Introduction to Hands-on Science for High Schools
Course Description
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Ghana has traditionally been delivered in basic and senior high schools using a teacher-centered, “chew, pour, pass and forget” approach usually resulting in learners scoring lower grades and losing interest in STEM subjects. Putting learners at the centre and employing an inquiry-based, learning by doing approach has significantly proven to encourage critical thinking and increase the interest of STEM subjects among students who have been exposed to the hands-on approach. Ultimately, Ghana’s STEM pipeline will transform if the hands-on approach is adopted and made the new normal pedagogy because more and more learners will become critical thinkers and innovators who will create solutions to the many challenges the country faces in all sectors of the economy.
Originally, the training programme was designed to be delivered in-person. With the emergence of COVID-19, PEN has converted its in-person training to an online version which has been used to train over a hundred teachers effectively since it was launched. The online training is designed to take teachers through live and pre-recorded modules to deliver the training content.
Learning Objective & Outcome
Objective
The course will expose participants to hands-on science and make them believe in the possibility of conducting practical activities in the classroom.
Outcome
Teachers leave with at least 10 activities they feel comfortable replicating in their classroom.
Training Modules
Onboarding: This live introductory module is designed to enable participants become familiar with the online learning platforms (learning management system, live video conferencing etc.) to effectively participate in the training programme.
Design Challenge: This live module sets the tone for the training content style, as being one that is hands-on and engages participants’ critical thinking skills. It also enables participants to experience firsthand the value of team work and shifts participant mindsets from the realm of impossibility to the realm of possibility of doing hands-on.
Exercises : These pre-recorded modules expose participants to relevant sample science experiments using local materials. Participants watch the videos on the Learning Management System and are required to replicate the activities and submit video evidence for credit.
Discussions: These live modules explore participants’ experiences with the science experiments (exercises) and probe their understanding of the scientific principles and concepts underpinning the experiments they have performed. Additionally, the modules encourage peer learning; elicit examples of real-life applications; and explore the possibilities of replicating the experiments with their learners in the classroom.
Training of Trainers Module: Each Participant trained will be required to cascade the training to ten (10) other teachers in their schools, cluster or locality. This live module will equip the participants with facilitation skills in order to effectively transfer the skills to their peers.
Course Syllabus
- Lesson 1: Onboarding
- Lesson 2: Design Challenge
- Lesson 3: Windmill
- Lesson 4: CO2 Balloon
- Lesson 5: Diffusion in liquids
- Lesson 6: Open discussion I
- Lesson 7: Convection current
- Lesson 8: Lava lamp
- Lesson 9: Straw fountain
- Lesson 10: Principles of thermometer
- Lesson 11: Open discussion II
- Lesson 12: Acids react with metals
- Lesson 13: Chemical to electrical energy
- Lesson 14: Rheostat
- Lesson 15: Open discussion III
- Lesson 16: Training of trainers (Facilitation skills)
Course Authors & Contributors
