The WCED Mobile Sciencentre took to the road with a bang this year - sometimes literally - by visiting five high schools in rural areas of the Western Cape.

The MTN Science Centre launched the mobile science centre two years ago in partnership with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

The mobile centre is housed in a brightly-coloured panel van packed with exhibits to bring the fun of science to schools in all parts of the province. Trained staff accompanies the van to entertain and educate high school learners with science.

The centre now features bright, shiny new "wrapping".

"With the continual exposure to the elements (especially the sun), after two years it was time to change the 'wrapping'. In addition new exhibits were added to the existing exhibits adding to this wonderful science experience," said Julie Cleverdon, Director of the MTN Sciencentre.

On Sunday 24 January, the team visited the following rural areas:

• Beaufort West, visiting Batiaanse Hoerskool (Grades 8 to 11)
• Oudtshoorn, visiting Fezekile Secondary School (Grades 8 to 12)
• Calitzdorp, visiting Calitzdorp Hoerskool (Grades 7 to 12)
• Montague, visiting Hoerskool Montague (Grades 10, 11 & 12)
• Robertson, visiting Langeberg Hoerskool (Grades 8 - 12)

"The team spent the whole day at the schools and received an overwhelming positive response from all the learners and educators," Ms Cleverdon said.

"One science teacher commented that he now believed his learners would pay more attention in his class after a visit from the WCED Mobile Sciencentre."

"The WCED Mobile Sciencentre team has planned a full programme this year, with many of the plans made in 2008 for the van finally coming together in 2009, enabling us to continue improving on the offering to all learners and educators."