Science through Activities

Sciences are considered to be the jewel of knowledge as they have immensely helped mankind and has been instrumental in the way we live today. Their importance lies in the fact that sciences are quantitative subjects. They help us control the environment in which we live. Further, study of sciences has led to development of an approach - scientific method consisting of observation, experimentation, model building and idealisation (theory) - that has survived the test of time.

It is known that there are three modes of learning. These are auditory, visual and kinaesthetic. The last one, is usually neglected and is left for the learner to decide its use. The lack of kinaesthetic approach has led to many a misunderstanding and a deep rooted misconception in some of the concepts. Also, some of us are quick to appreciate a concept being taught/learnt when we use the kinaesthetic approach. It is relevant here to remind ourselves of the Multiple Intelligence theory. This theory not only helps identify the strengths of an individual it also helps in suggesting and even dictating the fastest learning style of the individual.

The science demonstrations conducted by BrainSTARS (SEED Programme) will cover most of the concepts taught in the various levels (standards III - XII). These demonstrations help clarify concepts using simple, easily available materials. Many of the experiments have been designed to show the surprising behaviour thus creating a lot of curiosity in the children.

MindMaping

Research in brain sciences has revealed many facets of our thinking process. This has led us to consider the seat of creative processes in the brain. Mr. Tony Buzan and Mr. de Bono have created methods, powerful approaches, and exercises that help make this into a habit of an individual. Understanding the patterns of neuron connections that form the memory and hence knowledge in us has led to identification of a form of thinking known as radial thinking. This form when penned on paper is known as mindmapping. These days you can download a free software (freemind) to do the same on the computer.

All of us have random thoughts but mindmaps help organise them enabling structured thinking. This has been proven to be of great help to clarify concepts, ideas and their interrelationships for one and all in the classroom setting. This then must help students as the pedagogical skills of a teacher is greatly enhanced after they are trained to practice their learning in this form of thinking.

Multiple Intelligence Theory

Intelligence is defined as the potential of an individual. It encompasses all levels of existence - our body and mind. Dr Howard Gardner, in a ground breaking work identified seven different intelligences. These are Math-Logical, Verbal-Linguistic, Body-Kiinaesthetic, Visual Spatial, Interpersonal, Natural, Musical.

Each of us are endowed with all these intelligences in some measure. Some more and or some less. BrainSTARS' Programme aims to identify individuals' (teachers and parents) strengths and create awareness among them and also to help identify the same in their children during classroom/other sessions. Furthermore, activities conducted during the programme and other suggested activities should help teachers utilise it in classroom training sessions to identify, develop and nurture them on a long term basis in a child.

Sci Fest 2010

Sci Fest 2010: "Wanna know how stuff works?

Wanna know why are the things the way they are?

Come and have a gala time with fun-filled activities based on science and mathematics ..."

Contact: Brainstars at 080 2658 4118

Recently, I read this:
'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.'

But, I cannot agree with it. Should it be not:
"Those who can, do. Those who can't preach."

Most of us use 'teach' and 'preach' probably interchangeably and is the cause for confusion. To set it right probably we should define
Preach: Those who expect their version of the stories to be heard without any questioning.
Teach: Those who accept the version of stories told to them allowing every question in the ongoing process.

Probably the words mentioned in italics is the source of misconception for the statement which we started with.

In a recent discussion different thought processes came to the fore. This kept me thinking and added few more stages of the same process for completion. All this is in my mother tongue(kannada):

ಮುಕ್ತಿ, ಸಮಾಧಿ, ಧ್ಯಾನ, ಚಿಂತನೆ, ವಿಚಾರ, ಯೋಚನೆ, ಕೊರಗು, ಚಿಂತೆ, ಚಿತೆ.

Reading from one end to the other you will find that it is like spectrum. Many people are in the middle somewhere between ಚಿಂತನೆ and ಕೊರಗು. The people at the two ends are usually rare to find.

We all know that we can only see using "VISIBLE" light. This forms only a window of the entire electromagnetic spectrum. The other two ends are not visible and appears dark (ends of the spectrum appear same).

:)

Quote - Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin`s three statements makes you think too..

"Nothing is permanent in this world, not even our troubles."

"I like walking in the rains, becoz no body can see my tears.....! "

"The most wasted day in life, is d day, in which, V havn!t laughed"