Learning with Granny!
Science Safari
Although 'the Big Five' are not seen on the streets of
big cities or found wandering through  the
picturesque suburbs and towns, most young people in Africa are very familiar
with the wonderful wildlife on the African continent. Zoos, game reserves and
other wildlife sanctuaries are regular venues for outings, holidays, school
tours or retreats from city life. (Enter the picture to the right to see the
larger image).
This month the Cyberkids went on Safari - Let's listen
to them telling all about it....
 "You
go first Lee" said Ann, giving him a prod in the side. "We went on a
'Safari into Science' he began, holding up the programme for the 'Sasol
SciFest 2003 which is a yearly science festival held in Grahamstown, South
Africa." "The theme this year was Safari into Science so we learnt a
lot about wildlife."
There were so many great things to do and see that I'm
sure we missed many" said Lee.
 "What
did you like the best?" asked Vinny who was sorry he had missed the
festival. "You would have loved learning about the 'bat scene'. There were
live bats there and the Bat Interest Group told us how important these little
creatures are to our environment. They eat huge quantities of insects every
night and they also help certain trees to grow," continued Lee.
"I don't like
bats" said Margie. "That's because you don't know much about
them," Lee went on. "Here are some phone numbers for Bat Groups where
you can find out more about them. In KZN 081 261 1585. For the Cape Bat 021 650
4011 and in Gauteng 082 962 5588. But also read this article
on bats which will tell you more about them.
 "My
turn now," said Ann. "I liked the StarLab best - it's still my best
display. But I missed all you others being there with us this year."
(More about the Fest Starlab here).
"I was very interested in the bees  making
the honey in a transparent observation hive and then the people making a
beautiful golden beverage in the fermentor. It made me think of you Vinny - in
your bee suit, pouring the honey off from the combs. Grandpa would have like it.
I wish I had brought him a bottle." said Lee pointing to the picture. You
can visit their website at http://www.iqhilika.co.za.
 "Tell
them about the new boat that can be made up," encouraged Ann who loved
assembling the educational kits. "We also saw the new little boat
at the Natal University stall. We learnt a lot about the value of water and air
and how pressure can exert a force."
See some of the other 'do it yourself kits' at http://www.nu.ac.za
"We saw snakes and learnt about lions," said
Ann remembering some of the things she had been told. "Lions are the only
cats that live in permanent groups. The lioness does most of the hunting for her
pride and she will also look after and feed a cub that is not even her
own. It was interesting talking to the Rangers from the Addo
Elephant Park and learning about the other animals too."
"Oh look Granny has put cool drinks out on the
table for us" said Terry "Come on Vinny and Margie, lets go on and
show everyone the pictures of our Safari.
Enter here to see the photos
they took on their safari!
This month's poem
Learning on a Safari
It's off 'on safari' we need to go
To learn of the science we all should know
To understand life and how it began
How a helpless infant grows into a man or woman
How a tiny seed becomes a tree
And a little bird is born to be free.
We need to tell of the desperate race
To see that the animals have the space
To live apart from the threatening invasion
To be given respect by every nation
These creatures have been loyal since time began
And served humans since the days of Early Man
They've fed and carried and shared the load
And walked at Man's side down many a road
Not just the big ones that you see
But bats, fish, ants and the honey bee
The loss of any creature to the world will bring pain
As it means a break in the 'life-force chain'
Respect every creature that's here on Earth
Learn of it's function before judging it's worth
They just want to be allowed to live you will find.
Be sure that they think of you as 'Human - Kind'
Jenny Marais April 2003..
Next Month...
Next month we are going to look at the continent of
Africa and ask if it is "The Cradle of Mankind"
If you would like to e-mail Granny
your questions and ideas please do so at granny@scienceinafrica.co.za
Until Next Month, Happy Reading!
Granny Jenny
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