Day 3 of Seminar

Well last night was one of those nights ~ First climbing the hill, a giant bug flew into my ear causing me to scream and scare Alexa because I jumped and landed on her.  Then I'm in the shower finally enjoying the right temperature when the power goes out.  Yet another moment of fun in Tanzania.  Today's seminar was a little more frustrating than the last two have been.  We finally reach a moment where I'm showing the chem team how they can use toothpicks to do flame tests for qualitative analysis of ions.  (Chem teachers back home will understand!)  When they tell me, we can't do it that way because our national exam is written using procedures (from the 1960's - with concentrated HCl, combustion spoons, and solids), I'm stunned.  But you have access to toothpicks, solutions will last, you don't have to use concentrated acid, which is dangerous to both you and your students.  They agree with me but they must do as the syllabus states.  I turn to the inspector and of course point out that this is illogical.  Most of the teachers do not have a prayer of getting the materials as it is written in the national syllabus.  The good news is that the chemistry team will write a letter from this seminar to the National Council asking if modifications to the syllabus can take place.  The teachers did enjoy the "commit and toss" activity today.  It was great to see them smiling and willing to toss paper around the classroom.  We have one more day of seminar.  Peter wishes that we could have two more days.  Timothy said to me tonight.  I now have a friend in America that I can email questions too.  I have promised to show him how to arrange his chemicals for proper storage before I leave.  We were able to buy Epsom salt today.  500 grams of Epsom salt = 30000 tshillings.  Justin, an amazing chemistry teacher that is part of our seminar, explained that he tells the story of chemistry.  He does not have electricity at his school.  He does not have most glassware or chemicals.  So to his students, chemistry is a story not a lab science.  This is when I am overwhelmed by the shear neediness of this country.  The good news is the Inspector that came today was very impressed with our seminar and wants to come back tomorrow to see more.  WHEW!  Also all funds have arrived - God's blessing to those contributing to this seminar.  My frustration aside, William reminded me of my own words today from one of my favorite camp songs ~ It only takes a spark to get a fire going.  I needed to be reminded by this when my frustration and anger at the sheer unfairness of it all tends to overwhelm me.