Aaron Beresford and Josiah Osford were the picture of concentration, as they carried out their science experiment.
Students may become much more interested in science and science subjects, if a more hands on approach is used, in the teaching of this subject.
Science Teacher at the People’s Cathedral Primary School, Peter Farnum who co-ordinated the school’s recent Science Fair suggested the above, even as he spoke about the high level of creativity and interest shown by students at the school, in demonstrating what they know about science. He acknowledged that some students across the local educational system may be turned off by the way in which the subject is delivered, since there tends to be a focus on teaching science from books, rather than allowing students to be more practically involved with the subject and its offerings.
“I think part of the problem is that science is taught too much as just a book subject, just reading and I think more people would go into science, if it was taught in a more hands on way. It takes longer and it is more trouble on the teacher to set up experiments and get materials and to get students to do hands on activities in the classroom. It takes forethought ahead of time and it takes up more time out of an already packed curriculum, than to just read about the activities in the book, but obviously the children come away with a different understanding, when they get to participate in the activities. Not just even to see it demonstrated, though that is better than reading about it, but even better still, when each child can put his hands out and try it for himself and to me that is the exciting part of science” Farnum pointed out.
He added, “I would encourage those who are dealing with science, try to make it a practical subject and then I think automatically more people will be interested in going into the science field”.
Speaking on the actual Science Fair, he meanwhile noted that a number of students were able to come up with unique ideas for their science projects, which they displayed, including Yohance Jones who designed an experiment using ultraviolet light, to test how well persons wash their hands, given the looming threat of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Also Sahara Small who experimented with different materials to detect which would keep drinks cold. Out of the paper, plastic, bubble wrap and cloth, the paper and cloth did the best job.
Noting that the theme was “Science: The Objective Study of God’s Creation”, Farnum stressed that the school’s aim was to give students the opportunity to experiment and discover various aspects of science for themselves, rather than simply taking information from books or from off the Internet.
They also got the opportunity to explain to others their discoveries and conclusions and the topics chosen were in keeping with aspectz of their curriculum, the Science teacher indicated. (RSM