The Evolution and Human Evolution sections are often the most challenging of the High School CAPS Life Sciences Curriculum. Considering that these sections are a large part of the final Life Sciences exams, this raises some concern. However, they are important sections for integrating the different subjects covered in the curriculum (genetics, human physiology, etc.), as well as essential in explaining some of Africa's rich fossil heritage.
I am a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Cape Town, currently researching evolution education in South African schools, and the extent to which small additions to the curriculum might enhance understanding and acceptance among learners. This is achieved through a 4 hour workshop, which may split into several sections, depending on the requirements of various schools or organizations.
About the workshop
The workshop covers the essential criteria of the Evolution and Human Evolution sections of the CAPS Curriculum, and is designed to enhance and facilitate understanding of these sections. The workshops are hosted by researchers and volunteers from UCT who have lectured, tutored and researched Human Evolution during their academic careers.
As is mentioned above, the workshop is approximately 4 hours in total, which includes learner evaluations (see "About the research"), and may be held over several days, depending on the individual requirements of the schools or organizations participating. The workshop may be held both PRIOR and AFTER these sections have been covered in class (in other words, both as an initial introduction OR as a refresher).
The workshop is designed to cover the matric CAPS Life Sciences sections; however, it is additionally offered to grades 10 and 11. In other words, Life Sciences learners who have not yet covered these sections.
About the research
The workshop is a part of my research project on Evolution Education. This means that throughout the workshop I will be evaluating learner understanding of the subject matters. This requires permission from schools, parents and learners. However, learners who do not wish to be a part of the research (or whose parents do not wish it), but hope to benefit from the workshop, are still welcome to sit in on the workshop.
How to get involved
If your school is interested in participating in this research, please do not hesitate to contact me so that we may arrange a time, and a protocol for ethics permissions, using this form.