Students of 30 government schools in Ernakulam will now learn oscillation and the science behind force through a ‘feel-and-learn’ method.
In a unique initiative aimed at making science learning interesting and innovative, the Ernakulam wing of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) will launch science parks at select schools in the upper primary level. Working models, charts and puzzles will help students understand science concepts in a fun and interactive way. “The pilot project will be targeting students in Classes 5 to 7. As initial support, we plan to give ₹30,000 each for the select school to set up the science park,” said SSA district coordinator Sajoy George.
“Two classrooms will be utilised for keeping the working models and other related learning tools as part of the science park. The project is part of the government’s Public Education Rejuvenation Mission,” he said.
The parent-teacher association in each school will be actively partnering the science park project. Block resource centre trainers under the SSA will help the schools in setting up the facility. The partners in the learning process will receive training on how to assemble and dismantle the learning equipment. They will be familiarised with the know-how behind each working model and its various systems.
Besides pulleys, metals and wires, the science parks will have equipment to understand multiple reflection, day and night on earth, weight of air, and image difference in various mirrors.
The State-wide project has been implemented in various districts on a pilot basis. It will be extended to other schools in the next phase of the programme. The students in the primary level may also be included in the second phase of the science park project.
The initial project to be launched in 30 government schools will be made operational this academic year.