| 1. |
The AstroQuiz is a science competition for Grade 7 learners that is based on astronomy-related themes and linked to the "Earth and Beyond" section of the Natural Sciences syllabus. |
| 2. |
The AstroQuiz is a project funded by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) and run provincially by the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). This project is aimed at:
- encouraging an interest in science in primary schools;
- improving classroom practice;
- creating awareness and insight into basic astronomy, science and mathematics; and
- fostering an interest in career opportunities in astronomy and other sciences.
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| 3. |
The AstroQuiz has been successfully implemented in the province since 2006 and interest in this competition has grown phenomenally. This competition is only done in English on provincial and national levels. |
| 4. |
Since 2015 the Western Cape AstroQuiz competition is an online competition. Learners may use their cellphones to participate. |
| 5. |
To enter the AstroQuiz schools must identify teams of four learners from Grade 7 to represent the school. |
| 6. |
The first two rounds of the provincial AstroQuiz will be held at schools under the supervision of the teachers in charge. Schools are encouraged to enter with as many teams as possible. |
| 7. |
There will be a trial round for learners to practise the quiz online. Schools compete by answering a set of 30 questions in each round. All schools will answer the same questions. The teams are given a fixed 60 seconds per question. Only one team per school may participate in the second round. Participating learners may not take any resource material into the quiz venue. |
| 8. |
Provincial Rounds 3 and 4 will be held on the same day at the SAAO in Observatory, Cape Town. The SAAO will be responsible for transporting teams to the provincial Rounds 3 and 4 and the final national event. |
| 9. |
The 2018 dates for the AstroQuiz are as follows:
| ROUND |
DATE |
VENUE |
| 1 |
26 April 2018 |
School level |
| 2 |
24 May 2018 |
School level |
| 3 & 4 |
27 July 2018 |
SAAO in Observatory, Cape Town |
| National Finals |
01–03 October 2018 |
Gauteng |
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| 10. |
The resource pack for the AstroQuiz and an exemplar question paper can be downloaded from the SAAO AstroQuiz website at http://astroquiz.saao.ac.za. If a school needs a hard copy of the AstroQuiz booklet they can request it by sending an email with the name of the school and postal address to help@astroquiz.saao.ac.za. |
| 11. |
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) advises that all schools use the AstroQuiz resource pack and the exemplar question paper to give learners experience in writing the quiz. This should be an open-book activity for groups of four learners each, with each group working as a team. |
| 12. |
Interested schools must register for the quiz directly with the SAAO via the AstroQuiz website at http://astroquiz.saao.ac.za. Registrations are open from March 2018. |
| 13. |
All communication from the SAAO will be via email and/or SMS. Teachers may choose their preferred means of communication when registering and are invited to join the AstroQuiz mailing list at http://astroquiz.saao.ac.za/join-the-mailing-list/ to stay informed about the quiz. |
| 14. |
The WCED encourages all schools with Grade 7 learners to participate in the 2018 AstroQuiz. |
| 15. |
For any further questions or clarity about the competition kindly contact the SAAO directly or visit their website for more information:
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| 16. |
Principals are requested to bring this minute to the attention of all Grade 7 Natural Sciences teachers. |
SIGNED: PAD BEETS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2018:04:04
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