eNews
#05 2024
Biomes workshop ignites passion and knowledge in Western Cape educators
By Caitlin Ransom, Environmental Science Education and Communications Officer, NRF-SAEON
NRF-SAEON hosted a Biomes Workshop from 13 to 15 September in the stunning surroundings of the Western Cape. This SACE*-accredited event brought together 20 dedicated educators from schools linked with SAEON’s Egagasini Node for an immersive, interdisciplinary experience.
The workshop, held at the scenic Houw Hoek Hotel, kicked off with introductions and a broad overview of South Africa’s diverse biomes. Educators teaching a range of subjects ranging from Life Science and Geography to Maths, isiXhosa and History, explored the unique features of each biome through engaging discussions and photos.
The group of 20 educators explored the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens.
Visit to Stony Point Penguin Colony in Betty’s Bay. While watching the African Penguins, Thomas Mtontsi, science engagement officer of the Egagasini Node, spoke about the importance of marine protected areas.
Saturday morning saw the group travel to Betty’s Bay and the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens’ education centre. Discussions delved into biomes, bioregions and vegetation units, with a special focus on food webs, trophic cascades and the dramatic effects of species changes on ecosystems. A video on wolves’ impact on Yellowstone National Park in the United States inspired rich discussions on ecological balance and led to a discussion of the interactions that occur in a South African savanna.
The workshop also tackled crucial topics such as climate change, using EFTEON flux data to illustrate carbon exchanges and the broader impact on landscapes. The concept of biocultural diversity was explored, highlighting the loss of traditional knowledge about culturally significant plants and landscape management. Participants engaged in discussions about the importance of fire in maintaining the health and biodiversity of fynbos, grasslands and savannas.
Participants spent the afternoon exploring the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens, immersing themselves in fynbos, forests, wetlands and rivers. This practical experience deepened their understanding of the biomes they discussed earlier. A visit to the penguin colony at Stoney Point provided insights into Marine Protected Areas and their importance for ocean and penguin conservation.
On Sunday, the focus shifted to integrating maths and data analysis into biomes education. Educators practised key mathematical concepts and used climate data from NRF-SAEON’s research sites to analyse rainfall patterns across different biomes. This hands-on session emphasised the importance of data and computer literacy in understanding environmental changes.
Makgethwa Masemola lead the discussions on climate change, bringing in EFTEON data on carbon fluxes to showcase some of the current climate change research conducted by NRF-SAEON.
Discussions around food webs in a savanna biome, and what might happen if lions were removed in our hypothetical ecosystem.
Feedback
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Educators appreciated the workshop’s depth and practical approach, with comments highlighting the following aspects:
- “I’ve learnt a lot about the different biomes.”
- “The presentation on climate change was especially insightful.”
- “The activities and practical experiences were extremely valuable.”
- “The Yellowstone wolves’ video was fascinating and illustrated ecological balance perfectly.”
Participants valued the balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, noting the workshop’s effectiveness in enhancing their teaching strategies and understanding of environmental science.
The workshop fostered a deeper connection between educators and the natural world, equipping them with valuable tools to inspire and educate their learners. It was not only important in empowering the educators, but also in building NRF-SAEON’s relationship with these educators, ensuring the success of its science engagement programme.
* SACE: South African Council for Educators
The workshop fostered a deeper connection between educators and the natural world, equipping them with valuable tools to inspire and educate their learners.