"I'd be a great dentist!" beamed Ezekial (deputy teacher) as he chiseled away at a cow jawbone attempting to free a molar. "Yeah, on the dead!" was Raymond's (history teacher) reply. This is just a glimpse into our comical biology lab preparations Monday morning for the senior 4 students.
Ezekial and Ishmael (biology teacher) had spent the previous two days hunting around the district for the various materials needed for the lab. The most difficult to secure were: teeth (cow/goat), vertebrae from a goat, and cow liver. (Not wanting to waste precious meat staff had arranged to use the liver of sick cow that was to be slaughtered and disgarded. In addition to the liver staff also received a bonus, liver flukes -parasitic flatworms- which they later preserved in the lab for student observations). This unusual search prompted local residents to contact the headmaster of the school concerned that the staff were consulting a traditional healer (witch doctor). Why else would anyone want so many bones?! Well, for science of course!
By the end of the morning the lab was set-up for students. They entered and began their observations. They then conducted an experiment to test the enzyme activity in various tissues hence the raw and boiled liver. As I watched students complete the lab (unsure if it would even happen four hours earlier), I was reminded of how resourceful Africans are. They use what is available to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, not many here share the same thought. A negative way of thinking many staff in the school and members of the community are trying to change.
Ezekial and Ishmael (biology teacher) had spent the previous two days hunting around the district for the various materials needed for the lab. The most difficult to secure were: teeth (cow/goat), vertebrae from a goat, and cow liver. (Not wanting to waste precious meat staff had arranged to use the liver of sick cow that was to be slaughtered and disgarded. In addition to the liver staff also received a bonus, liver flukes -parasitic flatworms- which they later preserved in the lab for student observations). This unusual search prompted local residents to contact the headmaster of the school concerned that the staff were consulting a traditional healer (witch doctor). Why else would anyone want so many bones?! Well, for science of course!
By the end of the morning the lab was set-up for students. They entered and began their observations. They then conducted an experiment to test the enzyme activity in various tissues hence the raw and boiled liver. As I watched students complete the lab (unsure if it would even happen four hours earlier), I was reminded of how resourceful Africans are. They use what is available to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, not many here share the same thought. A negative way of thinking many staff in the school and members of the community are trying to change.
Hi Ms.G
ReplyDeleteYour experiences in Africa sound AMAZING!!! I am VERY excited for science this year! Aren't we doing something with using used materials to create electricity in the beginning of the year?
Emma Berkowitz
Love hearing about all your experiences - keep 'em coming & see you soon (ish)!
ReplyDeleteI have something BIG planned for the first day of school Emma! If we can pull it off I think everyone will enjoy the challenge. Glad to see you keeping up with the blog (not that I thought you wouldn't). Enjoy the rest of your summer!
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