Small-scale laboratory project stimulates science studies for students at 26 schools nationwide
Chemistry classes can't be interesting without lab tests. But given the high cost involved in the preparation of laboratories and procurement of equipment, most Thai schools find it hard to provide their students with adequate lab facilities.
Aware of such problems, Dow Thailand Group and Chemical Society of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Chulabhorn Walailak have joined forces with allies in launching the “Dow Chemistry Class” project.
Also supported by educational service areas in Rayong, this project is now offering small-scale chemistry lab techniques at 26 participating schools.
These techniques address all the common lab-related concerns at schools, such as safety issues, high costs and environmental impacts. They also scale down all significant apparatus in the most efficient way possible. With smaller techniques, schools don’t have to worry about the huge cost of large chemistry equipment and various expensive single-use items.
Better still, these techniques can attract the attention and interest of students.
Teachers at the Bangbung Uttasahakamnukhro School, which |has participated in the “Dow Chemistry Class” project, said their |students became more eager than ever to participate in chemical experiments.
“It is quite obvious that students are more engaged in doing lab tests. With the general chemistry labs, some students often ran around the classroom leaving a few friends to do the research,” said Nopparat Poolsawat, one of the school’s chemistry teachers.
He believed the small lab-kit provided by the project was one of the best scientific tools for experiments at schools.
“The kit has allowed us to smoothly and effectively conduct the class,” he said.
Nopparat added that not only were the new chemistry utensils clearly accentuated on convenient use, but they were also created in an environmentally-friendly perspective. They also maintained a pollution free environment since the risk of chemical waste is reduced.
“Simply put, the shift from using glassware materials to plastic has made a major difference. They are safer and inexpensive while still attached to the same scientific concepts as traditional equipment,” he pointed out.
Panuwat Palanon, a Mathayom 5 student, said he now has more of a passion for learning chemistry than he has for any other subject.
“I enjoy learning chemistry more than ever as the tools are easier to use when compared to old large-sized lab equipment,” Panuwat said. “I believe that when it comes to learning, it is more important to actually practice and experience things with our own eyes than merely memorise the theories.”