Meshack Timoth – Workshop Six

Meshack Timoth, Korongoni Secondary School, Moshi

On September 28, we held the sixth DST Workshop for teachers.  This time all activities were organized and run by Meshack.  Meshack is an envisioned science teacher with a broad scope of interest across Physics, Chemistry and Biology.  He has wonderful ideas and also understands first-hand the challenges that he and the other teachers here are facing.

The day started by previewing some of the HIV related dvds that were recently purchased..  We then shared ideas about future of DST and Meshacks plan for a Hands-on Science Centre for Moshi.  It was a small group due to the problems of teachers being assigned to National exams, last minute.  We distributed first aid kits to all schools represented and provided each teacher with a First Aid Training video provided by the Canadian National Office of St. John Ambulance.  We also distributed CPR face shield pouches to each teacher.

Intense Frog Anatomy

The remainder of the morning was spent doing frog dissections.  Meshack put the frog down with Chloroform.  It was fast and painless.  You can still see the heart beating inside.  Very fascinating.  These biology teachers were well enthralled in their studies.

Ran out of propane....

 

 

 

Later on Meshack conducted a Salt Analysis Lab.  The students will be given a sample and asked to conduct tests to determine which elements are present in the salt and decide on the formula of the salt.  This is authentic science.

Fortunately we have a Lab Supply store located very nearby in the Bus Station.  We always find we are in need of something as the day progresses so it is handy to be able to run out and pick it up.  They are also very kind and can give me materials on credit allowing me to come back next day to pay.

Slowly my DST chemical supply is growing so I should not have to be buying everything we use each time.

The Teacher Education Centre, which is being renovated is almost finished and it looks wonderful.  Our next workshop will be there which will reduce our costs a lot.  The year is going quickly. I hope we’ll have one or two more workshops if we can pull the teachers away from school.

Thank you Meshack for organizing this day.  Your passion for science is infectious.  Your students are very lucky to have you.

 

Visitors

Anatomy 101

My mother, Jennifer Housden came to visit.  It was so wonderful to see her.  She brought a special friend with her…a full sized skeleton for the Biology teachers.  She also brought 3 more microscopes from Valley Microscope and a spare brain amongst many other goodies.

Putting the bones together the night before the workshop with no power was fun.  She did a great job and he / she (the skeleton) looks great.

Mom was able to attend the recent workshop for teachers held again at Buffalo Hotel. Her visit allowed her to meet the teachers who are participating in DST and see what kinds of activities and challenges they are involved in.

The week went fast and she is now safely back in Canada. Thanks so much for coming Mom.

 

Do Science and Practicals

Do Science has been helping during practical exams by providing chemicals to some schools who are short. Practical exams are very specific and set externally.   Kiusa SS and Korongoni being very much involved with DST this way.   Lending of equipment and providing consumables so that teachers can conduct their own programs is the goal.

Madame Kisanga (Neema) and Mr. Timoth (Meshack) are two very enthusiastic and knowledgeable teachers who I am hoping will be playing big parts in the leadership and future of DST.

What’s new?

If you’ve been following Do Science, I’m sure you’ve been wondering what is happening.  I apologize for the lapse in communication.  I have been experiencing an increasing frustration with my internet connections.  Many interruptions which make it impossible to upload.  Do Science is plugging along.

The schedule for high schools at this time of year make it not very busy for me.  The schools are involved extensively with national exams.  This means that the school is basically closed except for the classes writing the exams.  Teachers are taken from other schools to come to invigilate the exams.  It is very confidential and this makes it difficult for teachers to plan their activities.  They may show up for school today to find they are being sent to another school for national exams.  It also means that there is little time for in class activities in science or anything else.

The school year will end in November and it seems they close them down grade by grade.  First Form 6, then form 5…  Form 4 is finishing up around now.