Following a request from the Cape Town Science Centre, the Iimbovane project presented educators from schools in the Cape Town Metropole with a workshop on ant diversity and its applications in the classroom.

The workshop, facilitated by Programme Manager, Dorette du Plessis, was held on 26 March 2011 at the Cape Academy for Maths, Science and Technology and Science in Tokai.

The workshop started off with a lecture addressing biodiversity theory, biodiversity issues and solutions in a South African context. After participants learnt about the theory of pitfall trapping it was time to go outside. Hot weather and high heels did not discourage educators and it was not long before all the educators were planting pitfalls. Educators also learnt how to record vegetation data on vegetation sheets. Back at the laboratory the educators were treated to a microscope session to learn about the physical characteristics that biologists use to identify ants. Using the Iimbovane Ant Identification Key, educators worked through the steps on how to use a scientific key to identify ant species.

The Cape Town Science Centre Educator Forum was initiated in the 2010 and is hosted on a monthly basis. It aims to be a platform where science educators from around the Western Cape can share ideas and get inspiration for teaching difficult science concepts.

For more information about upcoming forum events, contact Michael Ellis on 021 529 8100 or e-mail michael@mtnsciencentre.org.za