‘Science of Soccer’ kicks off at Sci-Bono Discovery Centre
The ‘Science of Soccer’, a uniquely South African collection of exhibitions commissioned by the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in 2008 and launched on last month by the Minister of Science and Technology, the Honourable Minister Naledi Pandor, officially opened today.
The ‘Science of Soccer’ exhibition running from May 2010 – January 2011 and will be complemented by a full programme of activities throughout the World Cup period (June – July 2011).
Sci-Bono’s aim is to use the hype of the World Cup as an opportunity to engage school learners, teachers and the general public in an innovative education programme that reveals the mathematics, science and technology behind the game of soccer. (For more information about the aims and objectives of the exhibition, please see attached Concept Document Science of Soccer).
The Science of Soccer exhibition consists of eleven “hands-on, feet-on, minds-on” exhibits custom-built in South Africa. Each exhibit is designed to allow maximum interaction as the audience discovers the scientific and mathematical principles that contribute to the true beauty of … the beautiful game.
The Science of Soccer slogan ‘Play Science, Learn Soccer’ aspires to allow young and old alike to discover the fun in science and mathematics as they learn more about kicking accuracy, perfect passing and demon dribbling. (Please see attached the full list of exhibits).
In 2008, the Sci-Bono Exhibition team conducted research hoping to build on existing ideas from international science centres. Finding no precedent for a completely soccer themed science exhibition, the team decided to design and build one from scratch. And so began an intense process of designing, building, testing and re-designing what is about to become a world first – the Sci-Bono ‘Science of Soccer’ Exhibition.
On Friday 28, invited guests will be treated to the premiere of our brand new science show: ‘Phootball Physics’. The science show is a creative piece of edutainment designed to reinforce the mathematics and science demonstrated in the exhibits. ‘Phootball Physics’ is a show designed for the whole family and will be performed daily throughout the school and holiday programme.
Sci-Bono has worked extensively with local and international partners. Locally our programme of activities forms part of a comprehensive programme of activities taking place in a variety of venues in the Newtown Cultural Precinct. The Newtown Management District has provided support and marketing for several activities within our holiday programme and are responsible for co-ordinating the Newtown programme.
Courtesy of the German Development Cooperation-GTZ and the Goethe–Institut, the international exhibition ’Is the ball round?’ was launched today. This Soccer lounge forms part and parcel of ‘Football meets Culture’, a series of cultural events coordinated by the German Embassy and the Goethe-Institut. Complete with games, stories and music, ‘Is the ball round?’ allows fundis and newcomers to learn everything from soccer slang to the origins and history of football in a chilled, lounge environment.
The launch signaled the start of a weeklong Science of Soccer School Festival (31 May – 4 June). The schools festival which specifically targets learners from previously disadvantaged schools will include exploration of the exhibition, games in the soccer lounge, the all new ‘Phootball Physics’ Science Show and a viewing of ‘My Beautiful Game’, a ground breaking South African produced documentary series brought to Sci-Bono courtesy of Africa on Screen 2010.
On 24th June Sci-Bono will co-host the launch of Africa on Screen 2010 with the premiere of the Australian / South African co-production, “The Team That Never Played”. Africa on Screen will provide a series of soccer films shown twice daily from 25 – 27 June and 2 – 4 July. Films to be screened include: The Team that Never Played, Zanzibar Soccer Queens, Game of My Life and One Goal.
Throughout the World Cup, international and local visitors will be able to Play Science and Learn Soccer during and in between matches. The exhibition is open to the public seven days a week from 9am – 7pm.
