Rajasthan schools to get more hands-on with science through new clubs

Jaipur: Science learning in 5,000 government schools across Rajasthan is set to get a more practical focus, with the education department encouraging schools to establish science clubs and involve students in experiments, projects and model-making.

The initiative aims to take science beyond textbooks and classroom lessons by giving students opportunities to learn through experimentation and practical activities. District education officials have been asked to encourage schools to register science clubs and organise activities based on the idea of “learning by doing”.

The clubs will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), with activities likely to include experiments, practical workshops, live projects and scientific model-making. Students may also get opportunities to work on projects such as building scientific models and rockets.

Schools that already have science laboratories and offer science as an elective subject have been particularly encouraged to set up clubs. The move is also expected to help schools make greater use of existing laboratory facilities.

The state’s science and technology department already promotes science clubs as a way of developing scientific curiosity among school students. Its science popularisation activities include astronomy and sky-watching sessions, environmental awareness activities, and projects involving plants, insects, science concepts and technology.

For students, the idea is simple: instead of only reading how something works, they get a chance to experiment, build and find out for themselves.