BIGAL: biology as a bridge to science in developing communities

The purpose of BIGAL was to attract children to science through extended study of biology, to identify students who do not normally specialise in science, even though they are capable of taking the lower level matriculation in biology if they receive special guidance.

Abstract

Abstract Although Israel may be included among the developed countries with regard to scientific research and its university science departments, it has, like other developed countries, a large proportion of its people living in underdeveloped regions, where the communities are very similar to those which characterise developing countries. One such shared characteristic is the tendency of its students to avoid science in school and as a career choice. The tendency is especially strong among girls. In Israel such disadvantaged communities are found in developing towns (e.g. Beith Shean) as well as in regional schools which serve several communities. The purpose of BIGAL was to attract children to science through extended study of biology. More specifically the intentions were: (a) to identify students who do not normally specialise in science, even though they are capable of taking the lower level (3 points) matriculation (bagrut) in biology if they receive special guidance and two additional periods per week in their last 2 years in high school; and (b) to identify students who normally take the lower level (3 points) bagrut in biology and provide them with two additional periods per week and special guidance in their last 2 years in high school, which will make them eligible to take the higher level (5 points) biology bagrut examination. BIGAL started in the Galilee, a region inhabited by some disadvantaged communities, in 1992 and continued for several years. The enrichment programme included in‐service activities for teachers during the summer and throughout the year. The in‐service courses were open to all teachers in the Galilee. The results of the intervention are very promising. The paper presents a detailed description of the various activities, as well as results of the formative evaluation.