QUEST BANK Project

QUEST BANK Project with the Department of Science and Technology

The QUEST BANK project represents one of the innovative programs initiated by Surabhi Sarva Shiksha Evam Kalyan Samiti (SEVAKS) to instil scientific thinking and curiosity among schoolchildren. Launched in the academic year 2003-2004, this project was designed to develop methodologies that foster a scientific spirit in students. The project was catalysed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, highlighting the collaboration between SEVAKS and a national body to enhance science education.

Objectives and Scope

The primary objective of the QUEST BANK project was to get children into the habit of asking questions without hesitation and also to encourage schoolchildren to engage in scientific inquiry through questioning, retrieval of information, and hypothesis formulation. The project was implemented among a sample of ten schools in Delhi, aiming to create an environment where children could develop and practice critical scientific skills.

Project Implementation

1. Questioning Game:

The first part of the project involved a game designed to motivate children to ask questions. This game was an engaging way to stimulate curiosity and encourage students to think critically.

A box was placed in each participating school where children could deposit their questions. This approach created a sense of excitement and competition among students.

The collected questions were later displayed on the school notice boards, prompting other students to attempt to answer them. This exercise not only encouraged questioning but also fostered collaborative learning as students engaged with each other's queries.

2. Workshops:

Following the questioning game, a series of workshops were conducted. These workshops were crucial in equipping students with essential scientific skills.

Topics Covered:

• Questioning Techniques: Teaching students how to ask effective and meaningful questions.

• Information Retrieval: Methods for finding and gathering relevant information.

• Hypothesis Formulation: Guiding students on how to develop hypotheses based on their questions.

• Experiment Design: Instructing students on how to design and conduct experiments to test their hypotheses.

• Experimentation: Practical sessions where students conducted their experiments.

• Report Writing: Training on documenting their findings and writing scientific reports.

Outcomes and Observations

The results of the QUEST BANK project provided valuable insights into the participation and engagement levels of students:

• Participation: More boys participated in the activities compared to girls, indicating a gender disparity that needs to be addressed in future programs.

• Language: Questions submitted in Hindi were observed to be more genuine and reflective of the students' curiosity, suggesting the importance of conducting activities in the students' native language.

• Engagement: Overall, only about 20% of the students from any given school participated in the questioning game, highlighting the need for strategies to increase engagement.

Future Plans

Given the success and insights gained from the initial phase of the QUEST BANK project, SEVAKS is planning a sequel. The next phase will expand the program to twenty schools in West and South West Delhi. This expansion aims to:

• Increase Participation: Implement strategies to boost student participation and engagement.

• Address Gender Disparities: Develop targeted interventions to encourage more girls to participate.

• Enhance Program Delivery: Incorporate feedback and lessons learned from the initial phase to refine and improve the methodologies used.

Conclusion

The QUEST BANK project exemplifies SEVAKS' commitment to innovative educational programs that go beyond traditional teaching methods. By fostering scientific inquiry and critical thinking among schoolchildren, SEVAKS is contributing to the development of a scientifically literate and curious generation. The collaboration with the Department of Science and Technology further underscores the project's significance and potential for nationwide impact. As SEVAKS prepares to expand the program, it continues to pave the way for more inclusive and effective science education in India.