By Kim de Boer, South African SKA Project Office, Johannesburg

During the weekend of 18 - 19 August 2007, eight Grade 12 students who have excelled at mathematics and physical science, participated in an Astronomy Career Weekend at the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO). The learners were selected from the Department of Public Works' 2014 Youth Foundation Programme and the 2007 National Science and Technology Forum award winners.

The aim of the career weekend was to expose these students to the inner workings of an observatory and the jobs that astronomers, and engineers related to astronomy, do. We hoped that it would inspire some of them to consider pursuing such studies / careers. Their parents or guardians were also invited to attend so that they could also find out at first hand what the studies and career possibilities within physics and engineering are and assist the children in making a decision.

Staff members at HartRAO and the SKA South Africa Project Office joined forces to present a wide range of activities, including launching water rockets, using a sundial to tell the time, listening and talking to each other with parabolic whisper dishes, looking at sunspots and understanding the basics of radio astronomy using a simple receiver system. The activities illustrated physics' principles like: action and reaction, the effect of the Earth's tilt and orbit around the Sun, the principles of parabolic shaped antennae, the basics of radio receivers and the electromagnetic spectrum.

A presentation on astronomy introduced the learners to the scale of the universe, the immense amount of research needed to understand our universe and the South Africa's involvement in and commitment to building up astronomy in the country. Students used the 26m antenna to scan through the pulsar Vela at two different frequencies. Then, through a series of mathematical equations, the students determined the distance to the pulsar in light years. They also had the opportunity to assemble a mini-version of a radio astronomy receiving system. The students then had to calculate the correct dimensions of a source so that it produced a signal at a particular frequency.

We then held a discussion on the study paths for astronomy and electrical engineering, the value of a physics degree and the benefits of postgraduate studies. The students were also told about the opportunity of undergraduate bursaries for study in Physics and Electrical Engineering.

After sunset the students looked through an optical telescope at a variety of objects including Jupiter, Omega Centauri and The Jewel Box.

The students also visited the South African SKA office in Johannesburg. After watching the movie Contact, they participated in a lively science café (discussion session) with Dr Kent Cullers from SETI.

The students valued the opportunity to work with and talk to the astronomers and engineers, finding out from the about their own studies and career paths. Five of the students will be applying for an SKA undergraduate bursary.

Students at the base of the 26m radio telescope at HARTRAO (there are nine students in the photo because the sister of one of the students joined in the programme)

Students learning how to tell the time with a sundial.

Demonstrating how a simple radio receiver system works.

One of the most valuable opportunities the students had was to talk one on one with the astronomers.