Science center:

 

JOGA Science Center – Unit I High School, Bhubaneswar

Laboratory work should occupy a central position in any program of science education because teaching through fast-hand experience is important. In India, laboratory work emphasizes manpower development. One of the emerging science laboratories is located at Govt. High School, Unit-I, BBSR, Orissa, which is sponsored by JOGA and with the cooperation  and sincere effort of Headmaster Sumanta Kumar Sahoo and other school staff.

Jagannath Organization for Global Awareness (JOGA) established a science center at Unit I high school in Bhubaneswar. The center will be used not only by the students of Unit I high school, but also by the students of near by high schools on time share basis. The fund for the science center was raised by the JOGA members. The project advisors in Bhubaneswar are: Dr. Gouri Sankar Ray, Dr. Sarat C. Das and the school alumni Mr. Debaraj Mishra. We have also planned to organize high school science teacher’s refresher course at this center.

(Science lab picture and inside the lab with school students engaged in the experiment)

Works done so far:  Science Center initial set-up is completed with gas lines, water lines and flooring. Wall almirahs are planned and lab tops are completed. The initial funding by JOGA emphasized on set-up in installments. Besides JOGA funding for lab set up, school development committee also spent money for facility upgrade.

Selection of Science Center Lab. Assistant

candidates, we made a short list of 8 candidates.  We interviewed the short-listed candidates for the Science Center Coordinator position. We finally selected a candidate who had more experience and knowledge than other candidates. The candidate is Ms Sanija Begum from Bhubaneswar. Sanija is working in the science center since March 2007.  (Laboratory manager Sanija Begum)

Future Plans: JOGA has sanctioned money to buy necessary equipments for physics and chemistry experiments. We plan to monitor the use of the center by the students as well as the teachers. We also plan to organize science team meet by group of students from different schools. Also once successful here we would like to set up similar center in other schools in the state. The science center and other educational project report by JOGA are available at www.jogaworld.org.

Laboratory setup for science center in Unit I high school

The science center at Unit I High School is well equipped containing various chemical apparatus, state of the art equipments, and models of biological aspects.  Students feel comfortable in doing a number of experiments. This laboratory is shared by the students of this school and students of nearby schools.  A fixed number of experiments are included in senior classes which involve known facts. Students are asked to make observations, record results, manipulate apparatus, and draw conclusions. Here the young scientists conducting projects have the following attributes –

i-                    follow the scientific methods and involved innovative and experimental skill

ii-                  address local problems

iii-                 problem solving skill and help in science learning

iv-                encourage team work and will be exciting.

Without a doubt, this Science Lab will motivate young scientists because a larger objective is being attempted that harnesses the creativity, energy, and enthusiasm of the young ones.

Dr. Bigyani Das and Ms. Sanija Begum contributed to the above report.