Mobile Science Lab (MSL)

Most rural secondary schools in India have grossly inadequate science laboratories. The students often learn science without performing or even observing a single experiment. Vidnyanvahini, through its MSL (Mobile Science Lab), gives the students in secondary schools a chance to learn science by performing experiments, thus giving them not only the pleasure of “learning by doing” but also rendering the subject enjoyable and easy to understand. Vidnyanvahini emphasizes to students that in general, statements should not be accepted as facts just because they are stated in a book. Instead, they should be verified by observations and rational conclusions drawn from such observations. It is through such an attempt that we hope to inculcate and nurture a scientific attitude among the school children.

Click here to view list of experiments performed by or demonstrated to students.

Typically, members of the Dialogue and Action Group (DAG) of Vidnyanvahini together with the local science teachers interact with about eighty students on a given day. The students watch and perform 20 to 25 short experiments. Supplemental information is provided through audio-visual aids, exhibits such as a model electric train, lecture/demonstrations, powerpoint based presentations using laptop/LCD projector, and classroom discussions.

Vidnyanvahini selects schools based on their need, size, and location. The MSL, in consultation with the school authorities, schedules one or two trips to about eighty-five schools per year. The experiments are chosen primarily for 8th, 9th and 10th grade students. Five to six Teacher Training Workshop are held on a yearly basis. Headmasters of needy schools are encouraged to contact Vidnyanvahini for a visit.