STEC@UKZN Hosts Physics Research Camp

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The Science Technology Education Centre (STEC@UKZN), based at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville campus, in partnership with Eskom Expo and Dr Angela Fösel and her team from the Friedrich Alexander University, Erlangen, Germany, hosted the second ‘Physics Research Camp’.

This initiative supports high school learners who are undertaking science-related projects by helping them bring their ideas to life. Nine learners were selected to participate in the five-day camp, during which they presented their project ideas and were assigned mentors to guide them through the research process.

The learners brought a diverse range of innovative projects to the camp.

Mr Shriyaan Sewpersad (Grade 11) explored how different materials impact the efficiency of solar panel energy capture, motivated by South Africa’s growing reliance on renewable energy.

Mr Azile Katleho Gambushe (Grade 10) built a functional hydroelectric model to investigate the feasibility of generating electricity from water flow.

Mr Okuhle Mgobhozi (Grade 11), inspired by Star Trek, investigated wave-particle duality through the double-slit experiment, engaging with key concepts in quantum physics.

Mr Khethelo Ntshangase (Grade 11) proposed a system for capturing carbon dioxide from waste incineration to reduce landfill usage and air pollution.

Ms Chinazan Ndiomaluke (Grade 11) combined her love for music and physics by examining how sound waves travel through different media using musical instruments.

Ms Dominique Nagan (Grade 11) studied light polarisation and quantum randomness, testing everyday light with simple filters.

Ms Mihle Sihlahla explored how different surfaces affect frictional force.

Grade 10 twins Ms Lunathi and Ms Luthando Mzindle developed a prototype digital tracking system to assist the South African Police Service (SAPS) in locating missing persons - demonstrating a strong commitment to solving real-world problems through technology.

Many of the participants arrived at the camp with limited or even negative perceptions of science. Mgobhozi admitted he once found science boring and imagined scientists living isolated lives, “cooped up in laboratories”. He was surprised when his tutor chatted about football - an experience that changed his assumptions. Similarly, Gambushe shared that he once believed scientists always worked flawlessly. Through practical activities, he realised that failure is common and valuable.

Ndiomaluke echoed this, saying the camp helped her understand that “science is patience - being able to repeat an experiment and not letting failure stop you from trying to reach your results.”

Lunathi and Luthando noted how often they had to repeat their experiments, a lesson in perseverance. Sewpersad observed that environmental factors, such as rising temperatures, impacted his solar panel experiment and required repetition to ensure accurate results. Encouragingly, all participants expressed interest in continuing their projects, with many intending to refine or expand their work based on mentor feedback.

The Physics Research Camp was more than a platform for projects - it was a transformative journey. Learners gained hands-on experience, built confidence and discovered that science is as much about curiosity and persistence as it is about results.

The Physics Research Camp sincerely thanks its sponsors from the Friedrich Alexander University, Eskom Expo, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal for their support, and organisers Dr Tanja Reinhardt (aka Dr T) and Miss Lexia Naidoo for making the camp possible. They also extended their gratitude to the Physics Department at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for providing access to their laboratories and facilities, and to Professor Mathew Moodley for his continued support and encouragement.

The camp would not have been possible without the help of dedicated mentors: Mr Varlen Moodley, Ms Whitney Mtolo, Mr Stuart Camps, Mr Mohammed Khan, Ms Simphiwe Mkhasibe, Ms Sinothando Mndali, Ms Bolelang Tsolo, and Ms Thembelihle Gumede, whose guidance made a lasting impact.

With renewed passion and purpose, these young scientists returned home inspired to keep exploring, experimenting, and innovating.

We look forward to hosting next year’s Physics Research Camp.

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Supplied