A unique approach to practical work to address the problem of visualization. The Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits are the product of many years of development by well qualified and experienced chemistry lecturers at the North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus. They have been involved in the training of Physical Science teachers for the past 25 years. The Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits were developed in close cooperation with learning facilitators and learners. The result is an unique and ingenious mini-laboratory for all chemistry and natural science experiments at school for grades 4 to 12 and FET colleges. We are of the opinion that, if the Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits is made available to schools, many of the problems in the teaching of chemistry and natural science could be solved.
DID YOU KNOW?
Natural Science and Chemistry is one of the subjects in school that is of utmost importance for the development of an economically, and technologically sound country. At school a small number of pupils in general take Natural Science and Chemistry as subject and the general results of examinations are unsatisfactory.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
The poor average percentage achieved for Chemistry by grade 12 pupils in many developing countries, over the past years can be attributed to various factors. One of the most important factors is the fact that pupils are not motivated to study chemistry. This can be attributed to inadequate teaching strategies, the most important of which is the fact that the pupils do not perform the chemical practicals themselves. If pupils were allowed to do the experiments (which support the theory) themselves, it could contribute to a better visualization and lead to better understanding of concepts
WHY THE CONCEPT OF MYLAB CHEMISTRY & NATURAL SCIENCE KITS?
Prof Corrie was a Lecturer at North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus for first year Chemistry students for more than 25 years and he realised that students did not have practical knowledge. It then became clear that there are basically 2 reasons for that:
1. Schools do not have the equipment to do the experiments.
2. Learning facilitators and Teachers do not have the knowledge to prepare and demonstrate the experiments.
Being a Lecturer, it was important for Prof Corrie to develop something that would be affordable, practical and above all, something that would give learners hands on experience.
DOES THE CHEMISTRY KIT INCLUDE CHEMICALS TO PERFORM EXPERIMENTS?
Yes and if it is used correctly it can last between 3 and 5 years. Refill chemicals are available.
WHAT IS THE MATERIAL?
Teacher Manuals, Learner Manuals and Experiment DVD’s from Grade 4 – 12 and FET College Level 1 & 2.
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ANY SUCCESSES OF MYLAB CHEMISTRY & NATURAL SCIENCE KITS?
Presentations and workshops on Mylab were done on invitation abroad at Chemistry and Education Congresses, e.g.: Budapest, Hungary (August 2000), Beijing, China (August 2002), Istanbul, Turkey (August 2004), Seoul, South Korea (August 2006), Vienna, Austria (April 2001), Linz, Austria (April 2003), Eisenstadt, Austria (April, 2005), Leoben, Austria (April, 2007), Hong Kong Baptist University (December, 2001). Mexico City, Mexico (18-20 May 2005) Maseru, Lesotho (January 2008) Bloomington, Indiana (July, 2008) Safed, Israel (8 - 11 Sept. 2008).
DELIVERY TIME?
All Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science kits are produced and packed to order and delivery time is subject to final destination.
ANYTHING ELSE?
Mylab Chemistry & Natural Science works in international cooperation with several leading scientists. Prof John Kotz of the State University New York, author of the first level Chemistry textbook which is used over the world, visited Mylab in 2006. He helped in the presentation of workshops in the North-West Province. Prof Lise Kvittingen and Mr. Per-Odd Eggen from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway, visited Mylab in 2006 and 2007. They helped with the presentation of workshops in the North-West Province. They also took Mylab kits to Etiopia which are used in the Norway/Etiopia project in chemistry in the Etiopian schools. Mylab kits were also exported in 2008 to Norway to be used in the Norwegian schools.
LAST THOUGHTS?
1. If pupils were allowed to do the experiments (which support the theory) themselves AND FOLLOW THE TEACHER, it SHOULD contribute to a better visualization and lead to better understanding of concepts, BECAUSE SCIENCE AND CHEMISTRY ARE JUST AS MUCH PRACTICAL AS THEY ARE THEORY.
2. It is essential to get the Mylab™ kits to the learners to “expose” them to the wonderful world of Natural Science and Chemistry AND to teach and equip the teachers WITH THE RIGHT SKILLS to get the most value out of the Mylab™ kits FOR THE CHILDREN and to give the teachers the confidence to present the classes.
