Students in grades 9 and 10 at Belau Modekngei School presented a science experiment show to students in grades 3-8 at Ngaraard Elementary School.
Ms. MIURA Rina has been working at Belau Modekngei School as a JICA Volunteer for Science Education since July 2023. In February 2024, a science lab was established through a grassroots grant project from the Embassy of Japan in Palau, and Ms. Miura has been actively conducting science classes that incorporate experiments.
Although a science lab was established, it was difficult to obtain reagents and other materials in Palau, so she devised substitutes from what was available in Palau and taught many experiments to the students of Belau Modekngei School. In the past, she has used peer-teaching methods in the school, with students introducing their own experiments to each other, but this was the first time the experiment was presented outside of the school. There were five experiments conducted this time, and the students at Ngaraard Elementary School were amazed.
10th grader, Alexis Rush, the student who conducted the experiment commented, “Being able to show the students at Ngaraard Elementary School our modified formulas and experiments was an awesome experience for us. We were thrilled to be able to show the children our experiments, and we look forward to doing so again in the future.”
Ms. Miura, who has been teaching the experiment says, “Seeing my students share their experiments with younger children was a proud moment. Despite limited materials, we found new possibilities for science education in Palau. I hope this experience encourages more curiosity and exploration.”.
Her contract in Palau will conclude at the end of July this year, but she is preparing a manual of experiments for elementary school teachers in the hope that more schools will adopt the experiments.