Active Learning — The SEED Way

	Students test water quality at a recent workshop in Kazakhstan.

Do you ever wonder how SEED enriches the lives of children? We use innovative, hands-on teaching methods, but we didn’t start out that way. When SEED was launched in 1998, our original initiative was to help bridge the digital divide by providing computers, Internet service and a web-based Science Center to schools in underserved communities. We still give schools these learning resources to advance children’s understanding of science and technology. Today, however, there is something new at the core of the SEED experience that really captures their imagination and sparks their passion—Active Learning.

SEED’s own Learning While Doing (LWD) approach is a form of Active Learning. Children and adults become active learners together by choosing projects they are interested in and actually building them, using themes such as water and climate change.

Active Learning is the practical side of “constructionism,” a theory developed by Seymour Papert, a professor and founder of The Future of Learning Group at the MIT Media Lab. Constructionism builds on the work of psychologist Jean Piaget and the idea that people learn by actively constructing new knowledge, rather than having information poured into their heads. SEED is a sponsor of the Media Lab, with which it collaborates on developing educational technologies and practices.

“Hands-on experience using technology to solve a real problem makes SEED activities different from school,” explains Michael Tempel, SEED Educational Programs Manager. “The value of SEED is in its power of connection. SEED provides a channel for Schlumberger people to share their skills and experience, and especially their love of science, to help their communities.” 

That is what SEED is all about.

Collaborative Workshops
Nov 6-11: Kemaman, Malaysia
Nov 6-10: El Tigre, Venezuela

School Workshops
Nov 1-2: Kemaman, Malaysia
Nov 20-24: Coca, Ecuador

Volunteer Training
Nov 4-5: Kemaman, Malaysia
Nov 5-6: El Tigre, Venezuela
Nov 13-14: Caracas, Venezuela

SEED Greeting Card Inspires With “Nature’s Masterpieces”

artist: Daachayen A/P Arivalagan, age 17, Montfort Boys Town, Malaysia.

Each year, students from SEED-connected schools around the world create artwork to appear on the Schlumberger Greeting Card. The annual SEED artwork competition invites students to apply their artistic and creative talents to themes that connect science and nature. This year’s theme was “Nature’s Masterpieces: Drawing Inspiration from the Beauty of Nature,” and it drew 150 entries from SEED school students in 15 countries. The creativity and inspiration demonstrated by these gifted students (aged 3 to 18) makes this joyful program a continuing success. Two winning illustrations, along with four runners-up, will be featured on this year’s greeting card, which will showcase the diversity and creativity of SEED students. You are invited to order these beautiful cards and to spread the inspiration of these children — ordering closed on November 10th, so contact Love Zubiller to find out if late orders are still being accepted.

artist: Erin Octivera, age 12, SMP IT Mutiara School, Indonesia.