Spark of Curiosity 2022 - 2023: Project Overview
Science and Math have been the toughest subjects all the time. However, it is very important to learn these subjects. Math and science education provide a framework for how to find answers. Math models phenomena and relationships in our observable environment, while articulating concepts from the intuitive to the obscure. Science gives deep attention to the quality and interaction of the things that surround us. But the students from the remote areas aren’t privileged enough to get good teachers, well-equipped science labs, or access to the latest technologies.
Spark of Curiosity: Project Overview
‘Spark of curiosity’ is an Innovative program executed by Tare Zameen Par in association with Synopsys. It is a combination of various programs that aim to ignite the curiosity to learn the science concepts.
It includes:
- Digital Mobile Planetarium Shows.
- Customized Science kits distribution.
- Offline Lectures and Virtual Lectures.
- Virtual meeting with Teachers to explain the use of kits in regular teaching.
- Group Activities by Students.
- Student Interaction with an Indian Scientist.
- Quiz Competition.
Scope of Work
For the FY 2022-23, Synopsys has collaborated with Tare Zameen Par
to execute ‘Spark of curiosity’ to achieve a sustainable impact on the
Science education in rural Karnataka.
What we have committed,
• Vision: To build an interest in learning science by introducing
Hands-on learning or experiential learning to the remote area
students. And make them learn and understand the concepts
more deeply.
• Targeted Number of students: For the engagement of academic
year 2022-23, the program was designed to target 3000
students.
• Targeted Geographical area: On the initial discussion with the
dignitaries of Synopsys, it was decided to conduct a spark of
Curiosity program in Rural and remote places of Karnataka
Resources
Science concepts can be learned more effectively through experiments. But the schools from remote areas are not able to provide such facilities. Therefore, we came up with the solution that we should make a set of experiments in the form of soft toys. That would be easy to distribute also. Resources that we had committed are,
- Science kits: Made up of foam material. Students have to dismantle the sheet and set up the experimental setup. It gives a ‘Building Block game’ experience to students that helps to create interest.
- Handbook: All the sets of kits are provided with a handbook that can guide students on how to set up the experiments, along with an explanation of the concept in the regional language.
- Science Instructor: An experienced science instructor from the team TZP who conducts online and virtual lectures to teach students and solve their queries regarding science experiments and related topics.
- Project coordinator: All the activities are being planned are executed under the coordination of the Project coordinator. Like, selection of school, legal permissions, planning with schools with concern of authorized person, etc.
- Virtual Meetings: Because of the Digital India initiative, most schools get internet connections and projection systems. That we use for the virtual lectures and follow-ups. If any school doesn’t have such facilities, we coordinate with teachers to allow students to use their smartphones to connect to the virtual.
Edutainment activities
During the execution of the program that had been planned with Synopsys, we thought of adding a few more activities to achieve the maximum impact. We had designed the academic engagement program that includes,
- Digital Mobile Planetarium: It’s an inflatable dome with a 360 ° projection system that gives an immersive experience. Through this mobile planetarium, students from remote areas can experience similar shows that urban students can experience by visiting Planetariums in science centers.
- Interaction with Indian Scientists: It has built curiosity to communicate and receive inspiration from passionate Indian Scientists. The Spark of Curiosity initiative has received appreciation from the renowned Sri C N Laxminarayana. RTD. District Science Officer, District Science Center, Kalaburagi, a unit of NCSM MOC, Govt of India. He actively interacted with students during the session and resolved their queries during Spark of Curiosity program.
- Quiz Competition: Making students participate in competitions like quizzes can build their interest to learn by enjoying it. While one student is playing the quiz, a student from the audience also tries to find and give the answers. We have used the same We designed the questionnaire in such a way that it includes very simple questions mapping to their syllabus. To bring a joyful environment to their learning.
- Other Activities: To ensure the outcomes of the project, we have also conducted Virtual Lectures, Offline Classes, Career guidance and counseling, quiz in individual class, Assessment, ORIGAMY, Group Activities for the Students
Inauguration Event
The inauguration event was held at the Government. Boys High School, Malur, in the Kolar district. it was organized offline as well as in virtual mode. The Chief guests and Guests of honor actively initiated to lighten the “Spark of Curiosity” program.
- Guests: The science kits were inaugurated by Hon Chief Guest, the renowned Bijay Chowdhury, Lead CSR, Synopsys. In the presence of the guest of honor, Sri Praveen S, Block Resource person (BRP), Sri Dinesh Badagandi, Founder, Tare Zameen Par, Sri Ramakrishnappa B, Vice Principal, Govt Boys High School, Malur.
- Event Highlights: Around 644 students from the Malur school and the nearby schools were present for the inauguration. Guests interacted with students, inspiring them to believe in themselves and dream big. After the formal inauguration, the Guest of honor addressed the students. Then the Hon. Chief guest, Sri Pravin S, shared his valuable experience and had an interaction session on easy Math with students, where students asked questions to him questions. Later, we distributed science kits to all students. Simultaneously, they also experienced the Digital Mobile Planetarium shows.
- Replication: after the first successful event, we have replicated this during all the next phases of the Science Kit.
Summary of Spark of Curiosity
Distribution of Kits
We had targeted 3000 students from different geographies. We tried to cover some areas in South Karnataka and some areas in North Karnataka as well. We have distributed science kits in 22 Schools. Through this initiative, we have created curiosity in their minds to think beyond science &Technology. The mechanism to understand by imagination from the start of the day to its setting down, and thereafter the night sky into space, through which they will utilize every opportunity around them and benefit from every element of this project.
Teacher’s Training
We organized a two-day residential training camp in Mysore for at least one
teacher from each school and the cluster head. A well-known academician who developed the Muni International method of education, Mr. Ashok
Thakur, and well-known trainer and Speaker, Mr. Chetan Ram, mentored all teachers. During this training, teachers from targeted rural schools learned innovative teaching methods and 21st-century life skills that they can apply to their regular teaching. To aid them further, we provided a free online platform with access to the latest learning tools, animated education content, and an assessment platform for teachers and students. The teachers were thrilled to be a part of this training and expressed their gratitude to
Synopsys and Tare Zameen Par team for this opportunity.
Offline Lectures
We always focus on conceptual learning. Learning science is more effective and useful if the concept is understood more practically, keeping the topics and experiments in mind. We had arranged offline lectures where our science teachers used to explain the deep concept behind the experiments. Origami activities and career guidance have helped students to choose the right path in their careers.
Virtual Lectures
We also arranged the lectures over ZOOM. Some schools don’t have a projector and internet facilities. We discussed with teachers to form groups of students and give them their smartphones to attend the Zoom lectures. This went well and it could help us to keep in touch to solve any problem related to science kits.
Group Activities by Students
Group Study helps students to build the best communication skills and improve creative thinking. It gives a chance to develop as a student, person, and professional. We have implemented this thought by encouraging them to perform the experiments from science kits in groups and different experiments from the ongoing curriculum. That helps them to learn more effectively.
Science kits in regular Teaching
Teachers’ involvement plays a major role in achieving our goals. Many teachers found it easy to explain the subject topics using science kits because we have already designed these kits according to their syllabus. The teacher’s contribution led us to give a title ‘Jupiter of Curiosity’. The title suggested Mr. Chandrashekar B U, Principal R&D Engineer, Synopsys. This year, we have given this title to Mr Pattabhiramachandra GS, a senior Teacher from Government High School, Haralahalli, Hunsur.
Quiz Competition
We had also organized the Quiz Competition to give extra benefits through the program Spark of Curiosity. The advantages of Quiz Competitions that we have observed are,
✓ Students tend to read the material.
✓ Students are placed in the right attitude for learning.
✓ Students feel more confident to discuss the material.
✓ Students raise their grades by simply reading the material.
✓ The quiz provides a good lead-in for either a lecture or discussion of the material.
✓ Students grow curious about the answers.
✓ The easy chance to do well gives students a feeling of self-esteem.
✓ Students are provided with a real foundation for intellectual growth.
Digital Mobile Planetarium
Digital Mobile Planetarium is our most appreciated project that gives an immersive learning experience. It is an inflatable dome with 360 projection system. There are well-established planetariums in metro cities. But, students from remote areas cannot afford to visit them. But our Digital Mobile Planetarium takes that experience to the doorsteps of remote areas.
Along with Astronomy, we have other science-related content in English and other regional languages. We had arranged Planetarium shows during each phase science kit distribution.
Pre and Post Assessment
We conducted a pre-assessment questionnaire before embarking on our project, followed by a post-assessment upon completion. We are pleased to report that students’ learning attitudes have seen a marked improvement. The chart below demonstrates that initially, the majority of students scored between 1 to 4. However, after the project, the majority scored within 5 to 8. Furthermore, there was a significant increase in the number of students who scored 9-10. Overall, we are delighted to see such positive results in our students’ learning attitudes.
Output Outcome & Impact
| Output | Outcome | Impact |
|---|---|---|
|
Distribution of
3000 Science
Kits
|
Introduced
Experiential
learning
pedagogy |
Developed a habit of
Conceptualize learning that
will help them in their
entire education. Improved practical skills and presentation skills. |
|
20
Planetarium
Visits
|
Provided
Immersive
learning |
Built an interest in Science
and astronomical studies.
That will eradicate
superstitious beliefs about
astronomical events |
|
Offline-Online
lectures |
Provided
teaching based
on Conceptual
learning using
science kits |
Students learned how to
relate science concepts to
actual life events &
understand its applications. New teaching method built
an interest in students to
learn science and math
concepts.
|
|
Expert talk |
Solved doubts, Provided
Motivation and
Guidance
|
Students will overcome from
exam fear and build their
confidence. |
|
Origami |
Introduced
origami to learn
math concepts |
Students learned math
topics in a playful manner. |
|
Quiz
competition
|
Students
actively
participated
|
The competition helped in
Building confidence and
student participation has
increased |
Video Feedback
It is our pleasure to say that the ‘Spark of Curiosity’ program is enjoyed by students and appreciated by teachers. Even many students had contacted us personally through social media to share their videos where they have assembled the kits and performed the experiments by their own. This is the proof that we are reaching towards our goal. Students are exploring themselves and involving in conceptualized learning.