The micro-science system, which requires small number of lab apparatus, small quantities of chemicals and little space for science experiments, can be the best way to expand science education in the country, they said.

The Bangladesh National Commission for Unesco (BNCU) and the Department of Chemistry, Dhaka University, in collaboration with the Unesco Dhaka office organised the two-day international workshop on 'Micro-Science Experiments' that began in the city yesterday.

The speakers said establishing big laboratories equipped with expensive apparatus in all schools and colleges is not possible in a developing country like Bangladesh because of resource constraints.

Every learner must have a practical scientific experience, but the students in the country learn sciences through pictures in books, drawings in the blackboard and questions in examinations, said Prof SMA Faiz, vice-chancellor of DU, at the inaugural session.

"The gap between ideal learning and the real situation is basically due to shortage in budget, laboratories, equipment, chemicals and the problems related to repairs and maintenance," he said, adding that the problem could be solved by using the micro-science system.

Micro-science system is low in cost, high in safety and easy and quick to use in the schools or at home, said Prof Shafiqul Alam, chairman, Department of Chemistry, DU.

The system will create an opportunity for first-hand practical scientific experiments and increase the number of science learners, he added.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) has been working to promote the micro-science system in the African and Asian developing countries in order to improve the quality of science education, Prof John D Bradley of the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, told The Daily Star after the inaugural session. He is a resource person for the workshop.

Md Mahfuzul Haque, joint secretary (development), ministry of education, and ANM Bazlur Rahman, secretary of the BNCU, also spoke.