Description of project:

This was an eight-week education campaign leading up to the solar eclipse that took place on the 4th of December 2002. Through Matric Matters, a weekly Independent Newspapers publication, the campaign highlighted the maths and science elements of and relating to the solar eclipse. 500 000 solar viewers were also provided to Independent Newspaper readers.

The Shuttleworth Foundation?s involvement:

The Shuttleworth Foundation partially funded the 5000 solar viewers.

Aims and objectives:

The aim was to make 500 000 solar viewers available for distribution in the newspapers (including a portion distributed free to schools) and to provide practical knowledge on the eclipse that may be used in classroom teaching.

Evaluation:

Though it is difficult to measure the effectiveness of education/ information inserts, public feedback via telephone, letters and in person was very positive and reflected appreciation and educational value.