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The Unizul Science Centre in Richards Bay has just unveiled a brand new exhibit, Auto Works. This exhibition which features a car bursting through a wall with lights and indicators flashing, is the latest in a series of exhibit renewal undertakings at Unizul over the past year. Auto Works, sponsored by Engen was officially launched on May 18, 2001 to an eager crowd of pupils and corporate sponsors.
Auto Works offers visitors a comprehensive study of the car but also uses the automobile as a medium for science education. A half-car bolted to the wall introduces visitors to the different automotive systems (exhaust, electrical, braking, safety etc.) while several state-of-the-art BMW engine models enable enthusiasts to dissect the inside of a car. In addition, more than a dozen hands-on exhibits have been developed to delight young and old alike. A seat belt race, hydraulic jack, gears tray, surprise box, and a road awareness centre for tots ensure that the exhibition targets all age groups.
Putting Auto Works together was perhaps the Science Centre's most challenging project to date. While the focus of any exhibition has always been on fun, interactive science, Auto Works distinguishes itself by its stunning visual impact. Getting a 1,80 m wide car through a 1,70 m door opening and hoisting it up two floors to its final resting place was not a task for the faint hearted!
The development of Auto Works took approximately four months from inception to completion. While exhibit costs (excluding staff expenditures) were kept well within the budget of R55,000 donated by Engen, the final product is worth much more. In kind donations from BMW, Zululand Used Motor Spares, Dunlop, and the Department of Transport raise the value of this exhibit to significantly more than R100,000.
This, made in South Africa, exhibition provides audiences with an experience that is unique not only to South Africa but the world. Exhibits such as the Seat Belt Race for example have yet to be featured in any other science centre. Auto Works' original approach is sure leave a lasting impression on visitors. And, judging by the hundreds of pupils that have seen Auto Works since its opening, this exhibit is a definite hit.
If you'd like more information on this and other exhibitions at the Unizul Science Centre, do not hesitate to call us at 035-797-3204.
Auto Works' feature display - a car crashing through a wall
Road Safety Awareness Corner sponsored by the Department of Transport
Learning about road safety
Pupils interacting with some of Auto Works' table top exhibits
Learning to drive a car
Grade 12 boys captivated by one of Auto Works BMW engine models
Tilting the car on its side so that it could fit through the Science
Centre's doors
