Maharashtra IC Kit-Based Workshop: Strengthening Science Education Through Hands-On Learning

 

A Maharshtra IC Kit-Based Workshop was organized at IISER Pune to strengthen hands-on, experiential, and inquiry-based learning in science education. The workshop brought together  Innovation Champions to explore the effective use of the kits and their integration into classroom practices.

The workshop was graced by the presence of Dr. Kamaldevi Awate, Joint Director; Dr. Nadaaf, Deputy Director; Dr. Saraswati Suryavanshi, HOD, Science Department; and Dr. Manisha Tathe, Lecturer, SCERT, who shared their perspectives on strengthening science education through innovative and activity-based approaches.

Dr. Neeraja Dashaputre presented updates on the MH IC initiative and highlighted the progress, key developments, and opportunities for expanding the use of the kits among educators. Her presentation provided participants with an overview of the initiative and its role in promoting experiential learning.

Dr. Kamaldevi Awate and Dr. Nadaaf addressed the participants and emphasized the importance of sustained efforts, capacity building, and effective implementation of innovative learning practices. Their interaction encouraged participants to take the initiative forward and maximize the potential of the kits in schools.

Dr. Saraswati Suryavanshi spoke about the way forward, focusing on strengthening implementation and ensuring that the learning experiences reach more students. She also highlighted the M7E approach and its relevance to effective science learning and teacher engagement.

The workshop included hands-on sessions on the foldoscope and its applications, chemistry-based experiments, and an exploration of the contents and educational possibilities of the MH IC kits. Participants actively engaged with the activities and discussed ways to adapt them to classroom contexts.

As part of the workshop, MH IC kits were distributed to participants, along with certificates recognizing their participation. The workshop concluded with a shared commitment to promote hands-on science learning, empower Innovation Champions to  build a stronger culture of innovation and experimentation in schools.