The National Science Challenge 2008 organised by the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre from 19th to 24th September 2008 provided an opportunity to several Form IV and Lower VI students to apply scientific concepts through team project work to achieve set objectives.

Participating students were required to present a project portfolio and communicate their experience to the public, peers and assessors. Two Form IV students from Collège Sainte Marie, Tracey Ramburn and Sameerah Aumjaud, constructed a solar floating vessel model under the guidance of their physics teacher, Fabiani Appavou, and the encouragement of Janine Provencal, their rector.

This eco-friendly project aimed at demonstrating how to use solar energy to operate a boat. Its implementation involved understanding and application of scientific principles behind the functioning of solar cells and the movement of a floating vessel.

The students also had to use thinking and creative skills to design the components of the boat structure and solve problems encountered in experimentation.

Achieving this adventure required the school?s commitment in effective science teaching and learning. National science education strategies should create more opportunities for students to enjoy learning through reflection, interaction and experimentation.

Esha AUMJAUD Lecturer in Agriculture, University of Mauritius</B>