I learned more about ants, which was something I did not really put to my attention. I just saw them as small and unimportant, but no, they are quite interesting and very important for the environment.

As a future educator specialising in Natural Sciences, the Iimbovane biodiversity workshop has equipped me with new insight and experience in field trips that form a crucial part of science education.

Iimbovane is beneficial to Grade 10 learners as it ties in with the topic of biodiversity. It essentially shows biodiversity in action. Learners can be assessed on this topic by inserting it as a case study in an assignment or test or exam paper. It is also helpful in explaining the topic of classification as learners learn valuable skills of using scientific keys to identify ants, which can also be assessed in an assignment, test or exam.

Ek het geleer hoe om data te analiseer en hoe om ‘n presentation as ‘n groep op ‘n rekenaar op te stel.

Classification is a challenging concept in the Grade 7 curriculum. The workshop demystified the concept and process of classification by using ant species. It can be useful to educators and learners and can be used for practical assignments and as part of formal assessments.

Vandag het ons deur die woud gestap en ek het plante en bomme (blomme) se name en wetenskaplike name ontdek/geleer. Ek het vandag geleer hoe om ‘n mikroskoop te gebruik en om verskillende insekte te identifiseer.

To work with a microscope was the best. I have never used one before. I know now how it is used!

I learned today that there are 5 different ways of capturing different types of insects, most commonly insects captured were the ants. The 5 different ways were baiting, vacuum, sweep nets, beating and pitfalls. I also learned a plant’s name called ‘noem-noem’ and I saw for the first time a forest tree fern. I learned how to identify plant and invertebrate species.

We learned the different sampling methods and how to set up these methods and also tested which one is the best to use.  We also learned about invasive species and native species.