Strengthening conceptual understanding of science by the use of a science kit at the middle stage of schooling

Learning best happens by experience, and it is especially true for science. Direct meaningful experiences are crucial in science. Laboratory work is very important for conceptual understanding of scientific concepts, but laboratory resources are not readily available to most of the learners in the rural schools of India. Science kits thus become a useful learning resource for such schools. The NCERT, New Delhi, developed science kits at every stage of school education. One such kit is the Upper Primary Science Kit (UPSK). It is designed to contain many items and materials that encompass almost all the concepts mentioned at the middle (now secondary) stage of school education. The evaluation of science kits becomes important to determine their effectiveness in improving students' science knowledge and creating a positive attitude toward science. This study is an attempt to explore the impact of science kits on conceptual understanding of science, attitude toward science among middle-stage students in ten selected schools of the Hurda block of Bhilwara district of Rajasthan state in India. The results indicate that science kit and their use in the classroom have improved students’ conceptual understanding of science.