Who is Iimbovane

Iimbovane is an education project that uses nature as a platform to help learners develop practical science skills and an appreciation for biodiversity.

Celebrating Natalie van der Heuvel as she graduates!

Natalie's journey began with an undergraduate BSc in Biodiversity and Conservation Biology which she attained from the University of Western...
Read More
Celebrating Natalie van der Heuvel as she graduates!

Insekpret vir leerders van Panorama Primêr

Op Dinsdag 5 Desember 2023 het die Graad 6 en Graad 7-leerders van Panorama Primêr, in Riversdal, ’n dag van...
Read More
Insekpret vir leerders van Panorama Primêr

Celebrating South Africa’s floral diversity through science and art

On Friday 13 October 2023, a group of 20 girls from Luhlaza Secondary School enjoyed a flower-filled day with Iimbovane...
Read More
Celebrating South Africa’s floral diversity through science and art

Jong Iimbovane ekoloë bestudeer Grootvadersbosch woud-ekosisteem

Die afgelope Oktober skoolvakansie het ’n groepie jong ekoloë die woude van Grootvadersbosch Natuurreservaat saam met ingevaar op soek na...
Read More
Jong Iimbovane ekoloë bestudeer Grootvadersbosch woud-ekosisteem

Tales from the timid and the untamed: Iimbovane at EEASA

Last month, the Iimbovane project team came to together with educators, researchers, students, practitioners, NGO’s and supporters of Education for...
Read More
Tales from the timid and the untamed: Iimbovane at EEASA

Our activities

Educator support

We support science educators through training events and the development of learning materials for the classroom.

Camps and day programmes for learners

We run camps and day programmes where learners explore biodiversity in various habitats through mini-research projects.

School-based lessons and field studies

Our team helps learners develop and practice scientific skills by using the scientific method to study the biodiversity in their school grounds.

Our impact

0
Learners trained in biodiversity science

0
Learners attended multi-day camps

0
limbovane alumni continued with tertiary studies in biological sciences at universities

Nurturing a passion for conservation education through experience

In the world of conservation and biodiversity, individuals like Garth Jacobs are a shining example of how hands-on experience can...
Read More

From Iimbovane learner to computer whizz

Science affects us all. Its applications is interwoven in our daily lives - from the food that we eat to the computers that we use every day. Although science as a subject may be daunting for some of us, a nudge in the right direction is all that is needed sometimes to send us on an interesting career path.
Read More

Science educator of the future

When the Iimbovane Project recently reconnected with a few of its alumni, Romeo Nissen, who participated in Iimbovane as Grade 10 learner at Swartberg Secondary School in Caledon, agreed to share his experiences as a varsity student.
Read More

Iimbovane alumnus pursues his passion for science

Azole Klaas, Iimbovane alumnus, decided to pursue his passion for science after high school. Azole is currently a first year student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), and is doing a BSc degree with majors in Biochemistry, Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Read More

Vandag het ons deur die woud gestap en ek het plante en bomme (blomme) se name en wetenskaplike name ontdek/geleer. Ek het vandag geleer hoe om ‘n mikroskoop te gebruik en om verskillende insekte te identifiseer.

Grade 10 learner

I learned more about ants, which was something I did not really put to my attention. I just saw them as small and unimportant, but no, they are quite interesting and very important for the environment.

Grade 10 learner
Sarepta Secondary School, 2018

To work with a microscope was the best. I have never used one before. I know now how it is used!

Grade 10 learner
Atlantis Secondary School, 2018

Iimbovane is beneficial to Grade 10 learners as it ties in with the topic of biodiversity. It essentially shows biodiversity in action. Learners can be assessed on this topic by inserting it as a case study in an assignment or test or exam paper. It is also helpful in explaining the topic of classification as learners learn valuable skills of using scientific keys to identify ants, which can also be assessed in an assignment, test or exam.

Life Science Educator
Diazville High School

Classification is a challenging concept in the Grade 7 curriculum. The workshop demystified the concept and process of classification by using ant species. It can be useful to educators and learners and can be used for practical assignments and as part of formal assessments.

WCED Deputy Chief Education Specialist
Western Cape Education Department

Ek het geleer hoe om data te analiseer en hoe om ‘n presentation as ‘n groep op ‘n rekenaar op te stel.

Grade 10 learner

As a future educator specialising in Natural Sciences, the Iimbovane biodiversity workshop has equipped me with new insight and experience in field trips that form a crucial part of science education.

BEd student, 2019

I learned today that there are 5 different ways of capturing different types of insects, most commonly insects captured were the ants. The 5 different ways were baiting, vacuum, sweep nets, beating and pitfalls. I also learned a plant’s name called ‘noem-noem’ and I saw for the first time a forest tree fern. I learned how to identify plant and invertebrate species.

Grade 10 learner, 2022
Grade 10 learner

We learned the different sampling methods and how to set up these methods and also tested which one is the best to use.  We also learned about invasive species and native species.

Grade 10 learner
Luhlaza Secondary School, 2019