Introduction

Science Club Workshops play a pivotal role in fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among students. With hands-on activities, leadership development, and long-term sustainability planning, these workshops enhance science education in schools. Recognizing the significance of such initiatives, Friends Association for Integrated Revolution (FAIR), in collaboration with Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF), successfully conducted Science Club Sustainability and Five-Year Strategic Planning workshops in five secondary schools across Kushtia Sadar Upazila between February 13 and February 24, 2025.

These Science Club workshops aimed to strengthen the Science Club Initiatives, develop long-term strategic action plans, and empower students and teachers to actively contribute to Science Club Sustainability. Through structured discussions, interactive activities, and problem-solving techniques, participants gained valuable insights into effective Science Club Management.

Workshop Objectives

The Science Club Training workshops were designed to:

• Strengthen the organizational structure of science clubs in schools.
• Develop a structured Science Club Action Plan for long-term sustainability.
• Identify and address challenges faced in managing science clubs.
• Promote student leadership and engagement in scientific activities.
• Encourage participation in Science Club Learning initiatives and research-based projects.

By focusing on these objectives, the Science Club workshops equipped students and teachers with the skills necessary to sustain science clubs effectively.

Participating Schools and Schedule

The Science Club Workshops were held at five secondary schools, ensuring a broad reach across Kushtia Sadar Upazila:

Discovery Science Club of Barkhada High School

• Date: February 13, 2025
• Chief Guest: Ansar Ali, Head Teacher

Kudrat-E-Khuda Science Club of Dahakula Mohammad Shahi High School

• Date: February 17, 2025
• Chief Guest: Md. Rabiul Islam, Head Teacher

Jagdish Chandra Bose Science Club of Alampur Secondary Girls High School

• Date: February 18, 2025
• Chief Guest: Md. Azad Rahman, Head Teacher

Mandel Science Club of Dinomoni High School

• Date: February 20, 2025
• Chief Guest: Md. Salauddin Khan, Head Teacher

Rather Ford Science Club of Begum Hamida Siddique School & College

• Date: February 23, 2025
• Chief Guest: Md. Shariful Islam, Head Teacher

The Venus Science Club of Jahudia Bazar Secondary School

• Date: February 24, 2025
• Chief Guest: Uttam Kumar Biswash, Head Teacher

Jupiter Science Club of Baradi Girls High School

• Date: February 25, 2025
• Chief Guest: Md. Arifur Rahman, Head Teacher

Galileo Science Club of Abdalpur Secondary School

• Date: February 27, 2025
• Chief Guest: Md. Ali Haider, Head Teacher

Each session was tailored to address the specific needs of the respective schools, making the Science Club Events both engaging and impactful.

 Workshop Process & Discussion Topics

The workshop followed a structured four-step methodology, ensuring active participation, problem-solving, and practical action planning.

Step 1: Identifying Challenges (Problem Mapping)

Participants used the Mind Mapping technique to brainstorm existing challenges faced by their science clubs. These were recorded on a poster board and analyzed collaboratively.

Step 2: Prioritizing Challenges (Dot Voting)

After listing the challenges, participants engaged in a Dot Voting Exercise, where each individual selected three key challenges they believed were the most critical.

Step 3: Brainstorming Solutions (Group Discussion & Affinity Mapping)

Participants were divided into four groups, with each group focusing on practical solutions for the prioritized challenges

Step 4: Creating a Five-Year Sustainability Plan

To ensure the long-term impact of the science clubs, a Five-Year Strategic Plan was developed. This included defining key activities, setting realistic targets, and assigning responsibilities.

Key Aspects of the Five-Year Plan

• Monthly Meetings & Science Discussion Sessions: Ensuring regular engagement.
• Annual Science Fairs & Competitions: Strengthening student participation and public engagement.
• Collaborations with Alumni & Local Donors: Securing financial and mentorship support.
• Regular Training & Capacity Building: Providing hands-on training on research and innovation.
• Expansion of Science Clubs: Increasing membership and outreach.

Workshop Techniques and Methods Used

To maximize participation and problem-solving efficiency, the Science Club workshops employed various interactive methodologies:

• Problem Tree Mapping: Identifying and analyzing challenges in Science Club Management.
• Dot Voting: Prioritizing key challenges through group consensus.
• Brainstorming & Affinity Mapping: Structuring solutions for identified problems.
• RACI Matrix Analysis: Defining responsibilities of head teachers, science teachers, club presidents, and members.
• Five-Year Action Plan Development: Outlining long-term objectives and sustainability strategies.

Participant Teacher Remarks & Reflections

Teachers and advisors across all Science Club Workshops shared their reflections on how these sessions have shaped their perspective on Science Club Sustainability:

• At the Barkhada Secondary School, Head Teacher and Science Club Advisor, Mr. Ansar Ali, emphasized the importance of the workshop, stating,
  “A science club does more than just expand students’ knowledge—it enhances their problem-solving skills. This workshop has given us the necessary tools to make our science club more effective and sustainable.”
• Senior Teacher, Mr. Habibur Rahman, from Abdalpur Secondary School, shared his thoughts,
  “The activities of the science club can significantly boost students’ interest in scientific research. This workshop has introduced us to new strategies for managing the club efficiently, which will ultimately benefit the students.”
• Assistant Head Teacher, Mr. Saiful Islam, from Baradi Secondary Girls’ School, highlighted the importance of a structured science club,
  “A science club is not just an organization; it is a crucial platform for students to enrich their knowledge. This workshop has provided us with valuable insights to strengthen the club’s foundation.”
• Principal, Mr. Shariful Islam, from Begum Hamida Siddique School & College, stressed the need for structured guidance,
  “For any organization to succeed in the long term, proper direction and structured planning are essential. This workshop has helped define clear objectives and implementation strategies for our science club.”
• At the Alampur Secondary Girls’ School, Head Teacher and Science Club Advisor, Mr. Azad Rahman, remarked,
  ” This workshop has offered us an opportunity to improve the club’s effectiveness and ensure its sustainability.”
• Similarly, Mr. Robiul Haque, Head Teacher and Science Club Advisor from Dahkula Mohammad Shahi High School, noted,
  “A science club not only enhances students’ academic knowledge but also sharpens their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This workshop has provided us with practical strategies to manage the club more efficiently and ensure its long-term impact.”
• Mr. Muhammad Ali, Science Club Advisor from Dinmoni Secondary School, appreciated the workshop, stating,
  “This training has offered valuable guidance on organizing and managing a science club more effectively. The insights we gained will help shape a more structured approach to our club’s activities.”

Voices from Science Club Leaders

Science Club Presidents and General Secretaries expressed renewed commitment to making their clubs stronger and more sustainable:

• Munthaseer Rahman Tahmid, President of Mendel Science Club, Dinmoni Secondary School, shared his excitement,
  “With the knowledge gained from this workshop, we now have a clearer roadmap to efficiently run our club and implement our future projects.”
• Sumaiya Akter, newly elected President of Jupiter Science Club, Baradi Secondary Girls’ School, expressed,
  “We have been given the opportunity to plan our club’s future more strategically. This workshop has equipped us with the necessary skills to guide our club effectively.”
• Jui Khatun, General Secretary of Jagadish Chandra Bose Science Club, Alampur Secondary Girls’ School, emphasized,
  “This workshop has taught us how to better organize and manage our club. It has opened new horizons for us to explore science more actively.”
• Md. Ibn Sayel, President of Dr. Kudrat-e-Khuda Science Club, Dahkula Mohammad Shahi High School, stated,
  “Through today’s workshop, we have gained valuable insights on how to ensure the club’s long-term sustainability and efficient management. I am confident that under the leadership of our newly formed executive committee, the club will thrive, and students will be more engaged in scientific exploration.”
• Umme Afroz, General Secretary of Galileo Science Club, Abdalpur Secondary School, reflected,
  “This workshop has been instrumental in helping us set clear goals and strategies for our science club. We are now better prepared to make the club more dynamic and engaging.”
• Md. Sadman Farhan, President of The Venus Science Club, Jhaudia Bazar Secondary School, said,
  “The workshop has provided us with a fresh perspective on managing our club. The knowledge and ideas shared will be invaluable in shaping our club’s future activities.”
• Fatema Binte Roz, General Secretary of Rutherford Science Club, Begum Hamida Siddique School & College, shared,
  “This training has given us a clearer understanding of how to run our club effectively in the long term. We now feel more confident in our responsibilities and have a better plan for the future.”
• Umme Mariam, General Secretary of Discovery Science Club, Barkhada Secondary School, concluded,
  “Today’s workshop has provided us with crucial insights into sustainability planning for our science club. With our newly formed executive committee, we are confident that we will strengthen our club’s foundation and encourage more students to engage in science-related activities.”

With these reflections, school leaders, teachers, and students have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening science education, leadership development, and innovation through science clubs.

Role of FAIR and Bangladesh Freedom Foundation (BFF)

FAIR representatives, including Director Dewan Akhtaruzzaman, Project Coordinator KM Harisul Alam, Project Officer Koushik Ahmed, and Robin Kumar, played a crucial role in facilitating the workshops. Their insights and leadership helped guide discussions on sustainability and capacity building.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

These Science Club Sustainability and Five-Year Strategic Planning Workshops successfully addressed challenges in managing science clubs while equipping participants with essential Science Club Skills. The newly elected student leaders and teachers are now committed to implementing the strategies discussed.

Both FAIR and Bangladesh Freedom Foundation believe that these science clubs will empower students to pursue STEM education, develop research skills, and become future innovators. By ensuring the sustainability of Science Club Initiatives, this initiative will contribute to both national and international advancements in STEM education.

Join the Movement!

Be a part of the revolution in science education! If you’re interested in supporting or learning more about Science Club Learning and sustainability initiatives, Contact FAIR today.