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Strengthening Science Education in Liberia

Benjamin I. Rapoport MD-PhD Student Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology bir@mit.edu Adam E. Cohen Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics Harvard University cohen@chemistry.harvard.edu Presented at the Ministry of Education Monrovia, Liberia 11 June 2009.

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Strengthening Science Education in Liberia

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  1. Benjamin I. Rapoport MD-PhD Student Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology bir@mit.edu Adam E. Cohen Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Physics Harvard University cohen@chemistry.harvard.edu Presented at the Ministry of Education Monrovia, Liberia 11 June 2009 Strengthening Science Education in Liberia

  2. Why we’re here • Asumana Jabateh Randolph, inspirational Liberian science teacher in New York City • iHelp Liberia Project • www.ihelpliberia.com • Grassroots development of science education in Liberia • Strengthening of ties between US and Liberian educational institutions • Learn about Liberia and explore how we can help

  3. What can science education do for Liberia? • Every advanced economy is based on science, technology, and engineering. • Right now • Help farmers manage their crops • Help government manage pests and disease • Encourage home-grown entrepreneurship • Decrease reliance on foreign aid • Near future • Encourage foreign investment • Science education is not just for scientists: it encourages rational, systematic problem solving by everybody • Empower Liberian citizens to improve their own lives

  4. Science education ≠ high tech donations • Liberia is rich in resources for science education • Examples: palm oil soap, different kinds of starch from cassava, clear night sky • Many laboratory exercises can be done at minimal cost with locally available supplies. • Teachers need training for increased awareness of locally sustainable science activities.

  5. Examples of lab exercises • Extract of DNA from fruit • Study optical illusions • Measure the speed of sound • Make a battery from a lime or lemon • Make a centrifuge from an egg beater • Make paper microfluidics • Construct a food web of your garden • Electrolyze water into H2 and O2 • Study the motions of the stars and planets • Build a sundial • Measure rainfall • Make a pendulum

  6. Importance of cooperation • Possibilities for cooperation between BWI and KRTTI • Teachers in training at KRTTI could assist in teaching and curriculum development at BWI • Teachers at BWI could learn new teaching techniques at KRTTI • Students in vocational programs can build apparatus for science labs • Benefit to vocational and scientific students, while decreasing reliance on foreign donations • Examples: Geometry equipment for math classes at BWI; anatomy models for J. F. K. nurses training program • Students at J. F. K. nurses training program banding together to buy a computerized microscope

  7. Possible national programs • Importance of MOE leadership: finding synergies • MOE has bird’s eye view with which to connect people to each other • Saves $$, creates opportunities, aids development • Students have energy and talent, MOE can direct that talent towards improving schools • Science fair • Engineering contests • Business plan contest • Competition between schools for student-run school-advancement projects

  8. Research at the university level • National Ecological Survey • Survey of traditional medicine practices • With appropriate protection for intellectual property belonging to the Liberian People • Studies of optimal crop strategies • Other ideas…

  9. Providing a future for scientists • Common complaint: science education does not lead to a good career • Importance of career advising • Finding ways to connect scientists to those in need of scientific help • Incentives for scientific advice on major government or private sector projects

  10. How we can help • Add locally appropriate laboratory exercises to science curriculum • Website for Liberian research consortium to solicit scientific advice to be developed through the iHelp Liberia program

  11. Actions & Decisions from Group Discussion • Founding of All University Science Teachers Association (AUSTA) • Facilitated through Ministry of Education Acting Director of Sciences, Theophilus Ndorbor • Purposes and Activities of AUSTA • Cooperation among teachers to promote education and careers in science at all levels • Science career days and career fairs • Science and engineering fairs and competitions • Organizing collective science research projects • Survey and collect traditional medicinal herbs • Study effects of pollution on aquatic ecosystems • Combat drug toxicity in Liberian society

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