Formal conventional education has, thus far, not had the intended impact on the learning and development outcomes of students in the Ashram Schools of Gadchiroli. Students often find it difficult to relate to and comprehend textual scientific concepts. A learning approach that focuses on the practical applications of science through experiments and demonstrations, allowing children to engage more meaningfully with science might prove to be more impactful. The Mobile Science Lab Project aims to provide this pragmatic learning experience to students in the Ashram schools of 3 blocks (Bhamragad, Etapalli and Dhanora) in rural Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.
The Mobile Science Laboratory (MSL) is an imaginatively designed mini-van which accommodates science lab equipment and apparatus like a telescope, resistors, test-tubes, etc. and a television to air science videos and documentaries. The MSL along with two teaching fellows will visit Ashram schools in 3 blocks of Gadchiroli and teach students scientific concepts by way of demonstrating experiments (learning by seeing), showing educational videos and playing interesting games while also giving students the chance to perform experiments themselves, allowing them to engage deeply with the material. The topics covered include concepts and experiments from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, Climate Change and Ecology.
Our Vision

Instill an attitude of scientific learning and critical thinking in the students

Bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical learning for students in rural Gadchiroli through provision of a state-of-the-art Mobile Science Laboratory & experienced teaching fellows

Our Objectives

Allow students to engage with climate change and complex scientific topics in a hands-on and meaningful way

Encourage students to take-up careers in the sciences

Anticipated Impact

Improved grades and understanding, particularly in the sciences

Increased number of students choosing STEM career paths s

Our Partners
Integrated Tribal Development Project, Bhamragad Office and Gadchiroli Office for administrative support. The Mobile Science van belongs to the Integrated Tribal Development Project Office, Bhamragad.
Vidnyanvahini for technical and strategic support. Vidyanvahini has been running a Mobile Science Laboratory in rural Maharashtra for nearly 30 years now.
The Program is currently designed to operate in the Dhanora, Etapalli and Bhamragad blocks of Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. These blocks are amongst the worst hit by student dropouts. The MSL will visit 16 Ashram schools on a predesignated route. The MSL and its fellows will spend nearly a month in each Ashram school over the course of a year, teaching and demonstrating experiments.
Teach Climate & Science Fellowship
The Teach Climate & Science fellowship is a 12-month opportunity for fellows to work as full time teachers in the Ashram schools of Gadchiroli. Fellows will travel with the van and stay overnight at the Ashram schools, allowing them to work closely with the students in these 16 schools over the course of a year.
Fellowship Objective
  • To provide an opportunity to fellows to transform the teaching methodologies in some of the most remote schools of Maharashtra
  • To leave a positive impact on students from indigenous communities
  • To allows Farmers for Forests to engage with communities beyond the scope of their ecological restoration and protection work and spread awareness about climate change and the critical role forests play in both mitigation and adaptation
Support and Mentorship
  • The fellows will receive training from experienced teachers on how to run and operate the Mobile Science Lab
  • The fellows will receive mentorship from Shubham Gupta, IAS and Mainak Ghosh, IAS
  • The fellows will receive a stipend INR 40,000/- per month in addition to boarding and meals at the Ashram Schools
Eligibility Criteria
  • Master's or Bachelor's degree in any field; background in science education at the highschool level (10+2)
  • Willinness to commit to the fellowship for 1 year
  • Prior experience teaching science to children will be a major advantage
  • Prior experience working in rural areas will be a major advantage
  • Fluency in written and spoken Marathi is mandatory
Fellow's Responsibilities
  • Design and develop a plan for teaching concepts related to Physics, Chemistry, Astronomy, Climate Change and Ecology to standard VIII - XII students.
  • Demonstrate live experiments
  • Monitor students and help them perform and understand all the scientific experiments
  • Coordinate with schools and plan visits each week
  • Organise, operate and maintain Laboratory equipment in the MSL
  • Keep regular stock and inventory of lab equipment
  • Research, learn and teach current topics in the field of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, Climate Change and Ecology
Our Fellowship Mentors
Shubham Gupta: He is an IAS Officer of the 2019 batch. He belongs to Jaipur, Rajasthan. He has done his graduation in Economics from the University of Delhi. Currently, he is posted as Asssitant Collector, Etapalli and Project Officer, ITDP, Bhamragad in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.
Mainak Ghosh: He is an IAS officer of the 2019 batch. He belongs to Calcutta, West Bengal. He holds a PhD degree in Biochemistry from the University of Calcutta. Currently he is posted as Assistant Collector, Gadchiroli, and Project officer, ITDP, Gadchiroli in Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra.
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