3.2 Use reference books

One of Shuttleworth’s main objectives was to motivate youngsters to take a greater interest in maths and science, two learning areas that have not been greatly exploited in the disadvantaged communities, and for which there is great scope in terms of future careers. The Hip2b² project has been mentioned. It was hoped that there would be a greater awareness of the exciting world of science. The University of Stellenbosch, which had previously launched its Sunsat satellite successfully, was deeply involved.

Shuttleworth planned to do three experiments in space. In the first one, which was designed by Dr Danie Barry of the University of Stellenbosch, the development of stem cells and embryos from sheep and mice in micro-gravity would be tested. In the second, students from the University of Cape Town studied Shuttleworth’s energy consumption and heartbeat in space.

On Wednesday, 4 September 2002, Dr Barry, from the Department of Animal Sciences at the US gave a talk: ” Never despair, the sky is the limit if you try hard enough ”. Amongst other things he said the following:

“During the launch of the Soyuz rocket and Space Capsule No 33 by Energia, the Russian Rocket and Space Corporation, from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, we sent mammalian embryos and stem cells for a period of 10 days in a portable Biotherm incubator and a glove box with Mark Shuttleworth to the International Space Station.

After their return from outer space, the embryo and cell samples and the corresponding control samples were frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen. The control and space samples were then transported to the laboratory at the US for evaluation and further analysis. It was shown that the sheep and mouse embryos grown under micro-gravity conditions developed past the hatching stage of the embryo, and an enlargement and outgrowth of the inner mass was observed. …It can therefore be concluded that sheep and mouse embryos will … keep on developing after hatching under conditions of zero-gravity in outer space.”

Assessment

Memorandum

Assignment 1

1. Posters

2. Research (links with History) into the Cold War, the space race and the first Russian cosmonaut.

3. Vocabulary as in assignment 4.

LEARNING UNIT 4: WRITING

Assignment 2

1. He is shocked at the state of the world; he is critical of the press for giving such prominence to Shuttleworth’s trip as there are more pressing problems that need to be highlighted; we must believe in our own dreams and our own lives (implied: for the betterment of society).

2. Letter to the editor. The format is important, as are the tone and register.

Assignment 3

1. Any suitable translation can be accepted.

2. The advertisement is visually striking and relates to the subject: One sees cells (microscopic images, suggesting the scientific experiments that formed an important part of the project), the earth as seen from space, and a satellite. The US Sunsat project was, like Shuttleworth’s undertaking, a first for Africa. The two things are linked through the visuals. The copy suggests vibrancy (“skiet” / shoot), and also faith in the future of the country. It promotes the US as an institution that is on the forefront of new developments. (Anything along these lines.)

3. The logo: Learners’ own opinion (must be substantiated). Logo has leaf because Stellenbosch is traditionally associated with the oak trees. Typography is perhaps too stilted.

4. Own advertisement: All facets to be explored: copy, graphics, typography, etc.

5. The + places it within the context of science and maths. The words “multiply” and “divide” reinforce this.

6.

(a) “hip” means stylish, following the latest fashion, “with-it”

(b) “square” means old-fahioned, opposed to new trends, not “with-it”.

7. It links it to the idea of a scientific equation.

8. Infinite means never-ending. It fits with the idea of space.

9. … promote science and technology and maths, especially amongst the youth of our country.