For the 9th consecutive year, the Science Centre within the Directorate for Learning and Assessment Programmes has organised Science Safari, a science-based competition in the form of a treasure hunt. Over 350 Year 8 students from 24 different schools, teamed up in threes to participate in this year’s event that was held online on Saturday 26th March 2022.
The various puzzles and challenges sent participants scrambling around their homes to recognise scientific phenomena, solve problems related to simple engineering mechanisms, identify chemicals used in our kitchens and demonstrate concepts related to the life sciences among other topics. The competition also involved web quests where participants had to engage in online research about female scientists, inventions, and the local environment. Given that students were expected to work from home, Science Safari exploited the opportunity to involve the students’ family members too. Students’ creativity led to some even involving their pets!
Among other objectives, this activity aims at developing problem-solving, investigative, time management and collaborative skills in the participating students. The experience also helped students enhance their IT skills, particularly through a series of warm-up activities in the run up to the event
Kieran Cassar, Raphael Borg and Matthias Vancell from St. Aloysius Secondary School placed first, followed by Julian Attard, Nicolo’ Vella and Jerome Omoregie (St. Paul’s Missionary College) and Thea Cauchi, Kelsey Fava and Elenia Falzon (St. Ignatius College, Middle School Ħandaq) in second and third place respectively. Each winning participant was awarded a science kit, offered by the Science Centre while the winning schools received a set of books for their libraries sponsored by HSBC Malta Foundation. Awards were presented by Mr Michel Cordina, Executive Director at HSBC’s Head Office in Valletta
The Science Centre would like to thank Integrated Science teachers for encouraging and supporting participating students and HSBC Malta Foundation for supporting this event. Well done to all students who have participated in this year’s edition of Science Safari!
