Challenges in the Effective Utilization of Secondary Science Kits in Schools: Voices from the Field

Abstract

Learning science is not just about reading books. It works best when students explore, experiment, and stay involved. Science kits are very useful at the secondary level. They help students learn through activities and make concepts clear. This paper is about a study called “A Study of the Utility of NCERT Secondary Science Kits (SSK) for Classes 9 and 10 across the Country.” The study was done in 2023–24 by the Division of Educational Kits (DEK) of NCERT as approved by the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC). The research focused on how Secondary Science kits are used in government schools in Haryana and Jharkhand. Data was collected from 36 schools. Researchers interacted with 36 science teachers from these schools. They also observed some classes and interacted with students. The results showed a mixed picture. All the sample schools had the kits, but in some of them, teachers were using them well to support classroom teaching. However, in several schools, the items of the kits were either missing or not in working condition. In a few places, even when the kits were available, they were not being used effectively. Some teachers also shared that they had not received any training to handle the kits with confidence.