Being fortunate enough to teach all subjects in primary and Science in class VI and class VII. This method of teaching Science through rhymes and poems proved very successful and there is a significant improvement in academic performance.

The purpose of this innovative method is to present several topics in Science to children. Using these approaches, children learnt poems and have written poems that convey different science topics.

Objectives:

Students will be able to:

• Identify science topics
• Discuss the science conveyed in each poem
• Memorize the poems with the identified topics
• Write their own science poems

Teacher will need be manage to try this innovative approach of teaching Science, sets the true spirit of integration in science. Here is an example of inter-disciplinary in school subjects of Science, English and Drama. A teacher role is never confined to one subject or classroom. This method can bring a change in school environment and encourages co-operation and co-ordination among different departments.

The various teaching aids that can be incorporated are tape recorders, video tapes and play back equipments. Books on poems. One could take up the duration of about 2 to 3 weeks depending on student’s vocabulary and teacher’s inspiring encouragement.

Methodology:

Step 1: Simple poems which have real meanings to the students should be collected by the teacher.
Step 2: The poems should initially be read aloud to the children with explanations about the content. The rhymes in the poems should be emphasized.
Step 3: Gradually, there should be a transformation from simple everyday poems to science poems. Here, it becomes imperative to explain the poems bringing out the science concepts depicted.
Step 4: The students should note the Science concepts. After a reasonable number of poems have been studied and the children have shown considerable interests, they should then be encouraged.

Teaching Science through poems surely put a smile on the faces of the children. As much as is possible, the lessons should be recorded on audio and possibly video tapes and can be showcased during open house. As a Science teacher, I demonstrated resourcefulness in teaching. Co-operation between the Language and Science Departments is the key success factor behind this concept. The poems learned during a particular lesson are recited in class, school assembly and later at the school “Open House’ where the parents can be invited.

Learning outcome:

The level of success of this lesson is determined by the general interest shown in learning science by the students. The students are able to carry science beyond the four walls of the classroom. Also, the number of new Poems contributed by the students should be a good measure of success. Student’s latent talents and creative skills are easily captured through this activity.

Poem by class VII students with little guidance from teacher

If you want to know how a plant grows
It takes water, air, sunlight and makes cellulose
Every plant can do this fundamental process
And we can call this photosynthesis

Unlike me and you plants take carbon-dioxide
And they make oxygen and stop us turning blue
Every plant can do this fundamental process
And we can call this Photosynthesis

It is a miracle flow all chlorophyll captures
Sunlight in the leaves of the plant and trees
A plant of any size can do it thrice
And not green so we can’t be photosynthesized.