ಸಂಚಿಕೆ ೯ : ಮಾದರಿ ಶಾಲೆ (Episode 9 : The model school and a lab that helps children better learn Science and Maths)

Please welcome Mr. Mahendra in today’s episode of ‘Pratibimba’. He has been working as a TGT teacher at the Kerehalli Higher Primary School, Chamarajanagar.
 
The specialty of his school is that it is the only school in the district with a well-equipped Science and Mathematics lab. The reason behind this lab is a brilliant question from one of his students. When he showed solubility of things in water, she asked him, “Where did the salt go?” This made him think about the intelligence of rural children. He wanted to give them better learning opportunities.
 
His colleagues and the head of the institution prepared a project report which showed the cost of such a venture to be Rs.10.50 lacs! This was unthinkable for a school of their size, in the district. They had to seek donations from the public. The biggest support came in the form of the resource centre at Chamarajanagar. The laboratory has helped many students learn the concepts of Science and Maths very well.
 
He thanks Akshara Foundation for the Maths kit, which has helped children in acquiring basic Mathematics skills to a great extent.
 
The school has a tradition of drawing pictures related to Science and colouring them. One day, a boy suggested, why not light a lamp to make it look better? Soon it evolved into a ‘festival of lights’ in the school, which has become very popular. The whole town gathers to witness the programme every year.
 
Once every three months, they also have a ‘Sky watch’ programme. Using the telescope they have, they show the students stars and other objects in the sky. No equipment is locked in a cupboard. They are accessible to children all the time. They can come even during the holidays and learn by doing experiments or activities.
 
 All these activities have made the school strength grow and there is increased regularity of students. Some students have come away from private schools to join this school.
 
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