MV Foundation and Project 511, Mobile Science Lab

Bringing inspiring science to India’s schools

When it comes to learning science, performing an experiment beats reading a text book hands down. Practical lessons help students to better understand key scientific concepts. But many schools in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, simply didn’t have the space or funds for a comprehensive science lab. Students were missing out. That’s why we gave a grant of  £142,726 to the Mobile Science Lab project, run by education charities Project 511 and the MV Foundation.

Mobile Science Lab teachers visited schools in vans carrying equipment for interactive physics, chemistry and biology experiments. The vans were equipped with teaching kits, such as charts, laptops and projectors. They worked with middle and secondary schools, classes 6 to 10, giving practical, interactive lessons to help improve knowledge and exam results.

Between 2008 and 2012, the Mobile Science Lab reached 25,754 students across more than 70 schools.

The schools were also encouraged to participate in science exhibitions to showcase their talents and learn from each another.

  • Between 2008 and 2012, the Mobile Science Lab reached 25,754 students across more than 70 schools.
  • Mobile Science Lab teachers demonstrate 90 physics, chemistry and biology experiments in 15 sessions for each school.
  • 77 Government science teachers have been trained as part of the programme.

Influencing policy in science education

“We partnered with the Project 511 to ensure students weren’t denied opportunities to advance and excel in science,” said Soma, Kusuma Trust’s Executive Trustee. “The project has improved students’ understanding and performance in science. It’s also engaged teachers and heads in innovative teaching methods, and influenced Andhra Pradesh’s policy and practice in science education.”

In collaboration with the Rajiv Vidya Mission, a government education programme to improve enrolment and teaching, the project has also developed a practical training manual and conducted effective training workshops for teachers.

“Through the Mobile Science Lab programme a great awareness has been created on science subjects among the children. Also we could notice that there is an increase in the pass percentage in class 10 board examinations and the children are scoring highest marks science subjects.”
R. Paul Padmakar, Project Director, Project 511

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