Introduction

Introduction

Egagasini Node for marine-offshore systems is an observation site of SAEON that is hosted by Oceans and Coasts of Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), and works closely with the Fisheries Branch of Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). The node works with partners to combine data, resources and knowledge of the oceans surrounding South Africa to comprehend and fully appreciate their role in climate change as well as the impact of climate change on oceans’ resources. The node currently supports science in five secondary schools. Houtbay Secondary School, in Houtbay; Masiphumele High School in Fishoek, Usasazo Secondary School in Khayelitsha; Ocean View Secondary in Ocean View; and Sophumelela Secondary in Phillipi, are all in Cape Town, Western Cape. There has been a strategic increase of these schools to 20 through ‘the science in our schools project’ of the Metro South Education District, a district of the Western Cape Education Department.

Objectives

The education programme focus is to: • primarily encourage science skills to learners • to create a platform where Marine Science Research can be integrated into School Sciences curriculum • to promote an understanding of, create awareness and generate an interest about our Oceans

Highlights

• Presented a poster at the South African Marine Science Symposium • Funding from the British High Commission an amount of about R54 000 • Coordinated a seven day long Marine Science Programme for Grade 11. • Featured in the Maritime Review Magazine, where the programme was highlighted. • Invited to convene judges at the International Science Fair in October 2014. • Established partnership with the WCED Metro South’s Science in Our Schools Project.