ScienceUnlimited Profile

	what is ScienceUnlimited?
	Heading for it's first 6th year, ScienceUnlimited is Africa's premier Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) Education/Awareness Week, comprising science shows, workshops, lectures, demonstrations and interactive exhibitions. ScienceUnlimited opens a window on tertiary study, career and entrepreneurial opportunities for learners so that they can opt for maths and science subjects at school. Without a skilled population, South Africa will suffer serious socio-economic problems. ScienceUnlimited provides a platform for South African education institutions, corporations, manufacturers, mining companies, trades, NGOs and government departments to promote opportunities for learners.

	aims and objectives
	To offer our youth a life-changing experience by opening a wide and exciting window on science, engineering and technology during the ScienceUnlimited weeks. There is a direct correlation between a nation's wealth and its scientific and technological capacity. We need to make a concerted national effort to promote science and technology as a means of improving living standards. The most effective way of taking our country forward is to enthuse our youth for science and technology. South Africa more than ever needs qualified individuals who will use their skills and entrepreneurial spirit to enable our country to compete internationally, with the best. We need a new generation of young minds, skilled in and passionate about science and technology, working to put us on the global technological map.

	captive audience
	Learners from grade 6 to 12 attend ScienceUnlimited. The majority are from extremely under-resourced schools. 80% of ScienceUnlimited's visitors travel from rural areas, countrywide. No other education/awareness week attracts more than 60'000 learners per annum in the interest of science, engineering and technology. Educators accompany learners to ScienceUnlimited giving project partners access to an even broader market.

	format and content
	The ScienceUnlimited Educational Model consists of two distinct components: 1. The ScienceUnlimited Programme > 250 chemistry & physics shows, workshops, demonstrations, illustrated talks & lectures covering maths, chemistry, physics, biology, astronomy, technology, palaeontology, conservation, geography, geology and career opportunities - 90% aligned to the National Curriculum. 2. The ScienceUnlimited Interactive Exhibition > 4’000m2 of interactive displays, exhibits and demonstrations (exhibitors are urged to provide the visiting learners with an extra-sensory experience). Science, engineering and technology offer richly rewarding study, career and entrepreneurial opportunities to young people. ScienceUnlimited will encourage our youth to exploit these opportunities. And, not only is science & technology exciting and useful – it’s fun too!

	ticketing and event infrastructure
	Entrance to the ScienceUnlimited grounds is free. This means that visitors can browse the exhibition halls and engage in interactive exhibits at no cost. A highly advanced booking system has been specifically developed for Science Unlimited. This has significantly streamlined the booking process. Health and safety regulations are adhered to at all venues by contracting security, cleaning and disaster management services. The mandatory insurances are also purchased to safeguard the integrity of the organisers should any misfortune arise to presenters, participants, exhibitors and visitors. A comprehensive website already exists to offer the browser general ScienceUnlimited information. It also provides schools and interested parties with an electronic medium that supports event queries and bookings. Entry to workshops, shows & illustrated talks costs R8 (negotiable for disadvantaged learners). All learners are ushered to and from lectures & shows by ScienceUnlimited Facilitators. This prevents late arrivals and ensures the emptying of seminar rooms for the next show/lecture.

	partners, resources and funding
	All three ScienceUnlimited catchment areas are blessed with an impressive array of physical and human resources in the fields of science and technology. More than 200 project partners will provide sponsorship in kind in excess of R800'000 to each of the events in the form of venues, marketing networks, logistical support, media coverage, speakers, presenters, workshop leaders and exhibitions. R200'000 of in-kind sponsorship has already been provided by TSHWABAC for Pretoria, the proprietors of the Tshwane Events Centre, this being the discount on the venue hire. The Royal Agricultural Showgrounds, in Pietermaritzburg, needs to be paid for in full. The Stellenbosch school consortium (comprising Gymnasium Paul Roos, Rhenish Girls and Bloemhof Girls) has provided ScienceUnlimited with the use of classrooms, halls and other facilities for a significantly discounted fee. Sponsored Cash of approximately Rl'200'000 is required to implement each event (Pretoria, Stellenbosch or Pietermaritzburg).