The South African Polar Research Infrastructure (SAPRI) with the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (ALSA) and the South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON) Egagasini Node visited Generation Schools Imhoff, in Kommetjie on 20 July 2023.

Generations Primary is based on the Montessori ethos of independent children working and the Cambridge model of education. The school structure consists of various phases with mixed-age groupings “which allows children to work together, to learn from and teach each other.” The mixed-age group 9 – 12 years has recently completed projects and tasks related to the Antarctic environment, creating a space where learners can develop, in a creative way, a sense of the 7th continent. The invite to visit the school to further connect the application of academics in the real world was welcomed. 

The 110 learners with teachers, were presented with a rhythmic exercise with boom-whackers (musical plastic tubes) as an ice-breaker activity, which was followed by a “Journey through the Southern Ocean, via Marion Island, to Antarctica”, which was presented by Ria Olivier (ALSA), Sikelelwa Mtyenene (SAEON Egagasini Node), Abuyiselwe Nguna (SAPRI) and Riesna R. Audh (SAPRI). Various interactive exhibits were set up in the school hall, which further gave learners the opportunity to interact with the ALSA, SAPRI and SAEON teams.

“Journey through the Southern Ocean, via Marion Island, to Antarctica”

Follow the journey below. 

 

	Start at Cape Town Harbour - Ria Olivier History: Archivist with 10 years' involvement in SANAP and Principal Investigator of the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa project, talks about South Africa's involvement in the Antarctic regions.
	Sail past the coast of South Africa - Sikelelwa Mtyenene Coastal voyage: research conducted in the coast off South Africa, where the Atlantic and Indian oceans meet.
	Stop at Marion Island - Abuyiselwe Nguna Science weather, fauna and flora. The speaker shares his experience as a field assistant, part of a Marion Island overwintering team member.
	Cross the Southern Ocean - Riesna Audh Oceanographic sampling on board the South African research and supply vessel, the S.A. Agulhas II.
	Pass seaice and icebergs - Riesna Audh The speaker has been on board the S.A. Agulhas II during various Antarctic expeditions (counting to over 300 days in total), for her research on sea ice in the Antarctic marginal ice zone. She shares her experiences.
	Arrive at Antarctica - Abuyiselwe Nguna What you can expect. Antarctic operations. Clothing (protective gear) and more info about the South African National Antarctic Expedition station (SANAE IV).

Interactive exhibits

 

This collaborative science engagement event was focused on communicating marine and Antarctic research in such a way to foster curiosity for these regions. The school also received a set of books sponsored by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa (see image below). 

Video: Leaving fingerprints on Antarctica.

 

Graphic element (Journey to Antarctica) designed by: Riesna R. Audh, SAPRI, Polar Lab.

Anche Louw, South African Polar Research Infrastructure, 25 August 2023.