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Department of Science

What we do

Science is the exploration of nature and the behaviour of natural things, acquiring new knowledge or refining existing knowledge on them. Science education is a specific field within education, and is associated with the teaching and learning of science. Science education is vital in widening students’ knowledge, developing scientific processes solving problems by scientific method, boosting critical thinking, cultivating a passion for learning, creating an innovative mindset and preparing them for the world of work and a technological led future.

The Department of Science, NIE plays a crucial role in the general education system of Sri Lanka by developing curricula for general science and discrete science disciplines namely Biology, Chemistry, and Physics taking updated science knowledge, pedagogical principles, and assessment methods into consideration. In this regard, the department involves in conducting educational research, reforming or revising existing curricula including syllabi, teachers’ guides, resource books, teaching aids etc., and conducting awareness and training programs for varied stakeholders of science education in Sri Lanka.

Responsibilities

  • Development of curricula for grade 6 – 11 science and G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry in Sri Lanka.
  • Preparation of Teacher Guides, Students’ Resource Books and other teaching-learning materials for grade 6 – 11 science and G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry.
  • Strengthening the capacity of subject directors, In-service Advisors and teachers of grade 6 – 11 Science and G.C.E. (Advanced Level) Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry.
  • Conducting research related to Science Education to enhance the quality of general education in the country.

Insights

  • Since 1960s to date “swing away from science”, which is a decline in students’ motivation toward studying science, has become a global concern. Sri Lanka is not an exception and has also faced the dilemma of swing away from science. Department of Science, NIE plays a crucial role in overcoming the aforementioned issue so that more and more students are attracted to pursue their higher education in science related fields. Selecting the most appropriate subject contents, providing authentic earning experiences and assessing learners by performance -based assessment methods are employed to enhance students’ motivation towards science.
  • STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education. STEM education which has become a current global trend is an interdisciplinary approach that helps students succeed in school and in their future careers. The focus of a STEM education is hands-on, problem-based learning. A student well-versed and literate in the STEM fields tends to be an innovative and critical thinker. We, Department of Science, as a team do our best to strengthen STEM initiatives in Sri Lanka in order to prepare young generation of Sri Lanka to be successful in the fourth industrial revolution.

Academic Staff

Mrs. H.M. Mapagunaratne
Senior Lecturer
Dr. M.L.S. Piyatissa
Lecturer
Mr. P. Atchuthan
Assistant Lecturer
Mrs. M.S. Wickramasinghe
Assistant Lecturer
Mr. V. Rajudevan
Assistant Lecturer
Miss. R.A. Amarasinghe
Assistant Lecturer
Ms. R.N.N. Weerasinghe
Assistant Lecturer
Mrs. S.S Mediwake
Assistant Lecturer

Non Academic Staff

Mr. Mangala Welipitiya

Lab Assistant - I

Mrs. Ruwani Kaushalya Fernando

Management Assistant - III

Mrs. D.M. Iresha Rangana Dissanayake

Office Aide - III

Director's Message

Dr. A.D.A. De Silva

Director, Dept. of Science

Department of Science
CONTACT INFORMATION

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+94 117 601 715
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