NCERT makes science learning fun

Amusing formula

NCERT’s aim to improve quality of science education through interactive textbooks will help make the subject interesting for students, say schools. 

National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has recently introduced new teaching methods for science subjects, namely development of activity-based textbooks, laboratory manuals, exemplar problems, science kits, source books on assessment and others.  It has also been organising several teacher training programmes on the use of these materials. 

“Our teachers have attended these workshops and have received science kits which have proved to be helpful for us. 

“Teachers have got motivation to teach beyond the conventional chalk-board medium,” said Dr R K Sharma, principal, Ahlcon Public School.

Poonam Sondhi, a physics teacher in Bal Bharati Public School in Pitampura, was among the organisers of the NCERT workshops. 

She believes that innovation is essential in teaching science to make the subject interactive for children. 

“These kits help us take the labs to students. For instance, the Chemistry kit has small test tubes and portable experiments which help us demonstrate what we teach in a classroom. 

New syllabus

“New syllabus has also been included with essay activities divided in four parts where students get a chance to explain what they learn and enhance their skills,” said Sondhi. 

She also said that an activity on collage making has also been introduced through which the students can put their creativity to test.  

“Students come up with brilliant ideas by exploring different areas. 

“Also, dialogue writing is an interesting way of encouraging students to ask questions and debate difficult topics,” she added. 

Cynthia Manoharan, manager, St Thomas School thinks it is a remarkable step towards helping average students cope with pressure. 

“Children who are below average in class and find it difficult to answer complicated questions will be in a better position to do so. Practical classes will sharpen their learning abilities,” she said.

Well equipped  

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has asked its affiliated schools in Delhi to provide facilities of well-equipped science laboratories for conducting practical work in schools, apart from appointing qualified teachers for science. 

In addition, enrichment activities like science Olympiad and science exhibitions are also being held to make learning of science subjects enjoyable.