Time for 'edutainment'

SUMMER HOLIDAYS traditionally meant games followed by a siesta only to be followed by more games and then again a siesta. Occasionally, interspersed would be an outstation trip.

The routine has since changed. At least, for Vigneswaran, Karthik, Archana Venkatesh and several others who had fun, through education. School students of Standards 6, 7 and 8, they participated in the children's science camp heldat the Periyar Science and Technology Centre from May 17 to 25. There were several components to it - right from `Fun with Chemistry' and the `Joy of Learning in Environment' to the session on Wednesday titled, `Science Through Cultural Programme'.

``Interesting. Different from the way we learn in school,'' said some of the children. A view echoed by the organisers too, who underscored the need for the youngsters to make optimum use of their vacation, of course, without spoiling the party, at a cost of Rs. 200 for each child. To make the camp more effective, the number of participants was restricted to 40.

Such `edutainment' programmes are a way to bridge the quantitative imbalance between teachers and children in educational institutions. Moreover, mugging up from books and spewing out the matter is of little use, in the long run. Beinginteractive, the camps help in improving communication skills.

A summer course on `Exploring the Solar System' is also being concurrently conducted by the Periyar Science and Technology Centre till May 26. The focus of the programme is to provide the students with a hands-on experience and remove misconceptions and superstitions related to the solar system. At the end of the programme, a quiz contest will be conducted for the students and the winners will receive cash awards. The centre organised a painting/drawing summer camp from May 16-18 in which the emphasis was on basic drawing for better use in classrooms. The focus was also on related fields such as glass and fabric painting - possible career avenues in the future.

The Karunalaya Social Service Society likewise organised a summer camp between May 2 and 20 the objective again being to bring out the latent talents in children.

By N. Ravi Kumar

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Features