On 28 October, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Department of (*40*) celebrated greater than 40 years of Phenomenal (*40*), an outreach programme that has been igniting curiosity and pleasure about science because the Nineteen Eighties. Each 12 months, the programme brings highschool learners to campus for a day of dwell demonstrations that convey science to life. The programme goals to encourage the subsequent technology of scientists and encourage learners to think about science-related research past matric and even perhaps pursue physics at UCT.
The 2025 version of Phenomenal (*40*) coincided with the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology and featured particular demonstrations highlighting the stunning results of quantum phenomena. Support from the South African Quantum Technology Initiative (SAQTI) enabled learners from faculties with out their very own transport to attend, which ensured that the programme reached a various viewers throughout the Western Cape.
Engaging learners throughout the Western Cape
This 12 months, round 300 Grade 11 learners from faculties like Aloe High, COSAT, ISCT, and Joe Slovo Engineering High, to call just a few, attended. The occasion was offered by a staff of UCT teachers, technical workers, and postgraduate college students from physics, astronomy, engineering, and oceanography. Throughout the afternoon, learners had been inspired to make predictions, clarify outcomes, and take part in hands-on experiments, bringing theoretical ideas to life.
The division additionally acknowledged the exceptional contribution of Gregor Leigh, whose creativity and enthusiasm have helped form the programme over the years. A former senior lecturer within the division, Leigh is famend for his daring and charming demonstrations, typically among the many most daring of the programme. Even in retirement his spirited shows proceed to encourage each college students and colleagues alike.
Debbie Rowe, a trainer on the German International School Cape Town, mentioned her college students loved it “immensely” and didn’t need to depart – notably the waves demonstration with burning gasoline, the liquid nitrogen experiments, and the ping-pong ball chain response. She added that each demonstration was enjoyable, partaking, and inspiring, and that they’re already trying ahead to subsequent 12 months.
Inspiring future scientists
The organisers emphasised that the programme’s purpose shouldn’t be solely to entertain however to indicate learners the relevance of physics on the earth round them. Beyond sparking scientific curiosity, Phenomenal (*40*) displays the division’s dedication to broadening entry to science. By providing learners from numerous faculties the chance to have interaction with dwell, hands-on experiments, the programme helps bridge gaps in publicity to laboratory-based studying. Demonstrations spanned basic mechanics and electrical energy to quantum phenomena, with highlights like superconducting levitation and liquid nitrogen water rockets.
Didintle Kela, a pupil at Hout Bay International School, discovered the demonstration temporary but extremely informative, noting that every experiment provided perception into the deeper legal guidelines that govern the world – from movement to the Bernoulli impact. She was notably impressed by how these key scientific concepts could possibly be demonstrated with easy setups, including that the occasion reminded her how way more there may be to be taught and inspired her to proceed exploring.