Bringing Chemistry to Life at Dietrich Moravian Primary School

On 30 May 2025, the UCT Chemistry Department’s Outreach Division, part of the Transformation and Marketing Committee - visited Dietrich Moravian Primary School in Highlands Estate - Philippi to deliver an engaging, hands-on science experience for Grade 7 learners.

The visit was coordinated by Mrs. Laa-iqa Rylands, who planned activities that would align with the CAPS curriculum. Experiments were selected to reinforce topics related to “Matter and Materials” and “Acids and Bases.”

During the visit, learners were introduced to exciting demonstrations and experiments that explored concepts such as states of matter and pH testing. From colour changes in acid–base reactions to interactive experiments involving everyday materials, learners were captivated by the visual and tactile aspects of science in action. The Grade 7 learners engaged eagerly with each activity—asking questions, making observations, and showing a genuine excitement for learning science in a hands-on way.

A heartfelt thank you goes to the outreach team—Mrs. Laa-iqa Rylands, Dr. Samantha Douman, and Mrs. Claire Lawrence-Naidoo—for dedicating their time to making science accessible and enjoyable for young learners. A special thanks to Pieter De Kock for assisting with the circuit models.

Dietrich Moravian Primary School is a Quintile 2, no-fee public school under the Western Cape Education Department. With just nine staff members, including the principal who also teaches full-time, the school serves 262 learners from Grade R to Grade 7. Learners travel daily from nearby communities such as the Philippi farming area, Heinz Park, Sweet Home Farm and Samora Machel. Although the school once had departmental transport, learners now rely on their own means to get to school.

The principal, Ms. Liesl Fisher, and Ms. Rugayba Rylands expressed sincere appreciation to the UCT team. “We are so grateful for this visit. Our school has very limited resources, and opportunities like this don’t come by often. To see our learners so inspired and excited about science was truly special.”

Engagements like this underscore UCT Chemistry’s commitment to outreach and transformation, by bringing quality science education to under-resourced communities and sparking curiosity where it matters most.