The learning experience of government school students in the district is all set to take a major leap forward in the coming academic year.
The Regional Science Centre here would train teachers to construct models of science experiments using commonly-available material. These models would be used to teach various scientific concepts, official sources told The Hindu on Saturday.
The Centre had already initiated talks with the Department of School Education on this subject. The officials have assured the Centre that it would be implemented in classes IV to IX during the upcoming year.
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This was part of an effort to adopt ‘learners centred’ approach in class room teaching. This was intended to change the present system in which only the theory was taught during science classes.
A senior official at the Science Centre said that a simple hair dryer and a small plastic ball can be used to explain Bernoulli’s principle which had many applications such as in the flight of aircrafts. Some of the models can be constructed from even scrap material.
Using such models would improve the comprehension of students and help them realise the importance of science.
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Further, the Centre would also initiate talks with Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), a Centrally-sponsored scheme to promote access to secondary education, to conduct similar programmes, the official added.
The Centre would also conduct summer classes for students of classes VII, VIII and IX from May 8 to 11. As part of this, training in origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, would be imparted.
Further, sessions on astronomy, biological sciences and physical sciences would also be held. This camp would end on May 11, the National Technology Day
The Rs. 8.5 crore-Regional Science Centre here, which spans across 6.71 acres and features hundreds of exhibits, aimed at stimulating interest in science among school students.
The Centre, located on Avinashi Road en route to Codissia Trade Centre, would be open from 10 a.m. to 5.45 p.m. on all days. It would remain closed on national holidays. The entry fee is Rs. 15 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. For the 3D theatre, the entry fee is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children. For further details, contact: (0422) 2570 325/2573 025