SAIP2026

The influence of national science and innovation policy on science centre mandates; emerging pedagogical approaches to integrate indigenous knowledge systems and digital technologies.

8 Jul 2026, 09:50

20m

Lecture Hall C9 (University of the Western Cape)

Oral Presentation Track E - Physics for Development, Education and Outreach Physics for Development, Education and Outreach

Speaker

Dr FHULUFHELO NEMANGWELE (University of Venda)

Description

Science centres play a critical role in advancing STEM education, public engagement and innovation capacity in South Africa. Positioned at the interface of formal education, science policy, and community practice. It addresses persistent challenges such as low participation in STEM and limited access to high-quality STEM learning opportunities. Despite their strategic importance, evaluations of science centres emphasise the need for scientific rigour.
This paper systematically analyses the national policy framework, empirical literature, and institutional evaluation practices to situate science centres within South Africa’s science education and communication landscape. The analysis identifies three interrelated themes: the influence of national science and innovation policy on science centre mandates; emerging pedagogical approaches integrating indigenous knowledge systems and digital technologies; and enduring conceptual and cognitive challenges associated with science learning in informal environments.

Keywords: Science Centre, STEM, national policy framework, emerging pedagogical approaches, cognitive challenges associated