Types and Objectives of Science Clubs
In view of their nature and purposes served, the science clubs can be classified as General club and Special club. The scope an field of General clubs in science is quite general and broad. These are not specifically tied to a single purpose, branch or area of science.
These are meant for meeting the requirements of the maximum number of students of varying scientific interests and aptitudes. Such types of clubs are usually named as Science Club, Science Association, Biological Association, Physics or Chemistry Society, etc.
On the other hand, the special clubs of science are quite specific and special in the sense that they are meant for serving some specific purpose and specialized interests of their members. These clubs are usually named as photographic club, Radio club, Nature study club, Astronomical society, Wildlife society, Aviation club, etc.
The decision to establish a particular type of club should be taken very cautiously by taking care of the special or general requirements of the institution and the students, resources available and competencies necessary for running the club. As a general consideration however, in the case of secondary institutions.
It is better to go for the establishment of a General type club as it may serve more useful purpose in terms of coming the study of science more attractive, interesting and useful from the viewpoints of maximum number of students and classes of the school and moreover it can suit well the resources and environment available in our schools.
Organization of Science Club :
The responsibility of taking initiative in the establishment of a science club in the school and then for its effective organization essentially rests with the science teacher. Therefore, every science teacher must acquire the necessary ability for performing such responsibility by taking care of the things mentioned below:
1. Functional Organisation:
Every office bearer and member of the club should work whole heartedly in a team spirit for the smooth and effective running of the programmes and activities of the club. Usually the following types of activities may be undertaken in a science club:
a. Publishing science magazine and news bulletin of scientific events.
b. Preparing certain things of common use like soaps, writing ink, tooth powders, shoe polish, phenyl, varnish etc.
c. Organizing school services in the field of health and sanitation.
d. Arranging cleanliness and health weeks in the institution.
e. Creating in the school healthy environment for carrying out scientific studies and activities.
f. Decorating the walls of the classroom, library and laboratory with scientific pictures and charts preferably by students themselves.
g. Arranging excursions and short trips for the members to places of scientific interest.
h. Arranging talks and lectures of the distinguished speakers, subject experts and outside guests on the subject of the scientific interest.
2. Structural Organization:
Structural organization of the science club usually involves the slowing office bearers
Duties of the Publicity Officer- To publicize the activities of the club in the school and outside the school through posters and writing in the magazines, newspapers and scientific journals. To keep a record of all important scientific activities, achievements and programmes of the club.
Duties of the Treasurer- To prepare budged of the club and present the statement of the account when asked. To keep the proper account of the income and expenditure of the club. To collect subscriptions from the members.
Duties of the Secretary- To take responsibility of the conducting the programmes and activities of the club. To take charges of all correspondence related with the club activities. To frame the programmes of the meetings and keep proper record or the proceeding of the meetings of the club. To invite the outside expert and guest speaker etc., in the club and attend them properly.
Duties of the President- To help other office bearers and members in performing their duties and assignments. To preside over all meetings of the club. To organize the programmes and activities under the guidance of the sponsor.
3. Preliminary Organisation:
a. After performing the above mentioned tasks the teacher should call a formal meeting of the science teacher should call a formal meeting of the science students. In this meeting the proposal and scheme concerning the organization of Science club in the school should be discussed. The aims and objectives of this club are to be placed before the students and constitution of the club is chalked out and the membership drive is launched.
b. With the active cooperation of the head of the institution, then he should make efforts to arrange for the finances to establish the science club. While some amount may be taken from the finances of the institution and collected from the students in the form of membership fee etc. The department of NCERT, State Government or any voluntary agency may also be approached for providing assistance in the project.
c. After getting appropriate response or initiative from students he must try to contact the head of the institution and senior colleagues for their consent and advice on the issue of starting a science club.
d. ‘The science teacher should try to create a suitable environment and persuade the students to feel a need of establishing science club in their school.
Objectives of a Science Club :
The aims and objectives of a science club may be outline as below:
1. To provide proper incentive and inspiration for the pursuit of scientific knowledge in vigorous way by broadening their scientific outlook.
2. To provide opportunities for bringing school close to the society and to acquaint the people with the services and contribution of the science in their life.
3. To develop among the student the spirit and attitude of healthy competition for the individual and social cause.
4. To help the students in imbibing the habit of self- reliance, self-dependence and love for manual work.
5. To provide opportunity for the development of the constructive, explorative and inventive faculties of the students.
6. To make the students understand the values of time and to help them in the proper utilization to their leisure hours.
7. To create interest in latest inventions and discoveries of science in various fields and to get acquainted with the life history and contributions of great scientists.
8. To develop students, interest and participation in the practical application of the knowledge related to different branches of sciences.
9. To create interest in scientific facts and events related to one’s surroundings.
10. To develop training in scientific method of problem solving.