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How might we increase the availability of affordable learning tools & services for students in the developing world? Read the challenge brief

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Lab in a Box

Inspired by the FOSS (Full Option Science System) of LHS, Berkeley and triggered by insufficient science labs in most APS especially at the middle school level, the 'Lab in a Box' is an effort to facilitate more hands-on science learning.
A 'Lab in a Box' unit will contain all the materials that are necessary for a hands-on science learning session. For example an 8th grade science textbook has a lesson on metals and non-metals. Typically it would be a lecture/reading lesson with some teachers who has the resources to demo some properties in the front of the class. With the availability of a 'Lab in a box' unit, the class can be provided with enough materials -like say batteries, bulbs, wires, nails, etc., to test and figure out physical properties by themselves before hearing a lecture and reading about it. The box should also contain instructions for teachers for conducting these mini-lab sessions.

Who would implement this?

  1. A local entrepreneur or small organization
  2. A globally-based social entrepreneur

Cost

A 'Lab in a box' unit doesn't have to be fancy or state of the art and can be put together with things that are available locally at low cost. The key would be make it self-contained so that the teachers have everything that they need for simple experiments along with instructions on conducting the sessions.

Distribution & Delivery

Perhaps can be combined with one of the other ideas that help with distribution - an entrepreneur who can create and let teachers borrow units at a time for use in the class...

1

What sort of potential do you think this concept has to be a sustainable business?

Very high potential
it's good but it needs a lot of work before going much further
it's got too many open questions right now to say either way
2

How well do you feel it meets the local needs enterprising schools has identified? (English language, Math, Libraries, Technology, Professional Development)

It fulfills really well on the need its chosen to serve
It will help, but other solutions might serve the needs better
It doesn’t really address any of the needs that Enterprising Schools identified.
3

How well does this concept meet the needs of extreme affordability?

Really well. There are likely ways we can make this concept low cost.
Fairly well. It has good potential for an affordable cost, but more work would need to be done here.
Unsure. I can't yet see the ways it could be made to be low cost, but maybe it's possible.
Doubtful. I just don't believe this can be made low cost.
1

What sort of potential do you think this concept has to be a sustainable business?

2

What are your ideas for how this concept can be expanded into a sustainable and valuable business?

3

How well do you feel it meets the local needs enterprising schools has identified? (English language, Math, Libraries, Technology, Professional Development)

4

How well does this concept meet the needs of extreme affordability?

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Sudhar Krishnamachary

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September 27, 2010, 02:35PM
Good idea. You should explore the Science on Wheels concept pioneered by Agastya Foundation in India. The guy who runs in also a Ashoka Fellow. There is a good overlap as well opportunities to collaborate. If we can put together a series of "boxes" based on particular concepts and ship them over to schools for a pilot, would be a great start. If that hits the mark, it would be mostly be a question of scale and reach.
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Sandy Speicher

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September 20, 2010, 02:16PM
This is a great idea. I could see this extending over time, to different ages or different subject areas. I bet an organization like agastya could put out something like this, given their experiences in teaching hands on science. Would be fun to think about new distribution models that create local entrepreneurs. Is there a door to door salesman? Is there a subscription service that sends you a new box every month? Maybe it's kind of like Tupperware parties, where school communities come together to learn about a varied product line and see what's needed for their school? The entrepreneur could get commission on the sales... Anyway, great idea, fun to think about how it might turn real!
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