ADDIS ABABA – Considering the advantage of science museum for developing students’ creative skill Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MoSHE) has prepared National Frame Work for applying STEM synergy, says Solomon Benor (PhD.), Director General for Science and Research Affairs under tazhe ministry.
He also tells The Ethiopian Herald that the STEM center is particularly essential for elementary and high school students to be more creative and competitive. As to him, opening a science museum and science shared campus throughout public universities as well as preparing science week campaign is part of this project.
While there are three science museums in Ethiopia, the ministry plans to increase the number among each university across the country, he added. A “Science Museum” is a hands-on platform of scientific discovery in an informal setting. Also it is a dedicated facility where all members of a community can informally discover science.
Solomon further stated that the first Science museum was launched by Addis Ababa Science and Technology University (AASTU) by the year 2015, followed by Axum University and recently Mekelle University, he noted.
The Mekelle Science Museum is a newly established museum inaugurated at Adi-Haki Campus on 23 January 2020. This museum which will avail an easy access to the public was built by Mekelle University in collaboration with Israel’s MadaTech-National Museum of Science, Technology and the Gelfand Family Charitable Trust of USA.
According to the AASTU’s website, AASM draws at a rate of over 5000 new visitors each year, University’s. And it is offering interactive exhibits that encourage students to engage independently with both familiar and novel scientific concepts.
A Science Museum is a dedicated facility where all members of a community, young generation particularly can informally discover science. It especially helps students to explore science, technology, engineering, mathematics concepts through entertaining, engaging hands-on exhibits, innovative activities and programs, Solomon underlines.
Moreover, he said that universities and their lecturers should exploit their potential for students through sharing their experience with their laboratories and workshops.
The Ethiopian Herald February 14/2020
BY HIZKEL HAILU
