From the fields of palaeontology and the discovery of Mrs. Ples to the building of the most powerful telescope right in our own backyard, the programme offers something for everyone.

There will be daily talks from distinguished scientists and organisations such as the Bernard Price Institute of Palaeontology, the CSIR, Sharp Electronics, and DOW Chemicals to name a few. Nano Materials, water purification, Chemistry careers and how to race a solar car will be some of the things discussed during the presentations.

For those who take a more hands on approach there will be dozens of exhibitors in addition to the over 350 permanent exhibitions in the centre. Some of these are Maropeng, the SA Weather Service, Coca Cola, WITS and the CSIR. Also on offer is 3D printing and a StarLab Planetarium that will take one on an amazing journey of discovery through space right in the heart of Johannesburg.

National Science Week is an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and is a countrywide celebration of science involving various stakeholders and/or role players conducting science-based activities.

This project is viewed as a public awareness project and there are four objectives:

- To popularise science to the broader South African society,
- To serve as a vehicle for showcasing local innovations in science and technology, and the leadership role of the DST and other government departments in enabling research, development and innovation,
- To make science, engineering, mathematics and innovation appealing to learners, such that they would consider SET as preferable career options, and
- To familiarise targeted participants with the science linked to areas in which South Africa has knowledge and/or geographic advantage so as to contribute in making them informed and critically engaged citizens.

Although thousands of scholars will descend on the centre from all over Gauteng, the public will also have an opportunity to experience science week over the weekends. If one wants to make a booking for one's school, phone Cynthia Sithole on 011 639 8491 or email [email protected]

Sci-Bono Discovery Centre is open Mondays to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays between 09:30 and 16:30. Entry fees are R10 a child and R20 an adult. Pensioners and children under 6 are free.

For more information, phone 011 639 8400 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, visit www.sci-bono.co.za.