LEAP 2009
For LEAP's second year, we conducted our programme at four schools. In each school, we worked with every grade eight student, meeting with each class separately. There were a total of eight classes. The programme was conducted over three weeks, in which we met with each class on its own once per week, and all classes together for the final exhibition and prize-giving ceremony.
Solar Ovens
This activity was to demonstrate the power of the sun, using cardboard and aluminium foil. Groups of students made small models first to show they understood the concept, and then were given supplies to make real solar ovens.
Microscopes
Bamboo microscopes were used to examine small items they found outside the classroom (an insect, sand and a leaf).
Book-Making
Each student made his or her own book out of paper and string we supplied. The purpose of their books was to record what they learned in our various activities and to demonstrate their artistic skills.
Science Olympics
Science olympics consisted of identifying slides on microscopes, identifying various substances, weighing objects on scales and performing mathematical calculations.
Programme Details
The LEAP group consisted of four Canadian teachers: Margaret Leighton (Director), Ainslie Gilchrist, David Simard and Munir Squires. We were assisted by four local translator-teachers, hired from the community. Every day, two teaching teams conducted the programme with classes from two different schools simultaneously.
Regular programme activities were conducted after school hours, from 2pm to 5:30pm every day. This allowed the students to participate in their regular classes as well as the LEAP programme. Although the programme was voluntary, a high percentage of students chose to attend. We believe this reflects the eagerness of students to take part in this programme. The positive experiences of the students who took part in the programme last year (now in grade 9) played a part in convincing them of the value of the LEAP programme. Over the four schools, a total of 255 students attended regularly.
Every day of the programme, students arrived early, keen to start the activities and eager to learn. The students were reluctant to leave at 5:30, since they were so involved in their learning activities. During the 3.5 hours of teaching every afternoon, the students engaged in science activities, explored through art and drama, and used English to learn songs and speak with the foreign teachers. During the session, students were provided with a nutritious snack (egg bun or vegetable bun) mid-way through the activities.
Regular programme activities were conducted after school hours, from 2pm to 5:30pm every day. This allowed the students to participate in their regular classes as well as the LEAP programme. Although the programme was voluntary, a high percentage of students chose to attend. We believe this reflects the eagerness of students to take part in this programme. The positive experiences of the students who took part in the programme last year (now in grade 9) played a part in convincing them of the value of the LEAP programme. Over the four schools, a total of 255 students attended regularly.
Every day of the programme, students arrived early, keen to start the activities and eager to learn. The students were reluctant to leave at 5:30, since they were so involved in their learning activities. During the 3.5 hours of teaching every afternoon, the students engaged in science activities, explored through art and drama, and used English to learn songs and speak with the foreign teachers. During the session, students were provided with a nutritious snack (egg bun or vegetable bun) mid-way through the activities.