Physical Science students in the Johannesburg and Pretoria areas will be thrilled when they personally experience the practical science experiments brought to them by the Technology Research Activity Center’s laboratories at Sci-Bono and Sci-Enza respectively.

Ms Debbey Cromhout, the national executive director, says “The ultimate goal of the Technology Research and Activity Center, or TRAC SA, is to improve results in physical science, and encourage learners to enter into careers in science, engineering and technology (SET). In 2007, 124 000 learners and 2831 teachers were trained by TRAC SA. During 2008, 173 000 learners were exposed to hands-on experiences in TRAC laboratories all over South Africa.”

TRAC SA was rewarded for their contribution in science, technology and innovation in urban and rural schools, when they received the NSTF Award by the South African Foundation for Science and Technology in 2008.

TRAC SA, in cooperation with the Gautrain Management Agency, launches this exciting partnership at the Sci-Bono Science Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg.

Educators, learners from the surrounding area, members of Department of Education and the media will be exposed to state of the art computerised results of physical science experiments in action.

Practical experiential learning is essential for thorough understanding of basic theoretical concepts. In most of the schools the laboratory resources and teaching expertise are lacking greatly – resulting in the alarming poor national matriculation results.

These two TRAC laboratories, manned by experienced science educators, are helping learners and educators to reach new levels of excellence. Thorough vocational guidance will also inspire learners to choose careers in the field of science, technology and engineering (SET).

In February 2008 TRAC SA launched its Gauteng South regional laboratory at Observatory in Johannesburg. Feedback from Beauty Mataung, one of the learners, following such a practical session, reads "It is a more fun, interesting way of learning, and the information learnt is more deep seated in my brain. I’m less likely to forget it.”

Education is one of most fundamental tools for social and economic transformation as South Africa's growth relies on skills in the areas of maths and science, yet the pass rate in these subjects remain dismal. That is why Gautrain assists the Gauteng region to revitalise the education of learners of this region.

By partnering with the expertise of TRAC SA they are building infrastructure, improving the quality of education, and ensuring learner performance and pass rates in urban areas where the need is great.

The importance of mathematics, science and technology education as the basis for a sound economy, as well as the need to develop a talent pool from which to draw future engineers, is obvious. The major focus has been on developing skills and providing resources to learners and educators in the fields of science, mathematics, engineering and technology.