06 July 2016 Volume :4 Issue :30

From Mars to Medicine Seminar

The Principal of Dawnridge Primary, Mr SN Pillay (left) with learners and UKZN’s Mr Kumeren Govender and Dr Nadaraj Govender.

Grade 5 to Grade 7 pupils from Dawnridge Primary in Chatsworth, Durban, enjoyed an exciting seminar on Mars and Medicine presented by UKZN father and son team, Nadaraj and Kumeren Govender.

Dr Nadaraj Govender is a Senior Lecturer while his son is a 5th year Medical student.

Dr Govender visits schools annually to encourage learners to follow careers in Astronomy, Science and Technology as there is a need to create interest in these fields from childhood.

He said Edmund Hubble (the Hubble telescope was named after him) gained an interest in science after receiving a small telescope as a gift from his grandfather, while Richard Feynman (the renowned physics educator and joint Nobel prize winner in 1965 for quantum electrodynamics) began by tinkering with the components of old radio sets.

The pupils heard about issues such as living on Mars, the current Mars One project in which 100 top candidates are shortlisted (including one from UKZN), practical astronomy of the night and day sky using binoculars, and the Orrey (see model in picture).

Some interesting questions were asked about space such as: Are there aliens out in space? and How big is the universe?

Kumeren discussed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and HIV and AIDS, health, exercise and nutrition. He said he was very impressed with the updated knowledge of the students regarding HIV and AIDS and congratulated the school for fostering a deep understanding of health issues.

Principal Mr SN Pillay told learners they needed to lead a balanced life and participate in music and art as well.  He said Kumeren, in spite of his academic workload which includes studying for an MBChB Master’s degree, plays the violin, thabla, and harmonium and is learning classical music.

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