…Remember the article I wrote about STEMMates a few weeks back? Well, here is another positive outcome of my second session with them as they celebrated Earth Day…

STEMMates with Vuyi and Freda

With yet another exciting monthly event, I set out to on various ways I could celebrate Earth Day. I was fortunate to be invite by the STEMMates on another theme based event. Their theme for Earth Day was ‘Recycling’. This time, they invited a Lady who has mastered the art of taking disposable material (or junk) and turning it to wonderful works of art. She goes by the name Freda Jonk. Freda is also Vuyi and my colleagues at the Department. I have seen her work displayed her office, but she was now going to show use how she makes her art.

  We were going to create the spiral flower.

Freda brought examples with her...

The attendees (STEMMATES aged approximately between 10 to 18) gathered in the garage. Vuyi started the sessions by introducing Freda and I to the attendees. Then Freda took over to show everyone how to create flowers using magazines, ductile wires, small stones and glue.

All the materials that were needed to makes the flowers were there :)

The flowers were brought to life by, using a page from any magazine (especially those with bright colours) and cutting it into a circle. Then, one further has to cut it into an equal spiral until you reach the middle where you leave some paper  for the glue. Then you role up the long paper spiral and then add glue to the middle-end piece of paper you had left behind to secure the flower in to place. Once that is all complete,you have now pierce a wire into the flower to act as the stem and glue a small stone in the middle to act as the pistil.

I had made my own too!   

...And so did this STEMMate. He already had his small stone and wire put in place...well done!

She was very thorough with her explanations and made the whole experience quite easy, relaxing and enjoyable! Even I created a flower of my own! The learners were also excited and continues to make multiple flowers to their hearts content.

  The girls showed off their flowers as well...

The little trio...

Although it is my duty, I too celebrates Earth Day by conducting groundwater monitoring with my colleague. I do this on a monthly/quarterly basis in order to manage the groundwater resource. The day started with visiting boreholes from various farms and estates, and then collecting water samples to test their quality (such st pH, electrical conductivity and temperature).

Another day on the field...

I really enjoyed Earth Day as it remained not only me, but many of those who commemorated the day that, when we set our visions on protecting the environment, we to a greater extent, protect the Earth.

I will upload more pictures on the 'Gallery' section of the site...stay tune and THANKS FOR READING!