VINLEC invests big in Science, Technology Fair

The St Vincent Electricity Services (VINLEC) has invested $50,000 into the 2015 VINLEC National Science and Technology Fair and expects good return on the investment.

At the launch of the fair on Wednesday, VINLEC’s CEO Thornley Myers said his company wishes to have a fair of quality, which reflects what is happening in school.{{more}}

Myers said VINLEC had sponsored the fair in the past, but had to withdraw its sponsorship because of lack of preparation by the schools and the late announcement of the dates for the science fair.

He advised teachers that in order to have more participation, they must apply what is done in the classroom to real world situations. He encouraged parents and teachers to explain why things are done and not just show children how to do them.

Addressing the students, Myers said although it is believed by some that everyone who studies science has to be a doctor and everyone who studies technology has to be an engineer, there are many other fields available to them in science and technology.

He said it is his hope that the fair, which will run from November 9 to 13, will spark an interest in teaching science and also raise awareness about the benefits and use of science and technology in our everyday life.

Deputy chief education officer Beverly Neptune, in her remarks at Wednesday’s ceremony, said it is her wish that all Vincentian citizens will be exposed to “a robust science education programme beginning at the primary school level.”

Neptune disclosed that the Ministry of Education will soon be implementing a strategy called ‘Project Teaching’ to help with the delivery and the teaching of subject areas. She explained that ‘Project Teaching’ is designed to allow students to explore real-life experiences while learning a subject and that the approach is filled with active and engaging learning and encourages students to obtain deeper knowledge of the subjects they are studying.

“The research suggests that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained by this approach.”

Senior education officer in the Curriculum Unit Amaala Muhammad said in order for St Vincent and the Grenadines to advance in the modern world, there must be scientifically and technologically skilled persons, who are adaptable, creative, innovative, critical thinkers and must be able to adapt the information they have learnt to solve problems.

These she refers to as ‘21st century skills,’ which are required in the job market.

Muhammad urged teachers to teach science in a way that will allow interaction in the classroom, which in turn will ignite the fire inside students to take an avid interest in the science subjects.

Muhammad explained that to ensure the success of this year’s science and technology fair, the Ministry has hosted workshops, sent early notice to the schools and have given them resource CDs outlining the correct way to host science fairs.

President of the SVG Science Teachers Association Juanita Hunt-King disclosed that the fair would also be open to participants who are not in school, but have an innovative idea or creation they would like to display. (CM)