Help Children Access Hands -On Science Education

The Mobile Science Lab (MSL) is a very powerful and innovative instrument to revolutionize rural education and make hands-on education increasingly accessible. It is a catalytic channel that is fun, engaging and interactive, aimed to raise awareness among disadvantaged children and teachers of the value of learning - with a focus on science. Each MSL travels to doorstep of remote schools with 100+ hands-on science models covering a wide range of topics in Physics, Chemistry and Biology for Class 5 through 9. The teaching approach is consistent with the National Curriculum Framework and the topics overlap the NCERT syllabus. There are also experiments not directly correlated to the state syllabus but are intended to spark curiosity and encourage questioning among the children. The demonstration sessions emphasize interaction and questioning. Children are able to relate better to concepts explained through interactive demonstrations rather than through rote learning. MSL’s are highly effective in delivering large science fairs, and reaching community members through night community visits too. Night community visits allow the child beneficiary’s parents, family and community members to participate in learning sessions about various beneficial topics.

Reach and benefits of the Mobile Science Lab

• Depending on the density of schools in the proposed catchment area, a single Mobile Science Lab can generate about 16,000 student exposures* per annum.
• Mobile Science Labs access schools and raise awareness on the importance of hands-on science at a mass level. They are highly effective in delivering large Science Fairs and reaching community members (at night for example).
• Mobile Science Labs help catalyse local schools and educators to improve the content and quality of education for rural children and teachers.

Links:

• http://www.agastya.org