At the end of October a group of 25 science teachers, directors and government officials from Kandal, Cambodia, has visited a few scientific institutions in Bangkok. VVOB SEAL Science has organised the visit in collaboration with UNESCO Bangkok. Trainers from STEPSAM 2, a science project of JICA, could also participate. First stop after lunch in a nearby shopping mall – which a few participants were reluctant to leave so quickly – was at the interactive science museum of Bangkok. One could experiment to one’s heart’s content, and attend the Thai “water rocket” competition. Several primary and secondary schools tried to construct a rocket that could fly the furthest, with only plastic bottles, water, air compression and Newton’s action-reaction law at play.
Mrs Sotheany, physics teacher, is ready for the “rotating chair”
The following day the Student Center for Education organised a workshop where participants were taught - among other things - how to extract DNA out of tomatoes. Theoreticians among the group were spoiled with a visit to the Thai Institute for Nuclear Energy (TINT). A visit to the Asian Institute for Technology gave participants insight into the Thai scientific education.
Prof. Darryl Macer facilitated a workshop at UNESCO concerning bioethics and Learner Centred Methodology. Directors and government officials were enthusiastic participants to the “Donut Technique”, which will certainly strengthen their affinity with the manual on student specific approaches. UNESCO’s big meeting room was - just as about 20 other locations- an ideal background for a group photo.
Group photo in front of the Student Centre for Education
Directors of the practice schools experimenting with DNA extraction
At arrival at the hotel (female) participants turned into true shopaholics! Due to the hotel’s location near the Sky Train stop, one could visit a different shopping mall every night. Male participants on the other hand, were to be found near Seven Eleven’s noodle department… In short, the visit was an inspiring experience for all and has to be translated into educational practice.
