MST for Engineering

The MST for Engineering is a National project. Its main objective is to assist teachers in implementing the curriculum and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to manage and use resources effectively and efficiently. The project also aims at improving language skills of teachers and learners as a way of improving competency in Technology.

The project Objectives

The objective of the project is to assist teachers in implementing NCS and to equip them with the skills and knowledge to manage and use resources effectively. The project also aims at improving language skills of teachers and learners as a way of improving competency in Technology.

• Train teachers on Technology education concepts and assessment standards as required by the curriculum.
• To promote engineering skills in schools by using the Maths Centre MST engineering resource kit in the classrooms and by conducting Technology Olympiads.
• Assist learners with their Technology Olympiad project.
• Conduct and monitor the Technology Olympiad in schools as a programme used to promote Technology and Engineering in schools.

The Olympiad

The Technology Olympiad is a National Programme, which aims to bring technology awareness to as many young people as possible. The programme requires learners to use engineering principles to build a working model that solves the problem posed by the challenge.

At the beginning of each year, Maths Centre schools are issued with the challenge and they are invited to participate. Once schools have registered their interest in participating, teams are also formed and learners are workshopped to outline the details of the challenge and assist them in designing the project. Teams are then invited to a Mini Technology Olympiad to test their designed models and judgments are taken to select teams which are qualifying to participate in the Regional Olympiad and then the National Olympiad.

The crucial part of the programme is that learners are given a chance to experience learning through the Technology Olympiad challenge.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mechanical systems that change direction of movement using wheels and the value of force.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of hydraulic principles and mechanical advantage.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the operational requirements of a device.

Learners were given opportunities to link the Olympiad challenge work with technological activities relating to the curriculum through the short, structured activities aiming to develop specific knowledge and/or skills needed for the Capability Task.

The number of learners who developed an interest in engineering through participating in the programme, and have since registered engineering at higher institutions has increased since the beginning of the project.

The Ambassadors programme

Maths Centre presented the idea of using newly appointed engineers as the ambassadors to Murray & Roberts. The aim was to encourage and motivate young South African learners to take Engineering as a career. The lists of interested ambassadors were sent to Math Centre from Murray & Roberts. Meetings held with the Ambassadors aimed at outlining their role during the Olympiad. Their role was to:

• Motivate the learners to take engineering as a career as they also act as role models.
• Provide information on and promote careers in engineering.
• Share their personal experiences with the learners.
• Support the learners with their work and judge their projects.

Their motivation was mainly about the background of engineering from high school choice of subjects. The following were highlighted in their motivation talk:

• High school choice of subjects.
• Financial obstacles.
• Potential for growth.
• Daily activities.
• Peer pressure.
• The pleasure of success.
• Mentorship.

The ambassadors shown above are qualified Quantity Surveyors, Mechanical Engineers, Chemical Engineers, Mining Engineers and Electrical Engineers.