Centre for Science and Technology Innovations - CSTI
A UNESCO Associated Centre...
ABOUT US
PROJECT PLAN
Major Achievements Include:
- Downscaling climate forecasts to guide the choice of crops planted and the timing of agricultural activities.
- Improving agronomic practices by providing access to fast maturing and drought-resistant crop varieties.
- Building sand dams, shallow boreholes and drip irrigation systems to improve access to water for use in crop production.
- Increasing local self-help groups’ access to income-diversification activities.
OTHER LINKS
Workshop Report on Microchemistry Held on 18th November 2004 In Meru North/Maua
Opening Remarks by Mr. Andrew Ebuthania:
The principal of St. Paul’s Boys Secondary School welcomed the teachers to the school for the workshop on microchemistry. He confessed being anxious to learn about the use of microchemistry. He reiterated that time had come to embrace new ideas to enable students perform science practical in a safe and affordable way to schools. He went ahead to mention that replenishing laboratory equipment and supplies was around the true of 200,000/= which made the science subjects very expensive. He asked the teachers to use the workshop as an eye-opener to performing science practical in a better way, stressing on need to reduce costs of carrying out practical sciences.
Mr. G. K. Kiringo:
On his part and on behalf of Meru North District Inspectorate team thought that there was no better opportunity like this one for teachers to handle, experiment and comment on the microscience kits. His enthusiasm about CSTI began when he got information from the centre that innovative ways of performing practical science were available. He was prompted to write invitation letters to all schools within the district to release their teachers to attend this innovative experience. He was glad they made it despite the rainy weather and took the opportunity to thank the principal of St. Paul's Boys Secondary School for accepting to host the workshop given the short notice. He then ushered in the facilitators to take over the program.
Mr. Steve Otieno:
He commended the participants for leaving their busy schedules to attend the microchemistry experience then went ahead to introduce Mr. Peter Tindi Otieno. He then took the teachers through the microchemistry kit components followed by a run through the brochure. At this moment the participants’ curiosity had increased thereby necessitating the next part of the program which involved a hands-on experience with the microchemistry kit.
Experiment 1: Preparation and Testing for Chlorine
Experiment 2a: Preparation of Soluble Salts (Preparation of Sodium Chloride)
Experiment 2b: Preparation of insoluble salts (Preparation of Lead Sulphate)
Comments:
• One participant felt that the kit needed adjustments especially to enlarge the shape of the comboplate to make the wells deeper.
• Another suggested that the kit should be used in lower secondary to instill practical scientific foundation to the students as early as possible.
List of Participants:
The principal of St. Paul’s Boys Secondary School welcomed the teachers to the school for the workshop on microchemistry. He confessed being anxious to learn about the use of microchemistry. He reiterated that time had come to embrace new ideas to enable students perform science practical in a safe and affordable way to schools. He went ahead to mention that replenishing laboratory equipment and supplies was around the true of 200,000/= which made the science subjects very expensive. He asked the teachers to use the workshop as an eye-opener to performing science practical in a better way, stressing on need to reduce costs of carrying out practical sciences.
Mr. G. K. Kiringo:
On his part and on behalf of Meru North District Inspectorate team thought that there was no better opportunity like this one for teachers to handle, experiment and comment on the microscience kits. His enthusiasm about CSTI began when he got information from the centre that innovative ways of performing practical science were available. He was prompted to write invitation letters to all schools within the district to release their teachers to attend this innovative experience. He was glad they made it despite the rainy weather and took the opportunity to thank the principal of St. Paul's Boys Secondary School for accepting to host the workshop given the short notice. He then ushered in the facilitators to take over the program.
Mr. Steve Otieno:
He commended the participants for leaving their busy schedules to attend the microchemistry experience then went ahead to introduce Mr. Peter Tindi Otieno. He then took the teachers through the microchemistry kit components followed by a run through the brochure. At this moment the participants’ curiosity had increased thereby necessitating the next part of the program which involved a hands-on experience with the microchemistry kit.
Experiment 1: Preparation and Testing for Chlorine
Experiment 2a: Preparation of Soluble Salts (Preparation of Sodium Chloride)
Experiment 2b: Preparation of insoluble salts (Preparation of Lead Sulphate)
Comments:
- Chemicals used sparingly
- Time was saved upon
- Reasonably affordable
- Able to make observations
- Kits are very handy and portable
- Everybody had an experience with the kits
- Kits similar to toys therefore demystifying the notion that sciences are difficult
- Able to repeat practicals especially where errors are made
- Concept of science is the same and the only difference is that reagents are used in small quantities
- Eliminates demonstration by teacher as students watch
- Encourages practical session to go on even in classrooms and this removes the idea of rotating classes in the lab.
• One participant felt that the kit needed adjustments especially to enlarge the shape of the comboplate to make the wells deeper.
• Another suggested that the kit should be used in lower secondary to instill practical scientific foundation to the students as early as possible.
List of Participants:
- Mr. G. K. Kiringo - District Inspectorate Team (Meru North District)
- Ebuthania Andrew - Principal St. Paul’s Boys Secondary School
- Karau Leonard M. - St. Frnacis of Assisi
- Liburu M. Lawrence - Kanjalu Secondary School
- Athiri K. Henry -Kilimamungu Secondary School
- Kirugi W. G. - Igembe Secondary School
- Haron Kanathi - Muati Secondary School
- Muturia Teresa - Akirangondu Secondary School
- Mukubwa M. Joseph - Kangeta Girls’ Secondary School
- David M. Mbatia - Akithi Secondary School
- Rukaria I, G. - Nthare Secondary School
- Manyara Josephat Kobia - Mutuati Secondary School
- Johnstone Thuranira M. - Njia Boys’ Secondary School
- Munoru J. Kirimi - St. Paul’s Boys Secondary School
- Grace K. Murungi - Mfariji GirlS Secondary School
- Henry K. Meeme - St. Paul’s Boys Secondary School
- Kagwiria Lydiah - Ntunene Girls Secondary School
- Fridah Lettizia Munjuri - Maua Girls Secoandary School
- Kaburu Japhet Mwebia - Karama Secondary School
- Peter Tindi Otieno - CSTI
- Steve Otieno - CSTI