In India, the loss of learning from the pandemic-induced closure of schools was particularly severe for children from rural and tribal areas, who had little to no access to online learning. Anandi, a newsletter in Marathi, published by HBCSE, Mumbai, hopes to reduce their learning gaps via the print medium. Rohini Karandikar, a former visiting scholar at HBCSE writes about the newsletter and what makes it special.
Many biological phenomena, like respiration, osmoregulation or nerve conduction, have a basis in physical processes like diffusion and osmosis. Definitions and diagrams may contain nuances that students may miss, especially when these are not viewed through the lens of physics. In this article, Nagarjuna G., Former Professor, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, TIFR gives examples of some of these misconceptions and offers simple simulations to provide a more accurate picture of these processes.
Posted on in Biophysics, Teaching, Undergraduate & School Education
A young educational enterprise is engaging middle and high school students in a curiosity-driven learning experience in biology that takes them beyond their textbooks. The teachers/mentors are undergraduate and postgraduate students of biology with a flair for science outreach, who too benefit from the engagement by gaining a deeper understanding of basic biological concepts.
How do you perceive social media news of a common snack being made of plastic? Or that fast food never decays? The new currency notes carrying nano-GPS chips? Test such news before dismissing it (or accepting it) - the experiments are surprisingly simple, rational and logical. An excellent opportunity to instil the practice of inquiry-based learning.
An ecologist and her game designer friend put their heads together to create a game where players build their own mixed species bird flocks using ecological principles. It has the potential of finding its way among a growing list of games that are anchored in science.
Rohini researches on science popularisation at the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education. She designs experiments and worksheets for school students. She shares her experience with Vigyan Pratibha, a unique learning space developed for middle school students.