On Saturday 3 November, 69 students from the 2018 class of GGY 252 (Process Geomorphology) visited Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves (known collectively as ‘The Cradle of Humankind’). It was one of the largest trips ever carried out for this course and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The day began at the Sterkfontein Caves, where student descended 60m below the surface of the earth. Whilst down there, they learned about the historic excavations of Mrs Ples and ‘Little Foot’, one of the oldest known hominids ever to be found. In addition, they also got to see many natural Karst landforms (like stalactites and stalagmites), that they had learnt about in their university theory classes. This was followed by a short bus trip to the Maropeng visitor’s centre. Here the students went on a boat ride through mock ups of many of the geomorphic realms found on Earth, explored the many exhibits available on various aspects of human life and development, and had a spirited debate about evolution with their wonderful guide. 

This was the first trip of this scale and type that the Department has done in many years and, after the results of it, we look forward to doing many more like it. It demonstrated how important it is for students (and lecturers) to see practical, real examples of the things we learn about in class.