Space Physics at UCT and beyond
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
From Mahikeng to Space Physics Cool people in STEM Fields Since I’ve given my blog a revamp in December 2017, I’ve been meeting some really cool South Africans that work and operate in STEM (Science Tech Engineering Math) fields.  One such person is Olorato Mosiane. We met while attending some Mindstorms EV3 training at Hands on Technologies.  Olorato is a man of many talents and big ambitions – here is… Who is Olorato Mosiane? Q1: Where did you grow up? A1: I am from Mahikeng and I did my grade 12 equivalent at the International School of South Africa. Q2: You told me you st ..read more
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Robotics Competitions in South Africa
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
FIRST and WRO Robotics Competitions in South Africa FIRST (For Inspiration in Robotics Science and Technology) and WRO (World Robot Olympiad) are two robotics competitions in South Africa that use the Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot.  The formats and focus of the two competitions are slightly different, but the aim and purpose is the same: better STEM and STEAM skills development for kids. Click on the topic of STEM vs STEAM to learn more. FIRST South Africa FIRST competitions are a combination of robotics and business skills, so teams are generally bigger than with WRO. The competition is divided ..read more
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What is IIoT (XinaBox Solution)?
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
Talking IIoT vs Doing IIoT There are many people an companies talking about the ‘Industrial Internet of Things’ and how you can do so many smart things because of it.  I have also done it – I’ve even written about how IIoT can improve factory efficiency and make predictive maintenance and failure prediction much smoother.  However, there is a difference between talking about it (Industrial Internet of Things) and doing it. Don’t get me wrong!  I am by no means saying the people that talk about it don’t know how to do it, but they don’t always show and tell! I have found a simple modular soluti ..read more
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The Centurion Robotics Club
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
Robotics for kids and adults There is as much a growing need for adults to learn and develop STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) skills as there is for kids!  The Centurion Robotics Club has identified this need and have programs and tools to address the needs of all people at any skill level. The STEM skills problem Today in South Africa, as little as 14% of first year engineering students actually finish their degree.  As little as 58% of people have in interest in STEM related careers, which is shocking if you consider that this numbers stands at 80% in India.  India is cu ..read more
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What if automation suddenly ceases to exist
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
Can we live without automation? So there is a lot being said about automation and Industrie 4.0 (German spelling, because that’s where the idea originated) and the impact it will have.  In this post, let consider the alternative: what would happen if Automation would suddenly seize to exist? The idea for this post came from a discussion with a Professor at the University of Pretoria.  We were discussing the impact of automation, the future of work and the need for an Automation Engineering qualification. This thought was in line of documentaries looking at what would happen to earth if humans ..read more
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Electronics in South Africa
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
How many schools offer electronics in South Africa? It is being said that as little as 4% of schools in South Africa are technical schools!  “Is this true?” – I hear you – that was my reaction as well and I find that hard to believe.  Truth be told, electronics in South Africa should be more prevalent in the training and education of our youth. Another terrible stat is that only as little as 14% of first year engineering students actually finish their degree.  This is largely contributed to the lack of understanding of the BASICS of engineering principles. Meanwhile, regardless of these tragic ..read more
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Lego Mindstorms EV3 in South Africa
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
Lego Mindstorms EV3 Where to find it in South Africa So much have been published on the fantastic Lego Mindstorms EV3 set produced and distributed globally by Lego Education.  In South Africa ‘Hands on Technologies‘ is the Lego Education partner. They are also supported by their non-profit sister company- ‘Care for Education‘ to reach schools and children in rural areas.  There is a great need in our country to upskill our youth. “Currently our youth (18 -35 years old) unemployment is sitting at 60%” Retail set vs Core Set The Mindstorms EV3 retail set (product code 31313) and can be purchased ..read more
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Educational toys – The future of learning
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
Kids learn through play – Educational toys Truth be told – so do adults!  What better way to learn than to tackle hands on tasks and actually learn new skills, rather than just reading up on it and then forgetting it a few days, or even hours, later.  This blog has a few other posts related to the “learning through play” theme – here is the first in a series of posts about educational toys. The series will take a look at various educational toys that are available in South Africa. These include simple things like Six Bricks (educational exercises to facilitate and advance early childhood devel ..read more
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The STEM Conference and Career Expo 2018
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
What is the STEM Conference and career expo? Are taking your first steps as a Science, Tech, Engineering and/or Mathematics graduate?  Have you been trying to figure out where to start, or what your options may be?  Then you need to be at the STEM Conference and Career Expo at the end of July! Get a degree, get a job You’ve probably been told (or at least heard someone say) that having a degree will guarantee you a job in South Africa.  You may have reconsidered that idea last year when some graduates took to the streets with the “Hire A Graduate” campaign. The reality is, we cannot rely solel ..read more
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Leapfrog Africa – future proof Africa
The STEM Blog South Africa
by Jurie Weidemann
4y ago
Leapfrog Africa: The future of… I had the immense privilege to be invited to a Singularity University (SA Chapter) event in Johannesburg on the 16th of May.  The event took place the stunning ‘Park House of Events on 7’ and the speakers were amazing.  The focus was the Future of Finance and how crypto currency and blockchain technology will have a  “LEAPFROG AFRICA” effect and ultimately future proof Africa! Partners and collaboration The evening was exciting, eye opening and very informative.  Let me be completely honest – I have been quite skeptical of Crypto Currency up until now, but this ..read more
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