After the 2004 tsunami, the only thing left of Rajaprachanugroh 35 School in Khao Lak, Phangnga, was a lone flag-pole.

Four years on, and the community is rebuilding the school with help from far and wide. The school is also returning to its former function of educating young minds.

Determined to make learning science fun, the school recently organised a science camp for 120 students from 22 schools in Phangnga to learn science from their real life and their immediate surroundings.

The camp is made possible by help from MSD Thailand, a pharmaceutical company, with cooperation from the Merck Institute of Science Education (Mise), the Kenan Institute Asia and the Office of the Basic Education Commission (Obec).

Dubbed ''In-Step'', which is short for Inquiry-based Science and Technology Education Programme, the science education programme is introduced by MSD Thailand to inspire and guide the students of Phang Nga to consider a future career in science.

While rote-learning and a lack of laboratory equipment makes science a big bore for Thai students, In-step provides the students with equipment and activity guidebooks for the students to explore their natural environment.

''I had so much fun today,'' said Wuttisin Rangsitsawat, a Mathayom 1 student from Ko Yao Noi Wittaya School, beaming at his new discovery that boiling eggs is science too.

''This hands-on approach makes my science class much more fun,'' added Sayan Sutama, a science teacher from Rajaprachanugroh 35 School. ''Some kids used to reject science classes but with the In-Step programme, my class has become interesting for them.''

A perfect location for science learning, Rajaprachanugroh 35 school stands between the ocean and the forest. For the three days and two nights of the camp, the students took part in several workshops to learn about applied science. They included a ''think rally'', star gazing and a walk to observe the living things around them.

Acting as camp volunteers were university students from Prince of Songkhla University, part of the project's effort to create a strong relationship with educational institutions in the region.

In addition to sponsoring the programme, MSD Thailand's staff also helped run the camp because they wanted to be part of the efforts to improve science education.

''Many of us have a strong science backgrounds, so it is our pleasure to help the children appreciate science like we do,'' said Narongchai Rattanachandr, senior IT manager, MSD Thailand.