DANFOSS UNIVERSE:

WRITTEN BY MR HUGHOBERT N. SHIRIMA (TEACHER FROM J.K. NYERERE SECONDARY SCHOOL – KILIMANJARO - TANZANIA)

Danfoss Universe is a hands-on science theme park, where both children and adults play their way to a knowledge of science. At Danfoss Universe, the whole family can learn more about the forces of nature, the amazing world of science and the technology that makes our everyday life much more fun.

We had an oppoturnity to attend meeting which was about teaching science in both primary and secondary schools. On that meeting Mr Ally Shikony had an oppotunity to explain about Mawenzi Teachers’Resourece Centre. He explained about its location,it performances and how usefull the center is for the teachers in Moshi Municipality.

Mr Hugobert Shirima explained to the Danish teachers the objectives of teaching science in Tanzania which are:

• To cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the role, influence and importance of science in everyday life eg:- at work and in society in general.

• To develop mastery in the fundamental concepts, principles and skills of skience and use these to utilize their natural heritage and rise their standard of living .

• Apply their knowledge and skills in proper use of and management of the environment.

• Inclucate in the Tanzanian growing youth positive population life attitudes, values and behaviour to enable him / her contribute effectively to national self-reliance and enhance community wellbeing.

• Contribute to the physical, mental,cultural and spiritual development of every family member in a way which will maximize personal growth and happiness so that he/she will perform roles as a member of Tanzanian society in conformity with society’s values and Norms.

He further explained the problems facing science teaching in Tanzanian schools. The following are some of the problems he explained to them and they had promised to work with us in solving the stated problems:

• Lack of Equipments, chemicals and science books.

• Lack of seriousness among thestudents in science subjects.

• Inferiority complex among the students. Some of the students feel that science subjects are too tough for them.

• Lack of science teachers.

• Interference from parents and guardians.

• The teaching methology do not fit to the subjects ie the teachers do make the students to copy what they have.

• Dependency on fancy equipments rather than using what is available in the soroundings example use of red bougounvila or red cabagge to represent red litmus paper.