On Friday the 16th of September Jeppe Girls took two teams of girls to the Wits Integrated Experience in Science (WIES). They were presented with a “murder case” and were briefed and then left to “solve” the murder. They were given the means to analyse soil samples, water bottles, blood samples, pollen, footprints and the burial site, as well as being introduced to different science departments at Wits. They then had to report back with their groups on who they thought the murderer was and why. Many schools participated in the experience and our Grade 10 learners held their own in the competition which included mostly Grade 11 learners. Tiffany Harzon won an award for asking good questions and Jeppe was also one of six schools that achieved 100% in the astronomy section.
Tiffany said “ It was a long day with hard work but we were rewarded with an astounding experience and a fantastic lunch. Overall I found the experience intriguing, fascinating and beneficial. It helped us think out of the box and I cannot wait to report back with my group on who we think the murder is and, most importantly, why.”
Sabeehah Hamid said “As a girl who does both Life Science and Physical Science being able to interact on a new level with more advanced science was a treat… and we were exposed to equipment that we have never used before.
Ruth Bowdler found it very interesting to explore many aspects of science. She said “It was inspiring to be around scientists who are passionate about their respective fields. They told and showed us what they do and why it is important, and opened our minds to things we had not considered before.” She was also “excited to see the application of some of AP Maths work”.
Taskeen Laher enjoyed the time in the archeology, geology and actuarial science departments as well as engaging with modern computer programmes. She said that ‘the most memorable experience was working in the well-developed labs with chromatography and molecular and cell biology.
“This experience was fantastic” said Carmen Parker “as it dealt with all the different sciences that go into solving a murder. This is particularly intrigued me as I want to have a future career in crime scene investigating and forensic sciences. I was told the necessary degrees that I would have to study to achieve this. I enjoyed how Wits opened our eyes to the different sciences and how they can be applied in the ‘real’ world.”
