Johannesburg, South Africa – The seventh annual Wits Integrated Experience short course kicked off in June at Wits University, engaging grade 11 learners from across Gauteng in a real-world exploration of a gas explosion. This program aims to foster critical thinking and creativity in solving complex problems through hands-on experiences and collaborative learning opportunities.
The selected students this year are tasked with investigating a methane gas leak that resulted in an explosion on Lillian Ngoyi Street in Johannesburg last year. Teaming up with Wits academics, the learners will assess the impact on infrastructure and local communities, analyze data collected, and propose solutions from various academic disciplines.
To enhance their understanding, students had the chance to visit the Sibanye Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory, where they explored cutting-edge technologies related to mining and safety. They also delved into small-scale explosive experiments in the School of Chemistry and interacted with robotics at the RAIL (Robotics, Autonomous Intelligence and Learning) lab in the Computer Science department.
Elih Van Ross, a student participant from St. Barnabas School of Specialisation, expressed confidence in their ability to come up with innovative solutions and potentially win the competition. The learners are eagerly anticipating their return to Wits in July for a presentation before a panel of experts, followed by an awards ceremony later that day.
An integral aspect of the program is exposing students to diverse career opportunities within different fields of study. By engaging with various disciplines, participants gain insight into potential career paths, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.
Nhlakanipho Mngadi, a student from Thuto-Lesedi Secondary School, emphasized the competitive nature of the program due to the participation of multiple schools. Despite the challenges, Mngadi’s team remains enthusiastic and committed to giving their best effort during the research process.
Overall, the Wits Integrated Experience short course provides a unique opportunity for students to collaborate, innovate, and explore interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving. Through this experience, learners not only gain valuable skills but also uncover potential academic and career pathways leading to the future of work.