A Night of Wonder: STEC Celebrates 15 Years with Explosive Science Show

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The Science and Technology Education Centre (STEC) marked its 15^th anniversary with a spectacular science show on the evening of Wednesday, 23 July.

The event, held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), featured a joint performance by UKZN’s Dr Tanja Reinhardt (Dr T) and the United Kingdom’s Professor Stephen Ashworth (Kitchen Science). Over 100 attendees gathered in eager anticipation. They were not disappointed.

STEC, which grew out of the need to house the former University of Natal’s Geology Museum (founded in the 1950s), first opened its doors as a Science and Technology Education Centre and Geology Education Museum in 2010. Today, it serves as a dynamic hub for science communication, offering exhibitions, science shows, workshops, career guidance and educator training. Its mission is to spark interest in science and engineering, especially among young learners, while showcasing UKZN as a centre of excellence.

Over the years, STEC has reached out to schools across KwaZulu-Natal, especially those in under-resourced communities. Through these outreach programmes, the centre not only hosts workshops but also provides resources to enable hands-on experimentation. Collaborations with various organisations have helped STEC close the science education gap in the region.

This year’s show was particularly emotional, as it marked Dr T’s final Big Science Show Off event before her upcoming retirement in December. She shared heartfelt memories with the audience, many of whom had known her since they were young learners attending STEC programmes. Among the guests were UKZN lecturers who had previously collaborated with the centre. They joined in on the fun, attempting to blow out the famously ‘unblowable’ candles, while Dr T charmed the crowd with her signature humour and passion for science.

The evening ended on a sweet note. Guests enjoyed cake and indulged in liquid nitrogen ice cream made on the spot, with Ashworth providing a live demonstration on how it was made. The night was a beautiful blend of science, nostalgia and celebration.

STEC’s 15-year milestone is a testament to its unwavering dedication to making science accessible, engaging, and enjoyable for all. As Dr T prepares to bid farewell, her legacy will live on in the countless young minds she helped inspire. Looking ahead, STEC remains committed to igniting curiosity and nurturing the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Supplied