The AstroQuiz competition is aimed at grade 7 learners and is based on themes around astronomy. The competition is run as a knock-out event and teams of four grade 7 learners per school enter, with each participating school being allowed to field one team. Each leg of the quiz involves school teams competing to answer a set of 30 questions. All schools answer the same questions.

The AstroQuiz aims to improve teaching and learning of basic astronomy in primary schools. The main goals are:

·  To contribute to the improvement of awareness, interest, understanding and insight into basic astronomy;

·  To build appreciation of and pride in South Africa’s history of astronomical activity and achievements, and current projects;

·  To record and celebrate the participation of women in astronomy so as to foster interest in girl learners of career opportunities in astronomy.

The AstroQuiz is held in various regions all over the country. Osizweni held round 1 and 2 at the Osizweni Science Centre, 20 primary schools from the Standerton sub-region participated with the five top teams progressing to the provincial round. Teams in high spirits gathered at Penreach in Whiteriver on 27 July 2018. The Osizweni Science Centre was represented by Azalea Combined; Standerton; T.P Stratten; Highveld Ridge and Highveld Muslim primary schools.

At the provincial round, teams take part in round three and four of the quiz before progressing to the National quiz. TP Stratten; Highveld ridge and Highveld Muslim primary schools progressed to round four. Unfortunately they did not progress to the national quiz, Molapalama primary school from the Nkangala region of Mpumalanga will be representing the province at national level.

“The Department of Science and Technology’s Science engagement strategy improves scientific literacy in our schools and promotes public understanding of Science in our communities through a number of competitions such as AstroQuiz. It is through this effort that that the dream of a beautiful and well-resourced South Africa will be realized” Bongani Thabethe, Osizweni AstroQuiz coordinator.