School Transformation Programme: Modern Labs A Gamechanger For Tribal Students In Odisha’s Sundargarh

Sundargarh: Modern science laboratories set up in high schools in the district under the state government’s High School Transformation Programme have not only generated interest of the students in science but also opened new career opportunities for them.

The programme taken up under 5T initiative aimed at overall transformation of government high schools by setting up smart classrooms, e-libraries, modern science labs, clean toilets, playgrounds etc. Special emphasis has been laid to generate students’ interest in science and scientific temperament through the modern labs in the tribal-dominated Sundargarh district.

Sundargarh collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan said, “We are trying to meet the career aspirations and dreams of students from their high school level. We have built STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) model laboratories in transformed high schools for students keen on making careers in science. The modern labs will help lead students towards a better career orientation.”

The students, who dream of becoming engineers, doctors, scientists, cosmologists and scholars, are encouraged to develop such aspirations. Microscopes, telescopes, models of human anatomy, plant and animal cell models, metal separators, soil testing equipment and chemicals to analyse lab reactions are provided to them to broaden their learning. Equipment like robotics and electronic kits are also provided to encourage their skills.

“Earlier, science classes were restricted to teaching theory with students deprived of the scope of experimenting science lessons in the absence of laboratories and equipment. Now, students are provided with science equipment which has drawn them towards science lessons,” said District Education Officer Amulya Kumar Padhan.

“The students faced difficulty to comprehend various concepts of science. The labs are being equipped with latest tools to enable them to learn three basic sciences such as physics, biology and chemistry,” said Sundargarh district science supervisor Suraj Prakash Chowdhury.

“Former President Dr Abdul Kalam is my idol. I aspire to be a scientist like him. My school laboratory will help me fulfil my dreams,’’ said Jyoti Kerketa, a student of Kumjharia Government High School in Kuarmunda block.

“We didn’t have a good science laboratory in our school. As a result, we used to learn science lessons from books. The lab has helped us grasp our lessons better,’’ said Omkarnath Kar of KCP Panchayat High School in Lephripada block.

Besides helping the students, the modern labs have upgraded the skills of science teachers. Earlier, the teachers used to explain science concepts by drawing on blackboards. Now they have the facility of the labs to explain the subject better.

“A modern science lab in a tribal district like Sundargarh will enable children to dream big. The lab will boost their inherent skills and creativity. It will enable them to innovate and experiment,” says Debasish Panda , science teacher at Kumjharia Government High School Kuarmunda.