Mylab 2015 activities and achievements!!

1.Activity report for period: November 2014 to November 2015 (Attachment B): Me Marie du Toit

• No 1 Workshop 15 and 22 November 2014: NWU, Potchefstroom

• No 2 Workshop 15 December 2014: Private School Vishoek, Capetown

• No 3 Workshop 24 January 2015: Kimberley

• No 4 Workshop 21 February 2015: Klerksdorp

• No 5 Workshop 18 April 2015 Potchefstroom: NWU (One On One-teachers and Doc Sethole)

• No 6 Workshop 3-7 August 2015 SASOL TechnoX.

• No 7 Workshop 3 October 2015 Potchefstroom, NWU (Eastern Cape teachers in SASOL- project and Rufus Wesi)

2. Mylab achievements: November 2014 to November 2015 : Me Marie du Toit 

• May 2014 Research article: “AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL EDUCATION AJCE”
• July–“Supplier of the Year 2015, Basic Education: One On One Community Based Programs” received on 15 April, SABC Education African EDUWEEK, 1 July 2015 by the director Doc Sethole (uses MYLAB kits in his program). 
• 27 – 29 May 2015 – Me Marie du Toit presents a lecture “Small Scale Chemistry in South Africa: Supporting schools through onsite workshops” at “8 International Symposium on Microscale Chemistry” at the University Iberoamericana, Mexico City, Mexico. 
• 25-30 October, 2015 – MHDT presents a lecture “Student’s understanding of Chemical reaction Types in aqueous solutions: the role textbooks play” at ISTE International Conference 2015, Mopani, Kruger National Park.
• 22-27 November 2015 – MHDT keynote speaker “Chemistry for the masses: the value of small scale chemistry to address misconceptions and re-establish practical work in diverse communities” and workshop presenter at ACRICE 2015 (African Conference on Research in Chemical Education) at University of Venda, Thohoyandou. 
• 29 October 2015. Receive for the second time, 2011 and again in 2015 the “Vice Chancellor's Award for Excellence Innovation” of the North West University.

SABC EDUCATION AFRICAN EDUWEEK

 SABC EDUCATION AFRICAN EDUWEEK – Basic Education Supplier of the Year 2015 award to One On One Community Based Programmes in association with Mylab. The judges had this to say: 

"Excellent programme which has a clear focus on improving access to quality education in STEM subjects and improving outcomes for disadvantaged learners, loves the inclusion of training with provision of the science kits. Excellent testimonials"

The submission following the nomination and short-listing was based on One On One Community Based Programmes’ involvement in the delivery of solutions and interventions in STEM subjects. Most notable and visible was that the judges singled out the inclusion of Mylab kits as the “cherry on top”.

SABC Education African EDUWEEK conference held at Gallagher Estate on Wednesday, 01 July 2015. Congratulation Mr. Doc Sethole for all your hard work and effort in making a difference in childrens lives from Grade 4 to 12!!

Properties of the Mylab kits

This kit is tailor-made for the hands-on teaching of chemistry and natural science at school level in South Africa, but can be adopted in any country.

The Mylab Chemistry and Natural Science kits are purpose built small scale apparatus to aid teachers and learners to enjoy these subjects through the hands-on use of the kits and by doing the experiments themselves. Included in the kits are training manuals and worksheets for Teachers and Learners, which cover the whole syllabus or curriculum of Natural Science for Grade 4 to 9 or all your junior and high school material, as well as Chemistry for Grade 10 to 12 or all your high school material. The training manuals and DVD's show every natural science and chemistry experiment in great detail, and it is designed with teachers and learners in mind for both to benefit. The teacher manuals and the training DVD's help the teachers to prepare for every class and experiment and this in turn equips and gives them the confidence to present the class.


Properties of the small scale chemistry kit are:

•    The kit is a true to life small scale laboratory (test tubes, spatula, deflagrating spoon, etc.) All reactions, colour changes and products are clearly visible. The apparatus can easily be heated and cooled. If a learner enters University, Technicon or College after doing chemistry with the Mylab Small Scale Chemistry kit, he/she will not be lost, but will be able to handle the laboratory apparatus with confidence.

•    All experiments are done with small amounts of chemicals - cutting costs, pollution and the danger of explosions.

•    Preparation of solutions by the teacher is limited to the minimum - match-head quantities of solids are dissolved to generate solutions of workable concentrations.

•    The kit can be used in an ordinary classroom, no laboratory is needed. No utility electricity or running water is needed for the experiments. Very little storage space is needed - quite a number of sets can easily be stored in a classroom.

•    The kit is constructed of durable materials- with a long life expectancy (stainless steel and poli-ethylene).


Worksheets accompanying the Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits:

The policy that governs the development of the worksheets is to develop hands-on, minds-on practical experimentation. Some of the worksheet properties are:

•    Enhancement of skills, e.g. observation, manipulating, measuring, recording, interference and investigation.

•    Library assignments.

•    Group discussions and problem solving.

•    Assessment material to assist the educator.

•    The worksheets are supported by videos. The learner can use the worksheets with the video clips while executing the experiments or the teacher can use the video for preparation of the learners before executing the experiment by using the school computer room facilities.
 
The next few images are examples of how the training DVD's are setup:

 

 

 

 

 

Advantages of the Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science Apparatus:Educational advantage:
•    It will enhance the attitude of both teachers and learners towards Chemistry and Natural Science as a subject and establish a positive climate of learning.

•    This kit will give access to laboratory opportunities, resources, knowledge acquisition and conceptual development. It will redress imbalances, contribute towards socio-economic development.

•    A help line at the North-West University is available to support facilitators and learners.

Financial benefits:
•    The Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kit is ideally used for two learners per apparatus kit.

•    Durable materials and inexpensive consumable parts, such as small test tubes, etc. give the kit a life expectancy of at least five years. Chemicals are expected to last for four years.

•    The kit is a cost-effective alternative to a full-scale science laboratory.

•    COUNTLESS BENEFITS FOR CORPORATE SOCIAL INVESTMENT, click here for a CSI Service Provider Matrix. 

African Journal of Education (AJCE) and Mylab

Collaboration between the North-West University – Mylab group and international scientists and educators form an integral part of the development of the Mylab-project. 

One of these collaboration projects is with Prof Lise Kvittingen and Dr Per-odd Eggen from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Norway. The group in Norway imported Mylab kits for their research in Norway schools. 

The group in Norway are also busy with a research project in Ethiopia in collaboration with colleagues of Dilla University. Me Marie du Toit, one of the team leaders of Mylab, visited Norway several times to give her input to the research work. Mylab kits were exported to Dilla University in Ethiopia. The result of the research work is an article published in May 2014 in the African Journal of Education (AJCE) by Gebrekidan Tesfamariam, Annette Lykknes and Lise Kvittingen. p48 

Title: Small-scale chemistry for a hands-on approach to chemistry practical work in secondary schools: experiences from Ethiopia 

The article can be found on the Website: http://faschem.org/sites/default/files/u1/AJCE_2014_May_Special2.pdf 

Kind regards 
Mylab Team 
Potchefstroom 

FAQ about Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits

WHAT IS MYLAB CHEMISTRY & NATURAL SCIENCE KITS?

A unique approach to practical work to address the problem of visualization. The Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits are the product of many years of development by well qualified and experienced chemistry lecturers at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. They have been involved in the training of Physical Science teachers for the past 25 years. The Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits were developed in close cooperation with learning facilitators and learners. The result is an unique and ingenious mini-laboratory for all chemistry and natural science experiments at school for grades 4 to 12 and FET colleges. We are of the opinion that, if the Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits is made available to schools, many of the problems in the teaching of chemistry and natural science could be solved.

DID YOU KNOW?

Natural Science and Chemistry is one of the subjects in school that is of utmost importance for the development of an economically, and technologically sound country. At school a small number of pupils in general take Natural Science and Chemistry as subject and the general results of examinations are unsatisfactory.


WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

The poor average percentage achieved for Chemistry by grade 12 pupils in many developing countries, over the past years can be attributed to various factors. One of the most important factors is the fact that pupils are not motivated to study chemistry. This can be attributed to inadequate teaching strategies, the most important of which is the fact that the pupils do not perform the chemical practicals themselves. If pupils were allowed to do the experiments (which support the theory) themselves, it could contribute to a better visualization and lead to better understanding of concepts

WHY THE CONCEPT OF MYLAB CHEMISTRY & NATURAL SCIENCE KITS?

Prof Corrie was a Lecturer at North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus for first year Chemistry students for more than 25 years and he realised that students did not have practical knowledge. It then became clear that there are basically 2 reasons for that:

1. Schools do not have the equipment to do the experiments.

2. Learning facilitators and Teachers do not have the knowledge to prepare and demonstrate the experiments.

Being a Lecturer, it was important for Prof Corrie to develop something that would be affordable, practical and above all, something that would give learners hands on experience.


DOES THE CHEMISTRY KIT INCLUDE CHEMICALS TO PERFORM EXPERIMENTS?
 
Yes and if it is used correctly it can last between 3 and 5 years. Refill chemicals are available.


WHAT IS THE MATERIAL?
 
Teacher Manuals, Learner Manuals and Experiment DVD’s from Grade 4 – 12 and FET College Level 1 & 2.

ANY SUCCESSES OF MYLAB CHEMISTRY & NATURAL SCIENCE KITS?

Presentations and workshops on Mylab were done on invitation abroad at Chemistry and Education Congresses, e.g.: Budapest, Hungary (August 2000), Beijing, China (August 2002), Istanbul, Turkey (August 2004), Seoul, South Korea (August 2006), Vienna, Austria (April 2001), Linz, Austria (April 2003), Eisenstadt, Austria (April, 2005), Leoben, Austria (April, 2007), Hong Kong Baptist University (December, 2001). Mexico City, Mexico (18-20 May 2005) Maseru, Lesotho (January 2008) Bloomington, Indiana (July, 2008) Safed, Israel (8 - 11 Sept. 2008).

DELIVERY TIME?

All Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits are produced and packed to order and delivery time is subject to final destination.

ANYTHING ELSE?

Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science works in international cooperation with several leading scientists. Prof John Kotz of the State University New York, author of the first level Chemistry textbook which is used over the world, visited Mylab in 2006. He helped in the presentation of workshops in the North-West Province. Prof Lise Kvittingen and Mr. Per-Odd Eggen from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, visited Mylab in 2006 and 2007. They helped with the presentation of workshops in the North-West Province. They also took Mylab kits to Etiopia which are used in the Norway/Etiopia project in chemistry in the Etiopian schools. Mylab kits were also exported in 2008 to Norway to be used in the Norwegian schools.

LAST THOUGHTS?
 
1. If pupils were allowed to do the experiments (which support the theory) themselves AND FOLLOW THE TEACHER, it SHOULD contribute to a better visualization and lead to better understanding of concepts, BECAUSE SCIENCE AND CHEMISTRY ARE JUST AS MUCH PRACTICAL AS THEY ARE THEORY.

2. It is essential to get the Mylab™ kits to the learners to “expose” them to the wonderful world of Natural Science and Chemistry AND to teach and equip the teachers WITH THE RIGHT SKILLS to get the most value out of the Mylab™ kits FOR THE CHILDREN and to give the teachers the confidence to present the classes.

Actually Improve Junior & High School & College Results!

Physical Science and Chemistry is one of the subjects in high school that is of utmost importance for the development of an economically, and technologically sound country. A small number of pupils in general take physical science and chemistry as subjects and the general results of examinations are unsatisfactory.

The poor average percentage achieved for Chemistry by grade 12 pupils in many developing countries can be attributed to the fact that schools do not have adequate equipment to allow pupils to do the experiments (which support the theory) themselves and or teachers do not have adequate experience and skills. If pupils could do the experiments themselves, it could contribute to a better visualization and lead to better understanding of concepts.

The Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits is the product of many years of development by well qualified and experienced chemistry lecturers at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. They have been involved in the training of Physical Science teachers for the past 25 years. The result is a unique and ingenious mini-laboratory for all chemistry and natural science experiments at school for grades 4 to 12 and FET Colleges. We are of the opinion that, if the Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits are made available to schools, many of the problems in the teaching of chemistry and natural science could be solved.

1. The Mylab kits offer complete solutions to teachers and learners; therefore we do not supply loose items that result in incomplete and useless laboratory apparatus. 
2. Teacher manuals, Learner manuals, experiment DVD’s, apparatus and chemicals are included in the Mylab kits. The Mylab solutions align with most school curriculums around the world, some minor adjustment may be required here and there.
3. With the workload that Teachers are burdened with, these excellent teaching aids will help Teachers to prepare for and to present the classes more easily.
4. The kit is a complete true-to-life small-scale laboratory with test tubes, spatula, deflagrating spoon, etc. and 100% mobile due to it’s compact design.
5. All reactions, colour changes and products are clearly visible. The apparatus can easily be heated and cooled.
6. Cleaning of the apparatus is also not a hassle as step by step instructions are given in the manuals.
7. All experiments are done with with small amounts of chemicals and this means – cutting costs, pollution and the danger of explosions. Preparation of solutions by the Teacher is limited to the minimum; match-head quantities of solids are dissolved to generate solutions of workable concentrations.
8. The kits can be used in an ordinary classroom; hence, no laboratory is needed. No electricity or running water is needed for the experiments.
9. Everything is replaceable and Chemicals can last between three (3) and five (5) years if used sparingly.

Something that we are very proud off and that sets Mylab far above any other school chemistry and natural science kits is our Teacher Training Workshops, presented by the NWU - Potchefstroom Campus. It provides hands-on Teacher training to equip Teachers with the much needed skills to get the best results out of the Mylab® Kits with their Learners, and this builds greater confidence in the teachers to DO the prescribed experiments in their classes.  

For more detailed information about Mylab kits and solutions for Junior & High School & FET Colleges, visit www.mylab.co.za today! 

Looking for school natural science and chemistry equipment and solutions

Seeing that you're on this blog, you are most probably looking for school natural science and chemistry equipment and solutions, well you've come to the best and most complete solution on the net!

Currently there is a drive in many developing nations to improve natural science and chemistry results, and to get more students to take and focus on these subjects at schools and colleges, which is great news!

The first universal problem is that natural science and chemistry is a physical and practical subject, not just theory, and most schools and colleges do not have adequate equipment to do the physical and practical experiments in class!

The second universal problem is that many teachers are ill-equipped and some lack the skills to present the classes, and this causes teachers to lose confidence and loose interest to make the effort to do science!But we have good news, the Mylab solutions and kits have been developed and fine tuned over the last 25 years in South Africa, and Mylab in our experience is the leading authority, solution and equipment provider that addresses the needs of both the teachers and students at junior and high school and at FET colleges around the world! 

Currently the ingenious Mylab solutions and natural science and chemistry kits are being used in schools in a number of developing nations around the world, and even some first world organizations are beginning to see the value in the Mylab solutions and natural science and chemistry kits, which is a fraction of the cost of a conventional laboratory.

The only way that students and teachers are going to increase subject interest, and to see a positive difference in exam results, is firstly by doing science and then learning science! We have seen countless positive results in teachers and students over the last 25 years, so much so that we can confidently say that mylab is the leading authority and a one stop solution provider, with its patented equipment and complete solutions for teachers and students! Mylab focuses on training and equipping teachers to be able to do science and then teach science in the classroom, and this has a major and positive impact on students!

Seeing that you are here click through and visit our website now, and while you are there I suggest that you create your own free user account now, which will give you full and free access to our website today! So go ahead and register your free access account now and come visit us.