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Sastraposhini, a novel project aimed at promoting science education in schools in Kerala, will be formally inaugurated by the state chief minister, A K Antony, on October 2.
Established with financial assistance from the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment and in consultation with the Kerala State Education Department, Sastraposhini aims to equip students for appropriate career in science and technology through high quality education.
KSCSTE vice-president M S Valiathan said under the scheme one model laboratory each in physics, chemistry and biology will be set up in one school each in the 36 educational districts of Kerala.
The project envisages students to conduct experiments in laboratories.
Separate study circles will be formed among students to engage them in problem solving and critical discussions.
This will convey to students the excitement of doing experiments and pursuing science education and induce a growing trend in selecting a career in science.
Better enrollment in science courses, improving competitiveness of science graduates and attracting the best talents to opt for a science career are some of the possible outcome of the Sastraposhini programme, he added.
Training science teachers is another important feature of the scheme. Eminent scholars have already extended training to teachers in different disciplines. To make it more meaningful, the parent-teacher associations of schools will also have a major role to play in the scheme.
In the first phase, 10 model laboratories will be established at the Government Model High School, Thycaud; Government Higher Secondary School, Venjaramood; Government HSS, Parassala; SMTHSS, Chelakkara; Government Model Boys HSS, Thrissur; Government AJJM Girls High School, Thalayolaparambu; Government HSS, Kudayathoor in Idukki; Government VHS, Murikkumvayal in Mundakayam; Government VHSS for Girls, Kasarakode; and KNPMGVHS, Pariyaram.
These schools have been selected in consultation with the State Education Department followed by personal visits to the respective schools.
On completion of the first phase, all the remaining schools will be covered in the second phase. The entire programme is proposed to be completed in two academic years.
The present proposal for establishing one model science laboratory is a pilot programme taken up by the council in consultation with the state education department.
Once the system and the networking are established, this will be handed over to the state education department for its sustenance and possible replication.