The sky above the playground at Lao Mai Elementary School in New Taipei City, Taiwan
is dotted with kites of different colors, shapes, and sizes. To the passerby the
scene looks like just a fun day at school, but teachers know this is much more than
play. It’s science, or to be exact, physics.
“The basic ability to fly a kite teaches lessons of aerodynamics and physics, “says,
Tsai, Shin Yi – a Lao Mei science teacher. Making and flying kites help students
see how science affects their daily lives and motivates them to learn more. Even
after several failed attempts to get their kites airborne, they learned from their
mistakes.
This program is part of the Rotary Science Education Program, which is a flagship
project of the Rotary Club of Taipei Pei-An. Through a global grant it aims to
improve science education for students attending public schools in rural areas of
Taiwan. These schools particularly elementary and secondary schools receive fewer
materials and resources and even less institutional support than others. It
attempts to give the students a proper foundation in science by educating their
teachers in strong classroom management skills and in depth understanding of the
subject, which in turn helps the students develop an interest and an aptitude for
science.
Lao Mei School uses kites to help students learn about a variety of subjects
including math, engineering, and basic science. Because of the program’s success,
the school added a new component that helps students understand basic science
theories. It involves working with simple machines, levers, wheels, axles, gears,
and pulleys – along with energy. To ensure the program’s sustainability, teachers
also receive training.
Since the Rotary Science Education Program launched 3 years ago, teachers in the 20
rural schools have reported a new enthusiasm for learning and increased
participation by students with learning difficulties. In addition it has helped
teachers increase their knowledge of science and improve their teaching techniques.
Your contribution to The Rotary Foundation enabled this to happen. Thank you.
Wo