Description of project:

This project is to equip and maintain an aquatic mobile bus. The bus is run by the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIB) that researches African fishes and aquatic biodiversity. SAIB is a national facility that is managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF). The bus is aimed at learners and schools disadvantaged in terms of distance and historically disadvantaged black schools.

The Shuttleworth Foundation's involvement:

The Shuttleworth Foundation is funding the equipment for the bus, the operating costs of two tours to schools in the Eastern Cape and the development of educational and promotional materials for the school tours.

Aims and objectives:

The aim of the project is to communicate knowledge of fishes and aquatic biodiversity to learners. It also aims to promote an interest and awareness of science to encourage learners to take science at school and university.

Updated Status (December 2003):

The final report concluding this project has been received recently from SAIB. The project successfully reached 8 rural Eastern Cape towns including 23 schools, reaching 2000 learners and 34 educators. Interactive lessons were delivered using displays, fish specimens, slide shows, posters, resource material and question-answer sessions with a strong focus on the natural-science learning area.

The project has successfully achieved its two main objectives to a) promote an interest and awareness in science so as to encourage entry into science at school and tertiary levels and to highlight career opportunities, and b) to communicate knowledge of fish and aquatic environments to historically disadvantaged schools and communities.

The Fantastic Fish Tank also took part in SET week with a number of local schools enjoying a visit from the Tank which included the delivery of Coastcare fact files, posters, and newsletters which were distributed to learners and educators who also received onsite lessons.

The objective for the SET week promotion was achieved by teaching rural and historically disadvantaged schools, promoting an interest in science to encourage entry into science at school and teriary levels through communicating knowledge of fishes and aquatic environments.

Updated Status (July 2003):

The bus made a great appearance at the Sasol Science Fest! Currently, preparation for the vehicle is well underway. To date, the following equipment has been purchased: Microscope and data projector, artwork for display cases. Also, tale fins and corresponding activity sheets have been selected, with coelacanth booklets undergoing development. The artwork for the fossil fish poster is complete and the rest of the poster is currently being designed. The tours to the schools are due to start soon!

Status (April 2003):

The bus is due to make an appearance at the Sasol Science Fest and will then be touring Eastern Cape schools during the year.