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INTRODUCTION
“Learning by doing” and “Learning by living” are the two
cardinal principles of teaching and the same is true in the case of teaching and
the same is true in the case of teaching science. Government of India with the
help of UNICEF and UNESCO has started pilot projects in which children of age
group 6-15 years are provided education through non formal methodology.
The non formal means of education differs from the formal one in that it is
organised activity to give educational information or instructions carried on
outside the highly structured framework of formaleducation systems. Itcan be
done by using any pedagogical method or methods to suit the particular
requirements of the learners. The non formal education is also known as co-
curricular activities in school. Co-curricular activities or non formal science
education can be imparted by the following methods: science club, scientific
hobbies, field trips, science fairs, exhibitions, science museums, aquarium etc.
SCIENCE FAIRS
Science fairs are organized both by governmental agencies
and non governmental agencies. The government agencies which organize
science fairs and exhibition for children are NCERT. The NCERT organizes
science fairs through the National Science Exhibition for children which are
held in Delhi every year since 1970.
Every school should organise science fair, at least
once a year. This include the exhibits of the students as well as demonstration,
talks by experts, film shows on scientific topics, debates, music shows,
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scientific plays etc. can also be organised. Both the teacher and the pupil
should collaborate towards the success of the fair.
VALUE OF SCIENCE FAIR
The science fairs have social, intellectual, psychological and
educational values. The students that take part in the group projects and
activities learn many things which cannot be learnt through classroom
teaching. They develop not only intellectually but also socially, psychologically
and educationally. Their talents are recognised and stimulated. They develop a
keen taste and interest for scientific problems. The science fairs provide an
excellent opportunity for discovering and encouraging science talents.
EDUCATIONAL IMPORTANCE OF SCIENCE FAIRS
To provide encouragement and recognition to the bright students who
have special talent for science.
To identify and nurture the young scientists.
To provide a forum and impetus to science club activities.
To develop among students an inclination to know about developments
in various field of science.
ORGANISATION OF A SCIENCE FAIR
The organisation of science fair should be a teacher- pupil activity
and everything should be thought of well in advance. The following procedure
is suggested for the organisation and administration of the science fair.
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i. PLANNING:
Before taking up the projectof organising the science fair, it is very
essential that planning is thoroughly done in which the limits of the fair,
the procedure, other factors etc are discussed and decided upon. The
following aspects should be considered.
a. Objectives and aims of the fair
b. Scope of the fair
c. Procedure
d. Financing
e. Place, time and duration
f. Other factors and facilities
ii. DISTRIBUTIONOF WORK
After planning the work should be assigned to different individuals
or groups. A number of committees may be formed which look after the
different programs and sections of fairs. All these committees are
guided and directed by the teacher in charge.
iii. EXECUTION
The different committees now execute the planning of the fair. The
exhibition is arranged and organised. Itshould be well labelled. The fair
can be inaugurated by some important personals of science.
iv. JUDGING
The fair should be judged by different committees of judges for
different committees of judges for different items of the fair. The
judging systemshould be made as objective as possible. Separate
criteria should be developed for each item. They are;
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a) Scientific approach
b) Originality
c) Technical skilland workmanship
d) Thoroughness
e) Dramatic value
f) Personalinterview
CONCLUSION
It is the natural urgein children to make things and to handle things
but the presentcurriculumdoes not provideample opportunities for the
students for self expression, independent research, constructiveactivities and
other projects. Only through activity based learning can providean outlet for
the pent-up emotions of children and channelize their energies towards
desirable goal. So a number of co-curricular activities in science should be
provided in the school.
REFERENCE
1. Modern Science Teaching –R C Sharma
Dhanpat Rai Publishing Company
2. Teaching of General Science -Anju