Without access to government-provided electricity or school supplies, the teaching of science in the rural Ghana is almost completely theoretical-- even to the point that few student find it easy to understand the concepts they are taught, and even fewer find a passion for them.
So, in the Spring of 2009, EPI worked with the Ghanaian Ministry of Education and the students and teachers of rural villages to assess the exact needs not being met. It was soon discovered that the EPI playground equipment could work as a perfect lab for teaching general mechanics, physics, energy transfer, and much more. With the help of many involved, EPI was able to create a science kit and lesson plans that correlate perfectly the with the established Ghanaian education curriculum, and which were culturally particular to the Ghanaian people.
HERE IS ONE EXAMPLE OF A SCIENCE LESSON
Much of the equipment utilized by EPI science labs are local materials that can be found in villages. For those materials that would be difficult to find or too expensive to purchase, EPI makes a donation including:
• Solar ovens • Thermometers • Rulers • Magnets • Compasses • Coiled wire • Small solar cells • Light bulbs • Switches!
IN THE FUTURE:
The future of EPI science kits is bright. In the past, EPI science kit equipment has been collected from many different sources, making the supply line less than stream lined. In the summer of 2010 however, EPI began a partnership with Loose in the Lab, a science kit manufacturer that specializes in meeting the needs of school curriculums. Now the EPI kits will be compiled as one great whole by our new partner!
