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Chemical equilibrium is one of the most important yet difficult topics to teach. The purpose of this study was to examine how two science teachers experienced the mediation of and how they mediated...

The Khanya Maths and Science Club (KMSC) is an afterschool science/maths enrichment programme for learners in Grades 7–12 supported by postgraduate students and academic staff volunteers. This research seeks to explore the relationship between participating learners’ attitude toward learning science and the characteristics of this afterschool science club. The study draws from Wenger’s community of practice model to explore the features. Six learners participating in the KMSC were interviewed and their journal entries were analysed inductively, resulting in three themes. The study revealed that learners’ attitudes towards learning science were associated with the club’s instructional characteristics, facilitators/environmental characteristics and the level to which science was connected with everyday life. These characteristics are also related to the community of practice elements. It was concluded that incorporating the community of practice model in structuring afterschool science activities could have...

Science Expos are intended to develop and empower learners to identify local problems and hence find solutions thereof using scientific processes. Science Expos are perceived as spaces for sharing experiences of science which engender love for science so that learners may ultimately pursue science-related careers. Despite these ideals, there is still poor participation in Science Expos by teachers and learners alike, especially from historically disadvantaged schools in South Africa. A qualitative case study underpinned by a community of practice theory was conducted in four disadvantaged schools in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The purpose of the study was to understand stakeholders’ perceptions of participation in Science Expos. The data were generated using individual semi-structured interviews with two Expo organisers, three teachers and five learners from disadvantaged schools. Additionally, two focus group interviews were conducted with learners. The data were analysed inductively. The findings of...