Bihar's Education Department Launches Initiative for Practical Science Education

Introduction to the Initiative

Efforts are underway to significantly enhance the quality of education in Bihar's government schools. The Education Department has initiated a plan to modernize science education by incorporating hands-on experiments. This initiative mandates practical classes for students in grades 9 to 12, allowing them to engage in practical sessions alongside their theoretical studies.

Current State of Science Laboratories

A closer look reveals that over 70% of government schools in Bihar lack proper science laboratories. Out of a total of 12,047 secondary and higher secondary schools, only 3,132 are equipped with science labs. As a result, the Education Department has made it compulsory for students in grades 9 to 12 to participate in practical education.

Plans for New Laboratories

To facilitate practical learning, the Education Department is planning to establish new science laboratories in government schools. Schools have been instructed to procure essential equipment and resources within a 15-day timeframe. This initiative includes the setup of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology labs for classes 9-10 and 11-12.

Required Equipment for Laboratories

Schools are expected to acquire various items such as beakers, microscopes, vernier calipers, spectrometers, test tubes, chemicals, and slides. Until the new laboratories are operational, schools are encouraged to conduct practical classes in collaboration with nearby institutions.

Expert Assistance in Laboratory Setup

The establishment of laboratories will be supervised by experts from SCERT and DIET, who will assist in setting up the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology labs. These experts will also aid in the procurement of necessary equipment and the management of the laboratories. Furthermore, School Management Committees are tasked with ensuring the maintenance and security of the laboratory equipment.