Science Project

Introduction:
There are different methods by which we can teach the science to the students.
Some are very much innovative & allows the students to think and discover the facts.
Uptill now we studied different methods or models of teaching science like discovery
method Inquiry model, CAM etc.
Today we are going to see about another method of teaching science i.e. Science
Project or Project Method.

Nature :
This method was given by Dewey – the American Philosopher, Psychologist &
Practical teacher. The Project method is direct outcome of this philosophy. The project
method offers an approach to education which is consists with the psychological
principle of “Learning by Doing “ & “Learning by Living”. The emphasis of science
teaching should be one of inquiry & investigations. The project method is an ideal way
of promoting creativity & the spirit of enquiry in students.

Definitions:
“A project is a unit of whole hearted purposeful activity carried perfectly, in
its natural settings”.
- Dr. Kilpatrick
“A project is problematic act carried to its completion in its natural settings”
- Stevenson
“A project is bit of real life that has been incorporated into school.”
- Ballard
Steps Involved in Project Method:
This method involve the steps of scientific method
1) Providing a problem or situation
2) Choosing & Purposing
3) Planning of the project
4) Executing the project
5) Judging the Project
6) Recording the project

1) Providing A Situation or Problem :

i)The project should arise out of need felt by pupil & it should be never
forced on them.
ii) It should be purposeful & significant.
iii) It should look important & must be interesting
iv) The teacher could provide these problems through library,
laboratory, other science teachers, journals, field trips etc.

2) Choosing & Purposing :

i) The nature & goal of project is clearly determined & thus defines
clearly the limits & the scope of project.
ii) In this the interest, aptitude & ability of student should be
considered.
iii) During this method the following points should be taken into
consideration
a) Degree of complexity of project
b) Student interest
c) Time allotted to finish project
d) Availability of material resources.
3) Planning Of The Project:
i) Planning involved looking around for the most appropriate & feasible
set of activity.
ii) Teacher should actively involve for guiding the students to choose
most practical plan.
iii) The students should themselves do the planning under guidance of
teacher.

4) Execution Of The Project:

i) The teacher assigns work to the various group member according to
their interest & ability
ii) Each member of the group should be actively involved in the
execution of the project.
iii) Work assigned must be further subdivided by the students
themselves. To carry out various activity & duty.
iv) Students collect information, visit various places, keep account &
keep Varity of activity.

5) Evaluation / Judging The Project:

i) Time to time reviewing of project with teacher.
ii) Reviewing is necessary to ensure for the fulfillment of objectives.
iii) Evaluation is done for self criticism & look through their own failings
& findings.
iv) Evaluation is necessary for knowing the value of information,
intrest, skills & attitudes have been modified by the project.

6) Recording Of The Project :

i) A complete record of project should be maintained by the students.
ii) It should include proposal, plan, its discussion, duties allotted, places
visited, surveyed, maps, guidance for future & other possible details.
Types Of Projects:
Smith has categorized science project into following types
1) Model Building : e.g Valcano, Chemical Structure
2) Hobby : e.g. Assembling a radio
3) Laboratory Demonstration from textbook or library manual : e.g.
Electrolysis, Distillation
4) Report & Poster projects from Literature: e.g. Car, Steam Engine
5) Investigative Projects that involved the students in critical thinking &
science processes : e.g. Measuring
Kilpatrik classified peojects on the basis of task involved
1) Practical Task : Actual construction of Material object or article
2) Appreciation: Objective is to obtain either direct or various experiences
such as reading listening to stories.
3) Problem Solving: In this, problem is solved by intellectual process like
determining density of certain liquid.
4) Mastery of skill Knowledge : In this attain a certain degree of skill in a
reaction

Criteria For Good Project:

1) A project should be purposeful & complete in itself. It should be usefull &
practically applicable to daily life of students with well defined objectives
2) The learning experiences gain during the process of project should be useful
.
3) Project should be aim at problem solving
4) Project should be feasible.
5) The level of complexity of the project is of prime importance for its success
or failure.
6) The learning activity is life like, purposeful & natural.
7) The learner plans direct their own activity.
Role Of Teacher:
Active involvement of teacher in every stage of project. The teacher
should assume the following role in accomplishment of project goal.
1) Help student to select project as per their ability & intrest.
2) At planning stage help to allot activities according to nature of student.
3) Be accessible to students & help them as & when required.
4) Help in creating & democratic & friendly atmosphere.
5) Be alert enough to check the project is running along the right line.
6) Help student in developing scientific attitude by giving training in scientific
method.
7) Suggest books for reference & provide necessary information.
8) In short teacher should be like guide, friend, & philosopher for students.

Advantages Of Project Method :

1) The method is based on psychological principals Law of Readiness, Law of
Exercise & Law of Effect.
2) It promotes habits of critical thinking & urge the student to adopt scientific
method of working.
3) Students can work at their own pace, learning to plan & execute their
project within the given time frame.
4) It promotes social interactions & co operation among the students.
5) Student learns a lot of skill like observation, references, interpretation etc.
6) It widen the mental horizon of students.
7) Learning is related to reality & the world around the student.
8) This method helps the student to organize their knowledge.
9) It provides the students an opportunity for mutual exchange of idea.
10) It develops self confidence & self discipline.
Disadvantages Of Project Method:
1) It is uneconomical in terms of time.
2) Teacher will have to be exceptionally gifted, knowledgeable, as wll as alert
& helpful.
3) Syllabus cannot be completed on time by this method.
4) Textbook & instructional material are not readily available.
5) It is an expensive method as involved purchase of apparatus, equipments
6) Some time the project may be too ambitious beyond capacity of students.
7) Larger project in hands of unexperienced teacher lead to boredom.
8) Method leaves gaps in student’s knowledge.

Conclusion:
The project method provides a practical approach to learning of both
theoretical & practical problem. It helps to increase critical thinking of the
students.If it is difficult to follow this method of teaching it would be better at least
not to ignore spirit of this method. This method has been found to be more suitable
for primary & middle classes & is of restricted use for high & higher secondary
classes. This method can be tried along with formal classroom teaching without
disturbing the school timetable. Costly projects should be avoided.
 Science Fairs
Introduction:
Science fairs are popular day by day. NCERT & SCERT & State departments of
education are joining hands for the fairs at district, regional or state level by providing
essential financial aids, guidance & all other official assistance. This fair proves a good
platform forum & means for display of all the activities undergoing in the field of
science education in different schools. These also provide healthy competition among
the students & bringing out their talent in the study.
Science fairs are the joint function of the holder as well as the participants. The
department of science belonging to different schools here joins hand in displaying their
formal & informal activity by participating in exhibition competition & other
programmes.

Exhibits Displayed In the Science Fair:

Exhibits that are included in science fair are as follows
1) Graphic Material like chart, Pictures, Graphs etc.
2) Objects & specimens collected by students.
3) Scientific models prepared by students
4) Charts explaining various inventions & discoveries
5) Apparatus & scientific instruments made by students.
6) Scientific toys either electrical, mechanical, or magnetic made by students.
7) Improvised apparatus showing some innovations brought out in the existing
ones.
8) Display of several projects successfully completed by students.
9) Articles of scientific use entirely & exclusively prepared by students.
10) Science textbooks, general, & reference books, news bulletins & journals
11) Good aids for teaching of different topics in physical & life science.
Other Activities Of Science Fair:
Apart from organizing exhibitions & displaying the objects the following type
of programme & activities may also be taken in science fair.
1) Holding debates, paper reading, essay competitions etc.
2) Holding group discussions, seminars & workshops related with the study.
Research & development of science.
3) Arranging lectures & talks of science teacher & educators on useful scientific
topic.
4) Holding the science quiz competition.
5) Organizing film shows & plays related to science.

Organization Of Science Fair:

Science fair may be organize in the shape of inter schools, inter district, intra
state level, the science teacher have to play a significant role. Following things are to
be kept in mind
1) The science teacher (In charge) should seek the co operation of the head of
institution & also of his / her colleagues & students.
2) The major problem of finance can be solved by seeking due to co operation from
all corners. Besides from the government funds, the participating teams should
also contribute in forms of entrance fee.
3) Proper spacious site is to be selected as to provide maximum facilities for
successful organization of fair.
4) Proper allocation of space to be provided to each participant team.
5) Rules & regulations regarding participations display & security of their own goods
& equipments should made clear to everyone.
6) All required amenities like electricity, gas, water etc should be provided to each
team.
7) Each team should arrange for their own guides to explain the functioning of their
exhibit to the public.
8) The exhibit should be easily visible & their working explained by competent
guideline.
9) Different separate sections should made for the display of different branches of
science.
10) Time of opening & closing should be notified beforehand.
11) There should be proper flow of visitors.
12) The programme of talks, lectures, debates, seminars etc. should be chalked out
properly well in time & due publicity should be given to it.
13) In case of science film shows & accessories etc. should be arranged before to
avoid any disappointment.
14) There should be proper arrangement of safety & security.
15) Awards & prizes should be given for encouragement of team.
16) The judgment & evaluation must be impartial & fair.
17) There should be an environment of love, mutual trust & co operation among
the participant team.