Global Microscience Experiments – UNESCO – by Mark Hynd

One of the most direct methods of enabling schools and students scientifically is through Microscience kits. The practical approach to experiencing science is a part of the UNESCO Global Microscience Experiments Project, with centers located in places such as South Africa, Cameroon and Norway.

Promoting this hands-on science education  project is done through an introductory workshop which has been held in over 80 countries so far. A certain number of kits are offered free of change to the host institution, with the option to order more if they feel they can implement their use.

Targeting different levels in the education process is another focus of the project: from the primary, secondary and tertiary sections to policy-makers, these kits offer a basic to advanced level of scientific education, accompanied by booklets describing the possible uses and experiments.

The Microscience approach provides developed and developing countries alike with new teaching tools. The project thus contributes to capacity building, even in areas where no laboratory facilities are available. The experimental techniques that can be covered on a microscale include everything from separating the components of mixtures to measuring rates of reactions between chemicals.

The Global Microscience Experiments Project is a hands-on science education project that gives primary and secondary school students as well as university students the opportunity to conduct practical work in physics, chemistry and biology, using kits that come with booklets (UNESCO teaching and learning materials) describing scientific experiments. These kits are veritable mini-laboratories.

They are cost effective and safe, in so far as pupils never need to use more than a couple of drops of chemicals for experimentation.

The overall objectives of this project are to:

1. To promote practical science experimentation using Microscience as an advocacy tool amongst policy makers
2. To improve science curricula by inclusion of hands-on experimentation for a better understanding of science
3. To increase the interest of young people in science so as to promote gender equality, scientific literacy and the choice of a scientific career

To promote capacity building for science education and enhance development of scientific thinking and experimentation for pupils.