Enthusing rural kids about science and research

The education landscape in rural India is devoid of effective pedagogical approaches. In the absence of inspirational role models, strategic skills-based training, science practicals and science museums, students studying in these rural areas fall behind their counterparts in cities. However, their curiosity quotients are at par with children of their age group studying in public schools in major cities in India. There exists a gap between their textbook and practical scientific knowledge, and it is believed that this is majorly due to a lack of the availability of adequate resources.

SoS travelled to Tikratoli, a rural village 12 kms from Ranchi and with a predominant Tribal population, to bridge this gap and to give a flavor of practical science to these kids. A two-day workshop was held for over 60 students in the age-group 10-13 from the Government Middle School took part in an interactive workshop on the “Living World”. Delivered entirely in Hindi, the workshop brought to life what these kids study in their textbooks. These students worked together in teams handling microscopes – popularly called by the kids as सूक्ष्मदर्शी - to explore the microscopic world that surrounds them. Further on, they engaged in a brainstorming session to arrive at possible solutions to a few challenging problems that they encounter in their daily lives (e.g. infectious diseases, clean water and good sanitation habits). The kids were also provided with books from the Eklavya Pitaara, Bhopal, which were based on the Hoshangabad Science Programme. Focusing on the need to develop a scientific temperament, the event concluded with an “Ideas-Canvas” where the kids sketched what changes they aspire to contribute to their community in the next 10-years. This event was supported by eVidyaloka with logistical support by a local NGO at Ranchi led by Mr Arun. The workshop was delivered by Priyanka Joshi (University of Cambridge), Swetali Mohapatra (Indian School of Business) and Madhu Randev (ex-teacher, Army Public School). Post the event, the school centre is further on being mentored by Priyanka Joshi.