NCERT Class 11 Chemistry Lab Manual Information about Investigatory Projects

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT INVESTIGATORY PROJECTS

INTRODUCTION

The expansion of scientific knowledge and consequently the change in the system of education has led to a modification in the methods of instruction. Today the stress is laid on inquiry approach and discussion method instead of the age-old lecture method of teaching. A new dimension in the teaching of science has been added by including the project-work at the higher secondary level. Teaching through project work is an individualized instructional technique. It provides an opportunity to the student to define a problem, to plan his/her work, to search appropriate resources, to carry out his/her plans, and to draw conclusions. This way, students are exposed to the fundamental scientific principles, methods and processes and get a  first hand knowledge about the various phases involved in a scientific investigation. Thus the project work helps to:

(a) stimulate interest in science;

(b) arouse scientific curiosity;

(c) develop independent critical thinking;

(d) provide experience of using various tools and techniques in the field of science and

(e) develop self-confidence. The modern trend in the teaching of science therefore encourages more project work. Any kind of investigation; formulated, designed and carried out in the library, laboratory, in the field, or at home constitutes an investigatory project. A project may be as simple as collection of samples of minerals and it may be as difficult as developing an original indigenous process for the production of a chemical. Some of the projects can be completely theoretical and involve only the library work. Others may involve the experimental work to be carried out in the laboratory. The experimental work in science exposes the students to a number of scientific instruments, tools, techniques and intellectual skills.

SELECTION OF PROJECTS

Projects should usually be selected by the students. The idea of a project originates from studying a subject in the classroom, reading the reports of various projects, science news, popular science articles from science journals etc. Sometimes the idea of a science project may strike during classroom discussion on topics, which may require testing, quantifying and interpreting. Some of the science journals for getting the ideas for a project  are :

(a) Journal of Chemical Education 

(b) Chemistry Education;

(c) Education in Chemistry;

(d) New Scientist;

(e) School

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