aims.ac.za

Examples of workshops and conferences hosted at AIMS South Africa include:

and exciting.” “The workshop was excellent

African Institute for Mathematical Sciences - Next

I’ve learnt a lot and I’m starting to develop an

Einstein Initiative (AIMS-NEI), IMAGINARY and the

interest in Python language.”

MathematischesForschungsinstitutOberwolfach in

• Mathematics Iff Computing workshop held in

• IMO Training Camp 58 contestants from

on dedicated activities for Africa, and to jointly plan

July 2014. 37 South African 3rd year or honours

12 African countries gathered at AIMS South

future activities. A Science Slam event titled “From

students attended this workshop which taught

Africa for a final training camp from 30 June

the Big Bang to the Brain” also took place on Friday

students programming and how to use the

to 6 July 2014, the objective of the camp was

7 November.

software required.

to expose as many learners to mathematical

Quotes from students who attended the

problems and how to approach it with the best

• On the 12 to 16 January 2015 a five day work-

workshop: “The idea and the spirit behind

possible solution.

shop was held with academic researchers and

Germany. tive mathematics learning tools, to work

graduate students who worked collaboratively

this workshop I must say is awesome, the way the lecturers contributed to the workshop it

• The first ever IMAGINARY Exhibition-

on problems submitted by local industry. This

seemed like it was a calling for them rather

Workshop held in Africa from 5 to 7

workshop was preceded by a four day graduate

than a job or something they’ve been asked to

November 2014, was hosted at AIMS South

workshop where the problems are introduced and

Africa. The event was organized by the do and42that kind of a Stars spirit Magazine is very stimulating Science Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

studied prior to the event.

Stellenbosch University.

What sets us apart?

YOU UNLIMITED www.maties.com

Branding | www.gstudio.co.za

Are you creative and eager to explore? So is Stellenbosch University.

Do you see the world as your classroom and your future as yours to shape?

Stellenbosch University does. Are you driven to make a difference?

Then Stellenbosch is the place for you.

MATHS ADVICE

CURING MATH ORNERINESS

Opening doors to opportunities Written By : Donovan Goliath with high levels of anxiety in dealing with numbers. These feelings of insecurity follow them into their careers, causing self-doubt in their working abilities.

Understanding Math is a pitfall for countless adults in South Africa who experience failure and confusion in trying to make the world of numbers add up. The result is that they often feel inadequate and incompetent in both their careers and private lives. Math Orneriness is a reality for many people. So, how do you deal with it?

A good understanding of all the chapters of Math is required in many fields of study.

H

ello, and welcome to a brand new

Science is not a new obstacle. In compari-

But, where does one actually use algebra,

year. Make sure that you fill the

son to other countries, South Africa still

trigonometry, calculus, and other forms

pages of the new 2015 book with

has some equations to solve in curing the

of higher Math? For students wanting to

your goals and work towards achieving

high levels of Math Orneriness. However,

study science, electronics, commerce, phys-

them. Along with a brand new year comes

more and more interest in the subject

ics, medicine or various other fields in a

a brand new word – orneriness. Orneriness

is being generated, leading to endless

college or university, the formulas learnt in

is a synonym for grumpiness. People are

opportunities for all who pursue it.

these chapters are essential.

constantly emphasising the difficulty

Considering the reality that many young-

of Math, forming a severe case of Math

The symptoms of Math Orneriness are

Orneriness, or Math Grumpiness. Science

picked up at an early stage of the academ- certain what they want to do after school, it

Stars has come up with a few tips on how

ic career and often remain present until

is advisable that you establish a solid foun-

to cure your case of Math Orneriness and

the start of a career. The ability to feel

dation in Math before leaving high school.

succeed in the upcoming academic year.

comfortable with numbers is a crucial skill

Take the recommended doses highlighted

for people at all levels in business but it

below on a daily basis and you’ll be on your

A brief lesson in history will reveal that

is a the fact that many people have nega-

way to a healthy life of Math.

our country’s poor showing in Maths and

tive experiences at school that leave them

Seek out people who feel positive about

44

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

sters in ninth or tenth grade aren’t yet

MATHS ADVICE FEATURE

Math. It is expressed negatively by lots of

the way we solve math problems presents

shopping), fractions (in cooking), decimals

people. Seek out those who love it, those

a lot of variability!

(calculating money), and measuring skills

who have walked its path and succeeded,

Find good reasons to study math!

(sewing, woodwork) are necessary in every-

and embark on your journey out of Math

Motivate yourself by establishing where

day life. Percentages, large numbers, and

Orneriness.

math is needed. Find everyday applica-

basic statistics are essential in order to

Mistakes should be VALUED, because

tions of math. For example, basic math

understand information in newspapers and

they actually help our brains GROW. Don’t

such as estimating prices and totals (when school books.

put someone down if they give a wrong answer; rather focus on identifying where they went wrong and improve their approach.

Take the emphasis off of tests. Tests are a part of school but it isn’t the ultimate goal. The TRUE goals of school mathematics are that the students be able to use math in real life and that they are prepared for higher education.

Math is not “unlearnable” or a difficult subject. It has been proven by scientists that children with normal intelligence CAN learn ALL the math presented in the grade school curriculum. Do you have a fixed mindset towards your intelligence and learning, believing that “smarts are fixed” and cannot be changed? Change that mindset!

Show children that Math is a CREATIVE subject. Learning Math is more similar to learning music or art than it is to learning history or biology. The basic facts of Math (or music) are true and do not change, BUT Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

45

QUIZ

QUIZ

=7 +1?

Rc 6 os ,

Test your brain

1 Which prime number falls after 31? has one angle of 60 degrees, a sec2 Ifonda triangle angle of 90 degrees, how many degrees would the third angle measure?

added together, what do the visible num3 When ber on a standard dartboard total? is the name of the longest side of a right 4 What angle triangle, opposite the right angle?

5 How many zeros are there in one billion?

6 How many feet are there in a yard?

7 How many square feet are there in an acre?

8 How many prime numbers occur from 11 to 19?

9 What is one sixth of 6300?

10 What is 0.75 as the lowest possible fraction?

11 How many hours are there in seven days? do the numbers 16, 25 and 36 have in 12 What common?

46

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

04

%9 2 + 5 / (> ^ Âą2 c

4$ % 8 0 Âą *

Cut out and place on your wall for easy reference

DRAFTFCB CAPE TOWN 10003863CT/E

?

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za

47

FCB CAPE TOWN 10007095CT/E

Study tips Draw up a study timetable.

Don’t procrastinate!

Make flashcards, use acronyms, sing jingles - anything to help you remember.

Exercise and eat correctly to combat stress.

Use tables, flowcharts and figures - pictures can help you remember facts.

Get up a little earlier on the morning of an exam - it will allow you time to have a proper breakfast and you will feel calm when you arrive at your exam venue.

Create a study environment free from clutter and distractions.

If the workload is too big, join a study group. But make sure you actually study.

Get a decent night’s sleep. It helps with your concentration.

Go over as many past papers as you can.

Don’t postpone difficult topics when studying tackle the hard bits first.

Good luck!

At Engen, we want to give you some extra encouragement during your final exams because we understand that education is the first step to a brighter future.

That’s one of the reasons why we invest in subjects that will be of long-term value to our business and South Africa. For nearly 3 decades, Engen Maths and Science Schools have provided extra tuition to learners in grades 10 to 12 across the country. Engen wishes you every success for your final matric exams. www.engenoil.com/education

48

Science Stars Magazine Mathematics Issue | www.sciencestars.co.za