The Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre which is at Bell Village is one of the most well-kept secrets in Mauritius!
We went there two weeks ago with average expectations… We payed (I believe) Rs. 30 for a ticket. The first nice surprise was that there were a lot of things to experiment with in the yard. Things like using parabolas to transmit sound very efficiently (3rd picture) and lots of optical illusion experiments (4th and 5th pictures above.) As you can expect, the kids were having a lot of fun. And Christina and I were happy to answer all their questions.
Inside we got our second surprise: there were so many things to see (the story of the universe, the geological story of Mauritius, lots of background info on great scientists, etc.) and also so many things to experiment with (see the photos.) Anya, Kyan and their cousin, Chloé, were running everywhere trying out things and having a lot of fun! As a scientific, I was ecstatic. I couldn’t prevent myself wondering why some science classes (at primary and secondary levels) were not done there. I’m sure students would have understood a lot more.
I have to admit that there are some problems. Some of the experiments have stopped working and should be repaired. Applying fresh paint would not be a bad idea at all especially outside. But apart from those “details” which are so easy to remedy, the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre is a great place to go to spend some hours and learn a lot at the same time.
Go there one day and I’m sure you’ll like it. We did.
(Click on the picture above or here for additional photos.)
heyo, I had completely forgotten about that one. Doesn’t seem too long ago it was on the news quite a lot.
Dear Avinash,
Was doing some search about RGSC,and landed on your blog…
Am happy to learn that you enjoyed your visit there even if you came with average expectations!!!
Guess you were nicely surprised because you spared no effort to read and follow the instructions. How many visitors actually have the patience to engage in this simple activity? Reading the info on the panels on a visit museums, exhibitions, etc….seems so painful for some visitors. I even dare to say “Lazy” visitors who find it sooooo tedious to go for active learning!!!
Cheers
Hi Observer,
Yes, you’re right. Active learning is something that many people dislike (or don’t know how to do.) This is maybe because of our education system which forces everyone to be passive…
Anyway, like I wrote above, I believe (some) science classes should be done there and I’m sure students will greatly benefit.
Hello Avinash,
Infact, every holiday the centre organises workshops for lower secondary students where they can have hands on activities… Unfortunately due to resource constraints, number of lucky students who get to participate is limited…
You are right about our education system that really forces students to learn by heart and reproduce in the exams.. the various modifications brought to the O-Level and A-Level syllabus could not change that.
I wonder if there is really a shift in mode of learning at univeristy level, especially among students….
Observer
Hi,
It’s difficult to generalize. I would say that many of our students are not really aware of their unique potential… This is maybe due to the fact that no one has told them when they were kids that they were as potentially good as any Indian or American.
I’ve noticed that many of us “think small.” We, Mauritians, are always extremely surprised when one of us does something world-class e.g. Bruno Julie at the Olympics. I don’t think lots of Singaporeans think they are “ti-dimoun” (little people.)
If there is one thing to change in Mauritius, it’s that mentality.