Bhutan Science Leadership Program
(2 – 9 December, 2023)
The leadership program in Bhutan was hosted by Rinpung Dzong, Paro. It started on December 2nd and concluded on December 9th. Julie from Exploratorium conducted the class for a week, and Lama Ngodup from Bhutan helped in interpreting it into English. We had 41 participants from different age groups, and they were all learning science for the first time.
Julie began the class with what science is, and after defining science for the class, Julie covered a range of science practices, such as questioning, experimenting, measuring, recording, sharing, and revising.
The first two days of class primarily discussed about eyes and its function through hands-on activities. The class also learned in depth about light and sound. The participants dwelled into various activities related to those topics. In the short span of time, the participants garnered a new-found interest and understanding of science.
About the teachers:
Julie Yu
Julie Yu is a Principal Scientist at the Exploratorium, San Francisco’s museum of science, art, and human perception. She provides science content and pedagogical leadership throughout the museum and works with teachers to bring inquiry-based science learning to their classrooms. With a broad interest in all sciences, she has a PhD in chemical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, with a minor in molecular and cell biology. Her work and research have spanned from viruses and stem cells to teacher learning and inquiry to concrete and cement. This has led to a myriad of opportunities, including teaching science to Tibetan monks and nuns, launching an explosion of 2000 ping pong balls, and acquiring a US patent.
