Bringing science to life

Compared to countries like Japan, Indonesia, or Turkey, strong earthquakes are rare in Mongolia. For this reason, many Mongolians have never truly imagined what an earthquake feels like, often thinking it’s something distant and unrelated to their daily lives. But for the students of School No. 119 in Nalaikh district, this perception is changing. Using VR technology, they can see and feel how earthquakes happen and how their effects spread.

“I never imagined earthquakes happen like this” said sixth grade student Tuguldur Munkh-Orgil. For him, it wasn’t just a lesson, it was the first time his curiosity had been sparked by science.

 

In this classroom, students don’t just listen to theory and memorize facts. They measure wind speed, check classroom temperatures, conduct soil cross section experiments, explore the Earth in detail through VR and even observe the moon’s surface through telescopes. Various experimental tools and models give them the chance to study natural phenomenon firsthand. Because of this, students are fully engaged, asking questions, discussing ideas with each other and conducting experiments together. The ceiling is adorned with images of the universe and the curtains are covered with scientific information and formulas in chemistry and physics.

But not every school has access to such a classroom or opportunities. This environment didn’t just appear on its own. Teacher Nergui Dorjgarav has devoted his career to creating a comprehensive learning space where students can truly understand science. Since 2018, she has been writing projects continuously, securing a total of around 60 million MNT from eight organizations including Save the Children and building this rare, fully equipped science classroom. “A classroom like ours is rare not only in the district but in Mongolia” she said.

     

Today, each student has access to maps, globes and experimental tools right at their desks. Expanding this initiative and enriching the learning environment even further was made possible with the support of Save the Children in Mongolia. Through their support, 23 types of 88 additional learning tools and materials were added, making the classroom even more accessible and providing students with greater opportunities to explore science.

From teacher Nergui’s students, future engineers, researchers, and environmental specialists will surely emerge. But most importantly, every child in this classroom is beginning to understand and enjoy science.