Wits University’s School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering

Case Study

Connecting High School Learners to Materials Science

Preparing for the future of work calls for preparative action to be taken today. Engineering, particularly metallurgical science, offers several important technical and competency-based skills which will benefit the future of the world of work.

The School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering proactively saw an opportunity to connect high school learners to the specialised field of engineering in a way that would be engaging, educational and memorable. The Materials Science and Engineering Programme was conceptualised with a Career Day, outreaches to schools and a poster competition.

Eye-Catching and engaging design	Targeted school outreach	Social media amplification	Content capturing
Vibrant colours applied to recognisable symbols were used to engage with learners, teachers and tutors. Each edition was distinguished with a difference primary colour.	With a large school network, the outreach efforts were focused on attracting a mix of learners from diverse in terms of gender, geography and exposure to materials science.	Brand new pages were set up, and with a minimal budget for paid reach, the social media pages grew in engagement with each edition run.	If it’s not captured then it did not happen, and the gallery of each edition tells the story of the value and impact that the programme had on the learners that participated.

Website Design and User Experience	Pre-Planning and Speaker Preparation
Designing an intuitive platform that aligned to the vision of the Festival.	Preparing speakers and participants for the virtual format.

Social Media Amplification	Real-Time Adaptability
Expanding digital reach to engage a broader audience.	Executing live sessions and attending to technical glitches.

The Outcome

Our service and delivery brought the following outcomes:
• A growing database list of learners, teachers, school administrators and tutors served as a resource for outreach and growth for future editions.
• Established new relationships between the school and implementation partners who specialise in science and engineering awareness with youth in target communities.
• Connecting teachers with university lecturers, and school learners to university students through the coordinated events helped foster relationships which support interest in the sciences.

Our Reflections

1️ – Learners valued genuine connections and relatable stories. Our most engaging content was experiences from university students and learners who participated in previous years. Keeping it real resonates best!

2️ – We found that interactive elements like quizzes significantly increased engagement. Tools like a WhatsApp channel with different groups not only kept the students engaged but also allowed them to create their own spaces while providing us with valuable insights into their preferences and interests.

3️ – Maintaining consistent and clear activity was crucial. From the initial outreach to ongoing updates, sharing consistent messages helped build trust and kept the students informed and excited about the competition and career day.

Feedback from the client

By showcasing student creativity, we can better engage young minds and demonstrate the relevance of engineering concepts in everyday life. By educating youth about the impactful contributions of Materials Science and Engineering to society, we enhance their understanding of the discipline’s relevance.

This competition promises a broader scope, showcasing innovative methodologies to tackle engineering challenges and fostering a deeper connection between creative opportunities and university resources.

Prof. Michael Bodunrin, Programme Coordinator, School of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering