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New soccer programme to help pupils boost their skills in maths and science

THE Sci-Bono Discovery Centre has a new programme - Science of Soccer.

THE Sci-Bono Discovery Centre has a new programme - Science of Soccer.

The programme aims to expose pupils to the principles of science, mathematics and technology in a fun-filled way.

Participants, who are primarily school pupils, engage in physical interaction and mental stimulation through a variety of soccer-related exhibits that provide feedback on performance, while demonstrating the mathematics and science behind the soccer activity.

Michael Peter, Sci-Bono chief operating officer, says the Science of Soccer showcases an interactive exhibition of the educational and scientific aspects underlying one of the world's most popular sports. Participants will explore the concepts that are a key part of the game like inertia, centre of gravity, the Magnus effect ("bend it like Bafana"), leverage, velocityand force.

Other supporting activities include virtual platforms for participants to play with technology and "build a ball" or compete in a virtual soccer game.

"Such an exhibition will serve not only to heighten public interest as we approach the Soccer World Cup tournament, but will also be a major attraction for the tourists who land on our shores. We are also hopeful that the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre will get special visits from international soccer teams," says Peter.

The initiative has benefitted from SAP Africa's partnership and sponsorship of the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre.

"We have for many years supported programmes that have a focus on education including mathematics, science, information technology and youth entrepreneurship, as well as literacy as a basic prerequisite for education," says Sunil Geness, SAP Africa's corporate affairs executive.

"Our activities and programmes also focus on addressing the unequal access by some members of society to information and communications technology, and the unequal acquisition of related skills and this initiative provides a great opportunity to address the latter.

"The Science of Soccer Exhibition will add a dynamic educational spin for pupils, helping them to understand what really makes soccer such a beautiful game. Pupils will understand why the world operates on the technology backbone and how data extracted scientifically can be used to create a pool of intelligence necessary in our everyday lives and their lives, to be precise," adds Geness.

"We are confident that the Science of Soccer will create opportunities for pupils to increase their knowledge and enhance their appreciation of mathematics and science literacy in everyday life."

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