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SCIENCE IN THE SOLOMONS
Richard Jackson, Science Teacher
SOLOMON ISLANDS --
The extremely limited resources for practical experiments and lack of text books, is certainly challenging and could make learning a very boring experience of copying from the board. However, one of the positive things is that we do try to be as creative as we can to make learning more interesting than this.We have used drama and role play for a range of topics, from particle theory of solids, liquids and gases in Form 1 to holding a mock village meeting to learn about the issues of logging and sustainable development. Students in the Solomon Islands also have very good visual skills and so diagrams, mind maps and flow charts are really useful for learning. In the simple experiments that we have been able to do students have shown that they learn well in a practical way, which is why it would be good to be able to do more practical science.
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| Students in a classroom |
Improvisation is the thing to do!
We have used drama and role play for a range of topics, from particle theory of solids, liquids and gases in Form 1 to holding a mock village meeting to learn about the issues of logging and sustainable development. Students in the Solomon Islands also have very good visual skills and so diagrams, mind maps and flow charts are really useful for learning. In the simple experiments that we have been able to do students have shown that they learn well in a practical way, which is why it would be good to be able to do more practical science.Improvisation and imagination is called for in large amounts, so that some experiments are possible using household and natural materials, such as plastic cups with lines marked on for beakers, fridge magnets, lime juice for acid, chalk and candles for heating water. Although these go some way to making practical science possible, there are some times when proper scientific equipment is required for the students to achieve their best.
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Borrowing equipment via a canoe!!
This is especially the case in Form 4 and Form 5 as the students study for their Solomon Islands School Certificate. One example is an assessment towards the student’s final grade, which required the use of force meters and pulleys. For this we had to borrow the equipment from another school, a canoe ride away!The science lab here at Kokeqolo has only very basic equipment. Sinks, but not taps. Test tube racks, but no test tubes. Such a list could continue for quite a while. Yet, whenever we have done even the simple experiments that we can do, one thing that has stood out is the enthusiasm of the students to learn and their desire to do more practical science.
If you would like to know more about Kokeqolo Community High School contact admin@newhopeinternational.net
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