EDITORIAL
FROM THE RESEARCH LABORATORIES
Reveal the Potency of Water Hyacinth and Red Ginger Extract as
Hydrogel Wound Dressing for Mrsa Diabetic Wound: a Short Review
Abstract. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria that colonize diabetic foot ulcers can cause dangerous infections and even amputations. To improve the healing process, hydrogel wound dressing loaded with antibacterial agents can be selected as viable alternatives to reduce MRSA colonization and infection. This review highlights the potential use of water hyacinth cellulose (Eichornia crassipes) as a base for hydrogel plaster and red ginger rhizome (Zingiber officinale var. Rubrum) as an antibacterial agent. Comprehensive studies show that water hyacinth weed that contains high cellulose has the potency to be converted into hydrogels. In addition, further studies show that the active compounds of red ginger rhizome extract such as 6-gingerol, gingerenone-A, and 6-shogaol are proven to inhibit MRSA which could be incorporated into hydrogels. These findings prove that the hydrogel derived from water hyacinth cellulose and the active compounds of red ginger extract is very promising for the future as a new alternative to diabetic wound dressing.
Keywords: diabetic wound; hydrogel plaster; MRSA; red ginger; water hyacinth
Maulidan Firdaus, Muhammad Iqbal Daniswara,
Khoirul Jamaluddin, Novi Andriani
Sebelas Maret University – Surakarta (Indonesia)
TEACHING EXPERIMENTS IN SCIENCE
Demonstration of Damped Electrical Oscillations
Abstract. Introducing mechanical oscillations in schools is a fairly simple and easy experimental feasible task. To demonstrate electromagnetic oscillations, we have difficulty in understanding by students. The explanation of electromagnetic circuits is more abstract. We offered an experiment where we make electromagnetic oscillations obvious and understandable to students. In our experiment we used the software and interface of the AMSTEL Institute (AMSTEL Institute – Amsterdam Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Laboratory) as well as elements from the sets of experimental tasks from the Physics Olympiads organized by the Sofia branch of physicists.
Keywords: demonstration experiment; damped electrical oscillations
Elena Grebenakova, Stojan Manolev
Municipal high school „Goce Delchev“ – Valandovo (R. North Macedonia)
Laboratory exercises in e-learning environment. Advanced kitchen chemistry
Abstract. New laboratory exercises are developed, key element is that they can be done at home. The goal of their development is to provide another option aside for the exercises provided in the textbook. The experiments given are on the topics of enthalpy of processes and factors affecting the reaction rate. The new exercises are easy for the students, the results are consistent and close to theoretical, and achieve the base goals of the original experiments.
Nasko Stamenov
“Acad. Lyubomir Chakalov” National High School of Mathematics and Science
EDUCATION: THEORY AND PRACTICE
Be Careful, if You Learn Geography for 8th Grade with „Ucha.se“
Abstract. The article analyses the scientific reliability and correctness of a number of statements presented in video lessons of Geography and Economics for 8th grade on the educational site “Ucha.se”. Examples of factual errors, incorrectly asked questions, inaccurate images and pseudo-scientific explanations are given.
Dr. Ivan Drenovski
South-West University „Neofit Rilski“
CURRICULUM MATTERS
Alignment of Ethiopian Primary School Pre-Service Teacher Education Program with that Primary School Mathematics Contents/Syllabi
Abstract. This study is a quantitative research that examine the extent of alignment of Ethiopian teacher education program curricula with primary school mathematics contents. So, to collect the data, the study was used content analysis as instrument. The sources of data were primary school mathematics syllabi and curricula materials of college of teacher education. To do this, the study employed quantitative method to collect data from pre-service mathematics teachers. Coders were very experienced teacher educators from three different colleges of teacher education: Kotebe Metropolitan University, Hawassa college of teacher education and Arba Minch college of teacher education. Teacher educators were selected purposely based on their service year in college of teacher education and their positiveness for coding. To do the content analysis, the main documents (primary school mathematics syllabi) were coded or broken down in to manageable categories on a variety of theme and then examined using appropriate content analysis theoretical model. The result of the study portrayed that the curricula materials of generalist have low level of alignment with the primary school mathematics contents whereas those of specialist and linear curricula were align with the mathematical contents of primary school curricula in moderate level. As it was indicated in the findings of the study, the college curricula materials are not fully aligned with the contents of primary school mathematics. There are school mathematical contents which are not included in curricula of teacher education. Thus, it is recommended that appropriate program should be designed which create an opportunity for pre-service mathematics teachers to access school contents either during practicum sessions or should include in the curricula materials of teacher education.
Keywords: alignment of curricula; primary school; pre-service teacher education; mathematics content
Anteneh Tefera, Mulugeta Atnafu, Kassa Michael
Addis Ababa University – Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
NEW APPROACHES
Possibilities Of The Inquiry-Based Approach
For Formation
Of The Key Competences In Secondary School Chemistry Education
Abstract. The inquiry-based approach in science education is the main tool for the formation and development of key knowledge, skills and attitudes. Among the eight equal key competences are skills to support sustainable development and healthy lifestyles. They are related to the acquisition of ecological knowledge, formation of skills for environmental protection and for healthy lifestyles, building of attitudes to the environment. The article presents an attempt to use the inquiry-based approach in specialized chemistry education to enrich the system of knowledge, skills and attitudes related to environmental protection. A laboratory practicum with experimental research tasks for soil analysis is developed. A diagnostic test to establish the appropriateness of the created practicum is carried out. A criterion test to diagnose students’ cognitive achievements in the experimental groups is created. The test results show that the inclusion of experimental research tasks in the laboratory practicum positively influences on the development of ecological knowledge, skills for their implementation in different cognitive situations and attitudes towards the environment.
Dr. Antoaneta Angelacheva, Assist. Prof.
University of Plovdiv Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Application of Computer Planetariums
in Astronomy Education
Abstract. Children‘s interest in the stars and planets has always been great. Visiting planetariums and astronomical observatories is an exciting experience for them. Therefore, a great challenge for teachers is to maintain this interest and at the same time teach them the latest knowledge in astronomy. In the age of evolving computer technology, this is possible through the use of computer planetariums. These specialized software are able to „bring“ the starry sky into the classroom. There is a lot of evidence that the use of a computer planetarium in astronomy education leads to better results in the acquisition of knowledge by students.
Ana Atanasova
High School “Nikola Vaptsarov”, 4000 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
