Once again, the International Preparatory School (IPS) in Mapou is organising a series of lively activities for its pupils over a period of two weeks. Einstein?s birthday on the 14th of March rang the bell for the beginning of activities for the whole school. Added to the fact that it?s also the 100th anniversary of the publication of the scientist?s three papers, as well as 2005 the fact that the year of physics, it?s a perfect excuse to make pupils of all age-groups participate in scientific activities and experiments. And they obviously enjoy it!

?We are celebrating science, mathematics and technology over two weeks. Not only are we doing experiments using scientific laws? but even in English, French and all other subjects, we try to include science. In French for instance, they are studying poems on Louis Pasteur?? one of the teachers explains. ?What we are actually trying to do is integrate science in every possible manner. We make pupils act as if they are columns by balancing books on their heads for instance.?

Hearing the children?s enthusiasm concerning the day of activities held last Monday, we can guess this was the one they enjoyed the most. Three to six years spent the whole day doing experiments?No ? English or Maths tests?- they learn without really realising they are doing so and they really enjoy it!

When asked what Einstein?s three papers are about, they unanimously answer: ? random motion?, the ?photoelectric effect? and the ?special theory of relativity?. With a few explanations to show they have understood.

Their visit to the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre was another of the important activities they took part in last week. They liked it very much although they were quite disappointed to have been accompanied by a guide throughout the visit. ?The nicest part was the short movie that explained the creation of the universe,? a pupil enthusiastically says. ?Yes, with the Big Bang?? another one shouts?

?Of course, we don?t expect them to be experts but, even at this level, we wanted them to have a clear idea of physics so as to understand what is taking place around them,? the teacher says.

<B>Clear idea of physics</B>

This is probably why they are linking these two weeks of activities with two special days, which are taking place this week. Pupils first celebrated Earth Day yesterday. ?We wanted to make them aware of the environment so we did activities to show them how important it is to preserve our ecology.? Today being Water Day, some classes are going to La Nicolière to visit the dam.

?These two weeks seem to have been so successful with the children that we intend to make it an annual celebration,? the teacher says. ?But in the meantime, you will have a lot of Maths and English exams,? she adds with a pinch of irony! ?Well, I quit!? replies one of the pupils? The celebration seems to have definitely been a success!