Elon pilots traveling science center in Sri Lanka

Pilot Project

Exhibits built by Elon University students were brought to Sri Lanka in June and July of 2006 to be shared with school age children.It was a pleasure to work with program directors Crista Arangala, associate professor of mathematics, and Martin Kamela, assistant professor of physics in Elon University.There were interactive science exhibits, which included exhibits demonstrating the light spectrum, human skeleton in motion, chemistry of smell, phosphorescence, and visual perception.

Between July 2nd and 7th the above exhibits made their way to three locations in Sri Lanka.

1. Samanala Children’s Home, Rattanpity
2. Sirimavo Bandaranaike School in Colombo
3. Shatraloka Vidyala School in Karuwalabadda

The first showing of the exhibits took place at the Samanala Children’s Home in Rattanpitya, Colombo. This is an orphanage for 25 boys whose parents died in the ethnic conflict in Sri lanka.It was a great experience with little ones.Two professors ask us to let them play first then reply for their questions.After their willingness grow we explain them the science they had experienced.This method of teaching really efficient and successful.They were love to play with the science exhibits,and we were pleased to explain them.There were some good questioned which surprised me,which how close that science has reached to them.It was interesting how fast they learn from us.They learn the structure of the human body,Third-class levers,effect of point of action and the way humerus behave to different loads.

Our next school is Sirimovo Bandaranaike School in Colombo.Some of my friends are old girls of that school.We were welcomed at the school with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony.There were 4 classes and their teachers.Students asked good questions and were encouraged to do so by the science teachers.Also National Science Foundation and the National Science and Technology Commission (led by Dr. Sachie Panawala) came to see the science show.Sirimawo is a large school with facilities,students knowledge level and the speed of understanding is high.There were encouraged by the fact that we were university students from Sri lankan best engineering university.Also we share some ideas about their way of studying.They were very keen to learn,and we were very pleased to explain them.There were students who can speak english,so they read the posters themselves and asked questions from us.
The next stop of the exhibits was in the South-East of the island at the Shatraloka School in Karuwalabadda,rural school with few resources.The school was small but there were good teachers who wants students to be learned.We try different approach here and it works really well.The first group to look at the exhibits were the oldest students from Grades 10 and 11.We explained them well what exhibits are and what is the science behind it.Students were encouraged to ask questions and explore.These older students were next asked to help with the exhibit activities for the younger students.Really they have done good explanation on what they have just learn,I was impressed.While they were explaining I found some points they didn't clarify,at that points I reexplain to them all.They were happy to see us,and had seen the beauty of science.I would say science had reached to them quite well,and they had grasp it the way it should be.
I'm sorry because I missed this interesting way of learning science.But I'm happy my brothers and sisters have chance to taste that.And I'm really happy I'm a part of this project,thanks to Betty Webb,Martin Kamela and Crista Arangala.Thank you very much.......

http://org.elon.edu/srilanka/pilot.htm

http://org.elon.edu/srilanka/E-net!%20article.pdf