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Mathematics not popular among displays at G/T Science Fair
The Georgetown leg of the Ministry of Education’s Science, Mathematics and Technology Fair 2014 did not attract many entries for displaying Mathematics as a solution for problems related to learning or any other area.
This was an observation of Petal Jettoo, National Science Coordinator, yesterday at the event held at the Queen’s College auditorium, under the theme “Science, Mathematics and Technology: Providing Solutions for the
Queen’s College students display hydroponics technology.
21st Century.”
According to Jettoo, though not many entries were received for Mathematics for the Georgetown Science Fair, all the projects are linked to Mathematics. She explained that the projects have a data analysis component that requires students to collect data.
“We have not received many entries and that tells us that children still have a fear for Mathematics – it is a difficult subject and abstract…As educators we need to find innovative ways and integrate technology to improve our delivery of Mathematics to our students,” she said.
Meanwhile, students utilizing creative projects exhibited Science and Technology projects that could provide solutions for the 21st century. Some of the projects include hydroponics technology for the cultivation of small soft plants; a bio-digester to produce methane and fertilizer; and a model of an energy-efficient community to mitigate climate change.
Interestingly, students of Richard Ishmael Secondary School took the opportunity to create a model of their ideal, healthy lunch area.
According to Jettoo, the 50 entries displayed were very good and even though some concepts were popular they were used to solve different problems. And this is essentially the creativity in the projects, she added.
Jettoo related that there is a misconception that innovation has to be absolutely new Science for it to be duly recognised.
“It is really use of existing science to solve problems in places it was never used before…observation of solar and wind used in the display can be considered older technology, but do we as a country have a wide use of wind and solar energy? The children’s visions are still new for Guyana’s context,” she said.
Jettoo said it is hoped that private sector groups, bodies or institutions would embrace the ideas showcased by the students since the Ministry of Education is not in the business of starting entrepreneurship.
The Bishops’ High School representatives showcase their bio-digester and fertilizer machine.
“We are marking their report on the linkage of Science, Technology and Mathematics, inspecting the booths and interviewing the students so they could explain to us their ideas and vision on the usage of local materials and already existing technology to solve local and community problems…We are also looking to see if the exhibits relate to the written document and they are able to answer questions,” Jettoo noted.
The outstanding projects at this fair will be competing with over 100 entries at the National competition to be held at Anna Regina. The winners of that competition would participate in the Regional Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Competition.
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