Under which organisation's aided project did NCERT develop an instructional material titled "Science is Doing"?
UNICEF
Understanding NCERT's "Science is Doing" Project
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) is a key organization in India responsible for developing textbooks and educational materials for schools. Over the years, NCERT has collaborated with various international organizations to enhance the quality of education, particularly in areas like science.
The "Science is Doing" Instructional Material
"Science is Doing" is an instructional material developed by NCERT. The title itself suggests an approach to science education that emphasizes practical work, experimentation, and hands-on learning rather than just theoretical knowledge. This kind of material aims to make science more engaging and understandable for students by allowing them to actively participate in the learning process. It promotes the idea that science is not just something to be read about, but something to be actively explored and experienced.
International Collaboration for Educational Projects
International organizations often provide financial aid, expertise, and resources for educational projects in developing countries. These collaborations help in bringing global best practices and innovative approaches to the local education system. For projects like developing new teaching materials, assistance from such bodies can be crucial for wider reach and better quality.
The Aiding Organization: UNICEF
Based on educational records and historical collaborations, the instructional material titled "Science is Doing," developed by NCERT, was an aided project. The organization that provided aid for this specific project was UNICEF.
UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund, works for the rights and well-being of every child. Education is a significant part of their mission, focusing on ensuring all children have access to quality learning opportunities. Collaborating with national bodies like NCERT on developing instructional materials aligns with UNICEF's goal of improving primary education and making learning more effective and child-friendly.
Why UNICEF?
UNICEF's mandate includes supporting educational initiatives that promote equitable access to quality education for children. Developing engaging and activity-based science materials like "Science is Doing" fits well within UNICEF's focus on improving the learning experience and outcomes for young learners, particularly at the school level where NCERT's materials are primarily used.
Revision Table: Key Organizations in Education
| Organization | Primary Focus (in brief relation to education/children) | Example Collaboration Area (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|
| UNESCO | Promoting peace through international cooperation in education, science, and culture. Global education standards, literacy. | Teacher training, curriculum development (broadly). |
| OECD | Economic cooperation and development. Focuses on education policy analysis, comparative studies (like PISA). | Educational system performance analysis. |
| WHO | World Health Organization. Focuses on public health. | Health education in schools. |
| UNICEF | United Nations Children's Fund. Focuses on children's rights, survival, development, and protection, including education. | Primary education improvement, access to schooling, quality learning materials. |
Additional Information: NCERT and Curriculum Development
NCERT plays a vital role in shaping the school curriculum in India. It develops the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), which serves as a guideline for syllabus, textbooks, and teaching practices across the country. The development of materials like "Science is Doing" is an outcome of the principles laid down in such frameworks, emphasizing active learning and pedagogical shifts.
Collaborations with international bodies not only provide financial assistance but also facilitate the exchange of ideas and pedagogical approaches from around the world, enriching the national curriculum development process. The "Science is Doing" project exemplifies how such partnerships can lead to the creation of innovative educational resources.
Important Questions from Nature and Structure of Science
In which year did E. L. Thorndike develop the theory of trial and error learning?
What involves two cell divisions during which the chromosome number is halved?
In which stage, science should be introduced as separate disciplines with emphasis on experiments / technology and problem solving?
- Read the excerpt given below and answer the question.
French scientist Henri Becquerel was working on phosphorescent materials, which glow in the
dark after exposure to light. He believed that sunlight was the reason that the crystal would burn
its image on a photographic plate. On a stormy day in $1896$, he decided to leave it for few days
and resume his experiments later. A few days later, he took his crystal out of a darkened drawer.
He noticed that the image burned on the plate was 'fogged' which meant that the crystal had still
emitted rays, despite the lack of sunlight.
What does the above excerpt illustrate about science ? - Which of the following attributes would you associate with 'Scientific temper'?
(A) Perseverance in carrying out scientific investigations.
(B) Creativity in coming up with big problems to be investigated and breaking them down into
smaller 'solvable' parts.
(C) Scepticism towards non-scientific beliefs.
(D) Commitment towards cultural preservation.
